At last

[pocbase 0]

Watched the late movie last night not really thinking I'd be getting a jump in the morning. Summer is windy in CT and I was just going to wait for Sam and that British guy to get down here and hit the bridges early Jan.

Scott, a friend from Pietermaritzburg is down at the moment and staying at Rob's place. It costs him over 200 USD to get here and has been here at least 3 times this year but we still havn't been able to throw him off our favorite rock.

4:30 a.m. Rob phones: "Let's go". Look out the window in a daze and the trees aren't moving. Even after a quick coffee, getting my gear together and driving off, I am still thinking it won't happen.

Any way, get to the parking lot of the fish and chips shop near the harbor where Rob and Scott are waiting and the flags are completely down.

Despite the fact that we're all very unfit, it doesn't take us too long to get to the exit. Kit up and gear check. I'll go first, Scott second and Rob last. Rob and I will have the radios. I go first because I have jumped here the most, Scott second because it's his first here and his second 'E', and Rob last because he would know how to properly use the climbing gear Karl has hidden in the rocks should anything happen.

Karl is cool that way. He doesn't jump anymore but he went up there, planted some bolts at strategic spots and stashed 2 bags full of gear, all at his own expense (if you're wondering, even if you manage to find the exit by yourself, you'll never find the gear unless you know).

Slight westerly but when I chuck some sticks they go straight down. Rob reminds me to cover the hooks on my shoes. It felt weird doing that at the exit. All the "have a good one" rituals and I'm off, in that space again.

"Only a surfer knows the feeling". This was on an advert for the 'Instinct' brand a few years ago. Seems arrogant but it's true, for these 3 seconds, only a BASE jumper knows the feeling. One would appear stupid trying to explain it and given the choice I'd rather appear arrogant...

It's over and my 'Mojo' is above my head flying away from the rock like I told her to. A short minute of flying the baby and I'm landing.

Quick brief over the radio on what the winds are doing at the landing area and Scott's off. Gives it a good 3 sec and he is under his 'Black Jack' (bastard!). Comes in to land and he's speechless. He finally got to jump here after all the money spent on travelling and beer.

Shortly after Scott's landing, Rob is off. Usual delay but serious OH left. He back risers out. OH left is not good at this place, 2 more seconds and he was on the rocks. He lands; we're all ok and we're all ecstatic.

Walking back to the car past the dodgy housing. It's a reminder that rather than complaining over my life's little miseries I should be thankful to have the privilege of living moments of BASE with good friends.

Merry Christmas all you sketchy sickos!

poc

The bums will never win Lebowski, the bums will never win!
Enfin j'ai trouvé:
Bieeeen

[obi 0]

Nice one bro

[flummi 0]

I envy you... I just saw that rock from the other side of the bay. Must be a great jump!

flummi
* Respekt - ist uns're Aufgabe (fanta4) *

[pocbase 0]

Quote

I envy you...

Thanks.
What you should know is that we've also walked down many times; In fact it's probably about 50/50 walking down to jumps. This year has been pretty bad but it's well worth it when it works.

Quote

I just saw that rock from the other side of the bay.

Do you mean from the road on the edge of the cliff where they shoot a lot of adverts?
There is quite a spectacular jump there too. Incredible visuals but you can't miss the landing area otherwise you have to go for the water and down there it's not good...
One of the jumpers here was in contact with city guys responsible for management/upkeep of this road (it's a major tourist attraction). The guy kept on phoning him at one stage asking when we were going to jump it again...

The bums will never win Lebowski, the bums will never win!
Enfin j'ai trouvé:
Bieeeen