When we arrived at CPI, the sky was mostly blue and jumpers were in the air. It's exciting when you know you're just an hour or two away from achieving the goal for the trip.  We lucked out.  The weather cooperated, there were people to turn the plane, and our travel plans fell into place. No car accidents, no injuries, no problems!  Connecticut Parachutist, Inc. was established in 1962 and has been at it's current location on the Ellington Airport since 1970. Club run drop zones are a rare breed. There are very few left in the US. What's the benefit of club? Typically, the fun jumpers are treated a little better. The staff at CPI was friendly and welcoming.

We filled out our waivers, got a DZ briefing, and put ourselves on the load for low passes. Third drop zone - third Otter!  It really is the one of the best airplanes for skydiving.  

Since we didn't have any place else to go, we stayed and did a second jump.  Matt finished packing his rig before I did so he went to manifest to pay and also go get a t-shirt.

When he came back from paying, he put his wallet in our backpack and gathered up the rest of our gear.  I pulled his wallet out of the bag to to get my wedding rings and they were GONE!  Oh no!  Before we jumped, I had tucked them in his wallet with his because I am constantly misplacing them.  I figured if I put mine with his, I wouldn't have to remember where they were - he would.  I was surprised when i looked through his wallet and they weren't there.

At this point, I started freaking out.  We retraced his steps over and over.  A few of the locals even stopped to help me look.  Eventually, we took everything out of the backpack and found the rings in very bottom of the bag.  I was so relieved to have them back on my hand!

While we were at CPI, not many people talked to us, but when we were leaving, one of the local jumpers said we should come back for their 50th Anniversary Boogie in August.  With two Otters and a Skyvan, they could put together some large formations..  One of the activities planned for the week - 50-Way Connecticut state record attempts!  I wonder how that went?