Georgia Would it be possible to do two states in one day again?  As we were leaving Alabama, Matt called Skydive The Farm to see if they were jumping. They were open, but didn't plan for a full day.  Matt explained that we were trying to skydive in every state and we hoped we could get Georgia today. It was just before noon in Alabama, but that meant it was almost 1:00 PM in Georgia.  We'd be losing an hour when we crossed the state line. According to Google maps, it would take 2 hours and 27 minutes.  Matt had called the number for Skydive The Farm, but the guy gave us directions to Skydive Georgia.  It was just a little confusing.  I was under the impression that that two drop zones were rivals.  Skydive The Farm was known as a fun jumper DZ and Skydive Georgia was known for being a tandem factory. 

Since we were in a rush, we didn't stop for lunch.  Instead, we ate PB&J sandwiches and some other snacks we had brought along.  Matt made a second call to the drop zone to see if they had online waivers.  The waivers were available online and the guy texted Matt the link. After spending 10 minutes working on the first waiver, Matt realized that it wasn't an experienced waiver.  Matt texted him to let him know that it was the wrong one and he sent over the link for the experienced waiver.  Getting the waivers out of the way during the drive, would save us valuable time at the DZ.

When we entered manifest, they were on a 40 minute call.  Matt went up to the girl behind the counter and she seemed exasperated with him - "You're finally here."  Everything seemed rushed. Log book, reserve card, USPA card.  The drop zone briefing was brief.  With the exception of a few people, the locals weren't very friendly.  After I used the bathroom, one of the locals asked if we could make a faster call.  We geared up quickly and headed out to the plane.

Before no time, we were in the plane and quickly climbing to 5,000 feet in a Beech 99.  I don't know much about the Beech or Skydive Georgia's "normal" protocol for letting out low passes, but it seemed as though the pilot was going full throttle as we exited the plane.  The exits were so fast that they were scary!!!  Matt left the plane and he was gone in a flash.  As soon as I had part of my body out the door, I felt like I was pulled right out of the plane.  The force of the wind was unparalleled by anything I have experience.

Georgia LZ

Skydive Georgia doesn't have many outs, but that wasn't a problem for us since we were getting out right over the drop zone.  The landing area wasn't completely flat and the best place to land set on top of a slope.  Neither of us had a problem making it to the sweet spot and we were both excited to be finished with yet another state.

When we got back in the hangar, I talked to a man - I think he was the DZO, but I'm not 100% sure.  He told us that Skydive The Farm and Skydive Georgia were both moving to a new location.  From the sound of things, the two drop zones would be operating as one entity.  I recently went to the websites for both of these drop zones and the new location is 493 Airport Rd. Cedartown, GA 30125.  

While we were packing, one of the local guys recognized me.  After 10 minutes of trying to figure out where we met, we realized it was at the March 2007 Dublin Boogie. We spent the next 10 minutes talking about the canopy collision that happened - two very experienced skydivers died that day.  

After we finished packing and got our gear together, the place cleared out very quickly.  Matt went up to manifest to pay for our jumps and to get a t-shirt.  While he was there, he also offered some money toward the beer fund.  He was very surprised when the girl had a negative reaction to the very idea.  What?  You're going to turn down beer money?  We weren't sure what was up, but Matt put the money back in his wallet.  

Below is a picture of Matt with one of the AFF instructors - Brandon - we met.  He was very nice.

Matt and a local guy at Skydive GeorgiaWith the exception of a few people, the vibe at Skydive Georgia was a bit unfriendly.  It was a tandem factory.  Someone made the decision to hold the load for us.  In turn, the tandem instructors, video guys, manifest, packers, etc. had to stay and extra 30 minutes waiting for us to arrive.  I think this made them grumpy.  It was Friday afternoon and they had other things they wanted to do.

By the time we pulled away from the DZ, it was 4:30 ish and we were starving!  Next stop?  Chick-Fil-A!