For three consecutive years (2007, 2008 & 2009), we participated in "Bridge Day" at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia.  As we continue on this journey to skydive in every state, we might go back to our BASE states and do regular skydives. Fortunately, there are only two - West Virginia and Idaho.  In this photo, I was very nervous, but not for the reason some people might expect.  I wasn't worried about jumping off the bridge, but I was anxious because we got engaged the night before!  My adrenaline was working on overtime!

When we got back to the DZ on Saturday, we were greeted with smiling welcoming faces.  These are the faces of people who think that fun jumpers should be able to skydive on every other load. Tandems are great and might pay the bills, but we want to have some fun in between our work jumps!  I planned a three way hybrid with two locals – Brian & Kolin.  Matt’s wasn’t feeling great so he just did another low pass.

Before we got on the plane, I gave my friends a landing disclaimer.  Not every landing is pretty.  The winds were variable and I wasn’t sure there would be any wind.  I could land downwind.  I might butt slide.  I will do whatever is safe for me.  Both Matt and I landed right in front of the hangar – beautiful professional landings.  Yay!  They cheered for me like I was a Rock Star – I was channeling The Goddess of Flare! 

It was such a great experience to share the sport with some of my high school friends!  Ellen (on my right) said that I made it look easy.  I told her that it took years of practice and a couple of broken ankles!  Brenda (on my left) and Greg had to head out, but Ellen stuck around and learned about packing.  We were going to do another jump, but Matt still wasn’t feeling very well.  So, we packed up our gear and said our goodbyes.  We will most definitely be visiting Skydive Deep Creek on our next trip to see my parents! 

Skydiving in Western Maryland and celebrating my class reunion, the weekend was just phenomenal for me.  I am thankful that my husband and I had the opportunity to skydive where I was born and raised.  I am thankful to be on this journey together.  Thank you Skydive Baltimore and Skydive Ocean City for shutting out the fun jumpers!  I am thrilled that I found Skydive Deep Creek and the Mexico Farms Airport.  Our experience was awesome!

One last thing…Why is Skydive Deep Creek in Ridgely, WV?   

Apparently, they were all set to open at the lake and after they invested in their brand – the airport told them they couldn’t open.  Once an airport waffles around about rather or not they want skydivers, it isn’t a good sign.  They either want us or they don’t.  So, Skydive Deep Creek contacted the Cumberland Regional Airport and found themselves setting up operations in Ridgley, West Virginia.