0
SkydiverRick

Any Indiantown, Fl jumpers?

Recommended Posts

I made my first jump at Indiantown in 1980. I was 19 yo and just moved from MI. I was on my own living in a trailer park across a canal I think from the DZ. There was a gentleman named Max who lived in a mobile home who used to jump there to.
I think the plane used was a DH Beaver and Pop flew it. The instructor was a fellow named "Smitty". A friend of mine named Bill Bliffin talked me into going. I only made 6 more jumps after that as money was so tight. That I didn't find a way to keep going I regret.
Just wanted to say to Pop if you are still out there thank you for one of the great memories of my life.

Does anyone know what ever happened to Bill Bliffin?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
OMG, I just discovered this forum and took a memory warp back some 35 years. I jumped @ Indiantown about '78 to '82. I am happy to hear that Pop is still kicking. I met my wife there in '79. She had zero jumps and I had about 800. I married Doreen in '80....still married and growing old together. Other names I'd like to know about is instructor Smitty and his wife Jenny, Dick Rappaport and his buddy, Jack. Also 'digger', the undertaker. Good to find you guys. TIM.
Quote

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi Tim,

Remember when I got pulled over driving your van with you a little drunk in the passenger seat and Dennis Clark passed out in the back?

(We made several jumps together at Indiantown in 77 & 78 before I went to college at UF. My log shows dick, jack, smitty, dennis, jenny, george, chris, john,angel, steve, bill, brennan,etc.)

Dennis sat up and Oh shit, we're caught! And then he passed out again. The cop let me off with a warning not to drink and drive.

Your buddy, Jon Ladd D 5674

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi Jon,

Being fully Social Security eligible, I'm gonna need a picture to remember you....sorry. But I absolutely DO remember that event of being pulled over by a State Trooper. I was completely stoned (which is why you were driving), and you asked me how to dim the headlights. I said to pull up on the turn signal arm. You did it, and flashed bright lights at the Trooper. I just KNEW we'd all get busted, but I guess God had other plans.

WOW, remembering all those OLD times is great. Do you know anything about Dicky and Jack? I read where Smitty is still Instructing at Clewiston. I remember Smitty's wife, cute little Jenny, was pregnant with their first baby and still jumping.

There was a carpenter named John, who was dating Angel...do you know anything about them. There was also a mortician that we called "Digger", and I think his real name was Cary.

So many memories. I have lost my most recent log books, but I do have my first 500 Jump Log. My last jumps were in '83 made in Key West, dressed as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. By then, Doreen and I had our first son and family life, as well as the Army, overtook my life and jumping became part of my past.

Thanx 1,000,000 for the reply.
TIM.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
stuntturtle9

BEER CANS OUT THE PLANE,NAKED LADY RANCH JUMP"MY FAVORITE" LANDING CANOPY STACKS, D- 18 RUNNING OUT OF FUEL 10 MILES OUT, 10 WAY'S FROM 7200 FT. FROM 2 CESSNA'S, TRYING REAL HARD TO GET TO KNOW DEBBIE SCHMIDT. THOSE WERE THE BEST


Where is Debbie Schmidt these days ?
  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Pop's Winter Accuracy was the "must attend" event each year. My ex-wife became the first woman in the world to jump a square chute that Steve Snyder brought to Indiantown to demo.

Happily I was on the winning team in 1969 with Bob Holler, Bill Ottley, and Tommy Bryant.

[inline popsmeet69.jpg]

DZGone.com
B-4600, C-3615, D-1814, Gold Wings #326, Diamond Wings #152.

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room!

popsmeet69.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

0