The Big Jump

The big jump.   Yes, a free fall jump, with instructor, from a small plane high above Semaphore Beach.   A surprise birthday present for Donna from Patrick and Lucy.  Luckily this was a wish expressed some months ago, when she watched Jay's jump.  Otherwise it would have been a fearful surprise or more like a terrified surprise.  Even though Donna was thrilled with her present, which she found out about late on Friday evening, she did find it difficult to sleep on Friday night.

At 7.30 am on Saturday morning we arrived at the Surf Life Saving Club in order to watch Donna checking in, receiving some instruction and putting on the webbing.   I think we all felt a little nervous at that point.

The photo shoot.  Walter must have wandered off at this point because he was not in the photograph that I took.

Donna was then whisked away in a mini bus with three other 'jumpers' and their instructors.  Their destination was Parafield Airport, where they boarded the tiny plane.  

We walked along the coastal walking path in search of a well needed cup of coffee, but it was too early in the morning.  The cafes were closed, although there were many people out walking and running.

At about 8.30 am we were told that the plane had left Parafield, so we quickly rushed down to the beach.

Although we could all see the small plane circling above it was impossible to capture the moment on my camera.

Then one by one the people jumped from the plane, Donna was number four.  The last one.  After a few nervous moments, the parachutes opened, and a sigh of relief rang out.

Blue skies and a few whispy clouds but where are they?

Finally I was able to catch Donna and her instructor, floating down, very fast.  Apparently the view of the Adelaide coast was breathtakingly beautiful.

And the moment that we could see Donna very clearly, just above the coastline.

Finally they came into land, exactly where the markers were placed.

There was someone on the ground to ensure Donna did not became caught up in the parachute, and to help her to her feet.

The admiring group, Lucy, Jay and Jespa, rushed over to offer their congratulations.

We then went to the Largs Pier Hotel for a well deserved breakfast.  A fantastic birthday experience for Donna.

An added note.  I emphatically state that I do not want a surprise free fall jump from an aeroplane for my birthday.   As I am about to nervously travel in a large plane to New Zealand, the thought of travelling in a small plane fills me with horror, let alone jumping from it, while being strapped to another person.  Definitely not for me.