Moosie

209 miles doorstep to manifest window. Takes me 2 hrs 46 min to drive it.

I love how proud papa you are, Chuck. Your kid's a good one. I've never gotten canopy coaching from JT, but I have had plenty from Justin. The Flight 1 program is a great one! To the OP, I'm a conservative jumper. I love freefall and canopy flight. I have plenty of fun under my massive wing. I don't understand the need many newer jumpers have to downsize so quickly. Honestly, I could see myself staying with my large canopy, or at least the same size. I was told long ago, similar to other posters, that until you can truly fly and land your canopy in any situation then you're probably not ready to downsize.

I'm not debating that at all. His observation of RW was amusing to me. He's had similarly amusing observations of other sports, too.

When I tried explaining RW to my kid (7 years old), he asked "So it's just a bunch of people falling through the air like fairies while holding hands?" I'd say he's pretty representative of the average joe.

I'd also recommend a hobby. Perhaps combining the hobby with the volunteer gig. I have a friend who spends her down time knitting hats for new babies. It's something she can do to keep her busy, gives her purpose, and allows her to still do it on days where she just can't get out to be social (her depression is the type where she's not a danger to herself to spend time by herself, and she gets out often when she can). Having some sort of regular meeting/obligation helps, too. Like a weekly coffee date with a friend. Or a routine appointment to walk the dogs at a local shelter. Something where someone with any sense of obligation will make the effort to attend, as someone or something is counting on them. I wish you and your loved one all the best. Depression isn't easy. You're a great friend and relative to help out.

Lyman at Desert Sky, Carmen at the school, Aviva just down the road, and about a million others. RI and Firebird practically (but not quite) on site. There are a ton of knowledgeable people/riggers in Eloy. You just have to ask around. Wander into the Prop on a Thursday (Taco night), grab some $1 tacos, a beer or two, and ask around. Most of those people will send you in very good directions. And your bartender may even be Carmen herself.

Hey E - Burner confirmed at their last launch (this past April, I think...) that his son would be back to do balloon jumps when the weather cools.

Burner took last winter off to get some new knees. He also took his recovery time to help train up some other balloon pilots, too. I would expect balloons to come back to Eloy in October some time. The sign up form outside manifest says "on hold until October" (

Love the pics! I've only ever been to British Columbia in Canada. I'm partial to the moose. But that makes sense for me .

Shower massage is a whole different thing. Mmm hmmm. The ex is out of her mind. Sorry.

FWIW, cold showers don't work for us women folk, the same as they do for the men folk. Truth!

Wow! You look great! Congrats on entering the competition!! I know what you mean about it not getting any easier. Time is funny like that. Congrats again!

I had a hawk try to pluck me out of the sky in Davis, CA last month. I have two little talon holes in my main's top skin as a souvenir. I'd say I got pretty close.

Thanks for the clarification!

Are you sure it's the same place? These guys just opened up, as skydiving iver the Gac hasn't previously been allowed. And they din't allow funjumpers, either. If it's a different place can you let me know where so I don't go there?