fsuskydiver

How could I miss it? I'll actually be there all weekend organizing intermediate sized RW (10+ ways mostly). I'd be happy to put together an all-chick RW that works for all experience levels. Anyone who's interested, PM Brie or I please, and we'll start a list.

As of Sunday, the power was restored, but there's still no running water. Curfew is still in place.

Save me a slot. I know a video man if needed....

My husband also has CP and jumps a left-handed rig. Pretty much any manufacturer will build you one if you ask (there are a bunch of people I know that pull left-handed for various reasons). He's had good experiences with Mirage. If you don't want to buy new, any normal rig can be switched over by changing the pilot chute pouch - just see your local rigger. Once you do it - don't forget to route your bridle out the LEFT side of the container when closing your pack job. Also, be wary of letting anyone jump your rig that doesn't normally pull left-handed - they're asking for a low pull due to brain lock when instinct makes them reach right. My husband chose not to use an SOS system after a couple hundred jumps on one (he jumps a camera so SOS wasn't a great idea anymore) - but he did get a cutaway soft loop rather than a pillow to make for an easier cutaway since he cuts away with his left hand also. He has, however, jumped pillows in the past and has successfully cutaway - but his thoughts were that if he lost use of his left hand for some reason, the loop would be an easier & quicker pull by his less-functional right hand than a pillow would. Just a thought to consider if you choose not to use an SOS system (which is not necessarily bad, just wasn't right for my husband).

My husband and I spent the last two days helping clean up. The good news is that most of the gear, manifest equipment, video equipment, and other important things are salvagable.... the bad news is there's not a sturdy structure to put it all in. The DZ is ordering trailers - one for themselves, one for the store/rigging loft. Word was as of this afternoon when we left that they will have a plane flying as soon as tomorrow. Everyone there is obviously quite sad, but is remaining as positive as can be and have kept their sense of humor. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but a few locals did lose their homes. Any help that anyone can offer would be wonderful. Aside from manpower to help clean up, they mostly need ice and water and gasoline. Your warm thoughts have been appreciated.

I also saw footage on the local NBC station and the hangar is destroyed. While the plane looked okay from the limited angle we had, the reporter indicated the plane had "extensive damage." We'd go to help clean up but roads are impassable. We're probably going to try anyway.... anyone else who is local and can, please help them - they need it.