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Accompanying the GHM crew for both moral and photographic support were
Elisabeth and Gabrielle. We arrived at the airfield at half nine, where we
proceeded to register. Despite the warnings of the possible risks –
including injury and death – we signed the releases, were allocated jump
order numbers, given training and asked to wait outside until our names
were called upon the loud speaker. Unlike the frustration of waiting at
the doctor’s office, there was some comfort when unfamiliar names were
ordered to ‘suit-up.’
The
morning went fairly well – but then some sort of weather front came in
from some direction causing some disturbance, thereby grounding the plane
until further notice. The online MET report did not look good and we were
told that the possibility of jumping was becoming less and less likely.
However, knowing the unpredictability of British weather and the
inaccuracy of weather reporting in general (no offence to our hard working
meteorologists) – the GHM Crew decided to ‘ride out the storm’, including
the thunder and lightning and darkening clouds.
Around
2pm, Chris and Peter, the back-up moral and photographic supporters
arrived. By this time the enthusiasm of some of the would-be jumpers was
waning. After a delicious picnic and many calls for giving up, our own
Peter Barker stepped in and assured us that the weather would improve.
Within the hour, after a game of Frisbee and a few driving lessons, the
screech of the loud speaker signalled it was time to jump.
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Greg
Highwood-Mack |
Our tandem instructors reminded us of all the things we were expected to do,
some making jokes in an effort to reduce mounting tensions. Then the door was
opened. I was the second last to jump so I had the unfortunate pleasure of
watching many of the people I hold very dear fall from the plane; which I
assure you is far more traumatic than being ushered towards the open door.