In the July 31st column I wrote about Skydive Tecumseh, meeting up with two groups preparing to jump, only to have high winds postpone the adventure. The college students, Paige Bolen, Lizzy Gregory, Ava Peera and Danielle Deroche, and the father/daughter team, Kevin and Kristie McCort all fulfilled their skydiving dreams on calm, blue sky days. I caught up with both Paige and Kevin to ask about their experiences.
So what was it like?
Paige: “It was like nothing I have felt before; it was awesome and freeing”
Kevin: “What a great adrenaline rush. It was an incredible bonding experience with my daughter. We had lots of fun on the plane too, the staff are really great people. Put you at ease and have great stories to share.”
Did anything surprise you?
Paige: “We were concerned we would feel that uncomfortable drop in our stomachs, like on a roller-coaster but it wasn’t like that. You’re falling but you don’t feel like you’re falling, its more like floating but you feel the air, it holds you up, flows around you. Then the parachute opens and you have time to look around and enjoy the view.”
Kevin: “It’s like letting go, not stepping or jumping off of something, just letting go, incredibly freeing and exhilarating. The fun factor is amazing especially when you get to do a few spins, the instructor actually hands you the parachute controls for a moment.”
Any advice for those considering skydiving?
Paige: “Go and do it. It expands what you think you can do; it is just so cool and so much fun.”
Kevin: “It is a life time experience; you will think about it over and over and you’ll be amazed that you did it. It is one of those activities that truly allows you to be in the moment, everything-else just stops.”
Skydive Tecumseh is located at 9305 Tecumseh Clinton Hwy, Tecumseh MI 517-423-7720 or visit skydivetecumseh.com.
Tecumseh Side Trip:
While in Tecumseh to skydive or to watch others jump, stroll down E Chicago St for lunch (yummy pulled pork sandwich at JR’s Hometown Grill) and browse the antique/art galleries for unusual pieces. Do not miss the amazingly detailed and delightful miniature World’s Fair Vintage Display at J. Bar Hobbies (pictured) with lighted and moving carousels, swings, bumper cars, Ferris wheels and musical bears.
Best Lake Info:
I have fallen in love with the free Lake Erie Public Access Color Brochure. It highlights 169 open sites (beaches, launches and fishing) along the lake’s 312 mile coast allowing you to explore beyond your usual water venues and shorelines. The handy brochure folds out with mapped locations and pertinent info on one easy sheet. There is also a pocket size book available. Download or order at
www.ohiodnr.com
