My first experience with tandem BASE jumping was one that I will never forget. It was life-changing in the sense that I found a little piece of myself I did not even know I had lost or needed. The days following my jump felt completely different than the days leading up to it. I noticed I was waking up happy and excited. The daily tasks were a breeze, and I wasn’t avoiding people. I felt liberated and refreshed. It was exciting to share my experience with friends, family, and coworkers. I loved watching their expressions change when they watched the video and as they all said how amazing it was. They all asked if I was going to do it again. I, of course, said yes. They almost always answered with “you are crazy Kristy!”. Then a week or so later I get a text from David, “Want to jump tomorrow”? Of course!!! If the first time was that good, the second time must be even better, right?
David and I made plans to jump first thing in the morning on a Saturday. I woke up giddy and probably skipped everywhere I went. Then I get a call from David, it is too windy to jump safely. It was disappointing, but I do enjoy living. We made plans to wait until the good ole weather channel predicted the wind would stop the next day. It was going to be a sunset jump! David had one jump prior to mine, I waited as patiently as I could and tried to distract myself by focusing on everything going on at the visitor’s center. An exercise in mindfulness. I remember feeling nervous that he would not make it back up in time to take me flying before the sun disappeared. He got to the visitors center as the sun began its descent into the horizon, and we quickly suited up and set out to the fourth light pole. He set up the platform, double-checked the gear, and secured the safety shoot before hooking me to the safety chain and inviting me up the stairs. Same as before, I listened as he called out each connection, except this time my mind was racing. I was watching the last bit of sun get ready to sink out of my view and I felt an overwhelming feeling of fear. I can’t do this I thought. Is this even a good idea? Can I back out? My mother’s warning that I would die was suddenly up front and center. I felt a little shaky when I heard the clang of the safety chain dropping to the ground and heard David tell me to turn left. As I positioned my feet on the platform I thought too late, we just pushed this platform all the way out here and I am all strapped into a harness that attaches to a parachute David took time to pack. I hear “Toes out! Bend your Knees! BETSY”!
The initial free fall from the dimly lit Perrine bridge was intense. The light from the passing cars and streetlights blinded me for a split second. It felt like falling into space and out of time. We dropped just below the halo of the streetlight as the parachute deployed, and the wormhole opened up to the most breathtaking view of the canyon. When I jumped the first time, I thought there was no other way the canyon could be so beautiful. I was wrong. The sun had all but sunk down into the earth leaving only a deep orange glow on the horizon, and the streetlights had faded into a soft veil of light. The canyon seemed still and peaceful like we had jumped into an alternate universe or a painting. It still felt like time did not exist anymore.
The wind was perfect, and we glided down over the river and back towards the bridge. It felt like we gently floated down to the lighted target on the landing strip. We touched down just as the sun was fading completely from view. If I thought the emotions after landing the first jump were indescribable, then I am at a complete loss of words for this one. The most amazing feeling completely engulfed my being. I was not shaking; I was vibrating with life. The last time I remember feeling anything close to this amazing was when my sister and I would spend the day riding the sky coaster at Jazz Land when I was a teenager. Back then when she would call me and say, “It was a good night, meet me at Jazz Land,” no amount of New Orleans traffic scared me, and I always left on cloud nine. Gliding down that dimly lit canyon was the extreme version of those teenage days. Again, I felt completely peaceful and content. We packed up the harness and shoot and set off down the canyon trail back to the real world. The euphoria I felt had me skipping down the trail. I have walked this path dozens of times before, but this night it was magical. I was not even mad that it was a Sunday night, and I would have to get up extra early to meet a work deadline. In fact, it had never been easier to do my paperwork so early in the morning. I even made sure to get to work early to share my amazing experience with my coworkers. Y’all, I think I’m on to something here. I suddenly get why the wanderlust car stickers are so popular; adventure soothes the soul in a way coffee and massages could never do.
Recent Comments