Saturday, August 26, 2006

AC Airshow! i.e Flying with the Golden Knights

On page 369 of the latest (September) issue of GQ magazine, the article reads: 50 Things a man DOES NOT have to do before he dies" I've identified #51. Stepping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet! I had the incredible opportunity to fly with the US Army Golden Knights parachute team on Wednesday (8/23). The men were "real" yet fun loving. Lots of joking, most went into specific intimate detail thinking they were being interviewed whenever I opened my mouth. I was genuinely interested! And then after a quick burst of sign language to the front cockpit they were sucked out of the plane in a nanno second! Very cool to watch. Definitely a rare treat to be "inside" the ritual of a military paratrooper. BUT..getting back to page 369, is MY life a big MISS if I don't run with the bulls, stare into the eyes of a snow leopard on Annapurna then kill him with my bare hands, climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro or take my ultimate fantasy girl at work to a nearby motel for a mid day romp?? NO!
(Well that last one does bother me).. I will never have the curiousity to feel freefall at 13,000 feet. Nor march with the penquins in Antartica. Nor tame a wild horse. Nor memorize all the state capitals or U.S Presidents in order! But thanks tp Sgt First Class Paul Sachs, Mark The Shark Owens and the Golden Knights Parachute Team for an incredible experience. Can't wait for the pictures AND next year when I can uncover #52 of the things I DO'NT have to do before I die..
Dedicated to MZ/BL