Don't worry!  I didn't jump! I was recruited as a designated driver for one of my friends!  

Before this event, I really didn't know much about BASE jumping.  I couldn't imagine why anyone would ever do a BASE jump. You only have one parachute and not much time to fix a problem! Plus, I am afraid of heights!  Yes...you read that correctly.  I am AFRAID of heights.

You might wonder how I can skydive if I am afraid of heights.  I can explain.  I am afraid of low heights.  I don't want to get up on my roof with a ladder.  I don't want to lean over the balcony of a 10 story building.  It scares the crap out of me!  I have no interest in climbing to the top of a tall tree so I can see over yonder.  I don't care what's over yonder.   

As we drove over the New River Gorge Bridge, I told Jennifer that I couldn't imagine even looking over the edge!.  The idea completely freaked me out! The ginormous New River Gorge bridge is located in Fayettesville, West Virginia It's 3,030 feet long and 876 feet tall and the fourth longest steel single-span arch bridge on earth! BASE jumpers from all over of the world come to jump off this monster bridge!  

Before the weekend was over, I changed my mind.  I can't even explain what happened while I was there, but I spent a couple hours leaning over the edge and watching others jump. Maybe my time under canopy has changed my perspective on heights.  In fact, I kept thinking that if I wanted to keep leaning over the edge, I really should have a BASE rig of my own!  It just didn't seem safe without one!  

While we were there, Jennifer introduced me to a bunch of people she had met at other drop zones.  I ran into a few friends from Orange including Nick! After the jumping was over, everyone gathered in a large room at the hotel to discuss Bridge Day statistics. I wish I had taken notes!