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Tour, Travel and Adventure

12,000 Feet

by Susan Sienko Thomas

“3-2-1 JUMP!” These are the last words I remember as I quickly fall toward the ground. A distinct sense of adventure is felt as I move through the air at a speed greater than one mile a minute. What a sight, what a feeling; as I move around in the air the new sights of Titusville Florida are given a different perspective. It seems amazing that you can see so much, in so many directions, at such a quick speed. As the altimeter spins through 5000 feet, fireworks burst below me as each of the earlier jumpers open their chutes.

“OK, pull here!” is the next thing I distinctly remember, followed by a feeling of floating on air. I manipulate the chute in a 360 degree turn, taking in all the sights that Titusville has to offer. The most amazing sight is the space shuttle, which can be seen in the distance, standing on end, waiting for tomorrows launch. Everything looks so beautiful from the air as the ground now approaches at a significantly slower speed.

Aiming now for the bullseye on the ground, I pull the handles, raise my feet, bend my knees and prepare for a landing. How exhiliarating, how fabulous are the thoughts going through my head with the immense smile coming across my face.

This was fantastic!!!!!!

As the chutes are packed and the certificate for first jump from 12000 feet are completed, you’re probably thinking this is just like Jim to jump out of the planes he flies; but, surprise, it’s his adventuresome wife fulfilling her ultimate dream of skydiving. Although this was a one time event so far, someday in the future more jumps will follow. Until then, there are the great memories of the awesome rush upon leaving the open door at 12,000 feet, falling, falling, falling toward the ground, then the floating on air feeling that comes once the chute is pulled. Ah, drifting away!