August 28, 2003
Today was an incredible day! I actually ran and jumped off a mountain that was about 6600 feet into the air.
We took our time getting up this morning since we didn't have to be there until 11:30. I kept myself busy organizing my pack and sewing on a patch. I really didn't want to think about what I was about to do in a few hours.
Everyone was joking with a little nervous anticipation. We decided to walk down early instead of being antsy here.
A little before 11:30 the three young pilots came over and introduced themselves. They had their large packs on that was filled with all their gear. They said it weighed 55 kilos.
We got our tickets for our ride to the top. The six of us sat in one car. Jim and Laurie were trying to think of jokes to ease our minds.
Before we left we drew numbers to see what order we would go in. Jim said he wanted to go first, so it was just between the rest of us. I had number three. We weren't going to tell anyone our numbers until we got up there. It didn't make any difference. The guys set up their chutes and asked who were the lightest people. So that was Eva, MaryAnn, and Laurie. So that is who went first. The pilots put the harness on each of them and gave them instructions. 1, 2, 3, and Laurie was off in the air. I could hear her laughing. The next one was MaryAnn, and then Eva was off. It was so neat to see them in the middle of the air. Jim, Jack, and I went to the other side. We saw Eva floating around, but we couldn't see Laurie or MaryAnn. Jack, Jim, and I sat waiting for the guides to come back and take us. There were a bunch of people on the other side waiting to take off. They weren't going anywhere. The wind was not moving. They waited for about a half hour and then they picked up their gear and went to the other side.
We also saw that the clouds were moving in. So between the clouds and the windless air I was beginning to think that we wouldn't go.
I finally saw the guys walking up the trail. Ok guys, time to go. We walked to the other side. One of the guys told me to go with Jean Charles. So off I go. Jean Charles put the harness on me and gave me my instructons. Most important was just to keep running and not to sit until he told me to. We waited for some wind and 1, 2, 3, we were running. The chute is up and it pulls us back. I try to keep going and the next thing I am up in the air and my body is hanging in the harness. I was laughing my head off. It was such a feeling. Jean Charles told me to sit and I was gliding in the air. I loved it! I don't know why I was scared. Jean Charles gave a quick lesson on how to pilot. Pull on the left, you go left. You pull on the right, you go to the right. The next thing I know I am flying myself.
It was such a euphoric feeling--better than drugs, not that I would know. I think I could take up a new sport.
Okay, now for the landing. Jean Charles pointed out the landing spot. I could see Laurie, Eva, and MayAnn down below. Jean Charles had me pilot circling our landing spot and then he took over.
My feet touched the ground and I was still standing. What a trip! I wanted to go again. Too bad it was 100 euros, but it was well worth it. I have never done anything so exciting and thrilling and enjoyable before. I don't think I lost my smile for the rest of the day.
We walked back to the apartment and had lunch. Laurie missed the bus so she walked home.
Last night I saw a sign for a hostel so I thought I would check it out. I thought maybe Laurie and I could stay there Saturday. The rest are going to Geneva. Laurie, Mary Ann, and I walked up there, but the office was closed. We walked back and I laid down for awhile.
After a short nap I walked back to the hostel and made reservations for Saturday night. I then walked down to the center to meet Eva and MaryAnn with Laurie. So I just walked around with them and then went back to the apartment for the night.
August 29, 2003
Last night we had a horrendous thunderstorm. I was worried that it might cause an avalanche. When we woke it was still raining. We planned to do a short hike if it cleared, but it didn't look like it was going to stop. We hung around for awhile. Jim, Jack, Eva, MaryAnn, and Laurie all went into town. I stayed here because I didn't feel like getting wet. I just took a shower.
I read and napped. About 3:45 I noticed it stopped raining so I put my shoes on and I was going to go into the center once someone came back.
Laurie, MaryAnn, and Eva were the first back. MaryAnn and Eva decided to walk back to town with me. We looked in stores and I bought some post cards.
We walked back to the apartment. It was our last night together so we decided to have dinner out at the restaurant across the street. The dinner was very good and it was an enjoyable evening.
It has been such a great time. I hate to see everyone go.
