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I did it!!(author - Elly Stern)  In the beginning. -Towing behind the tug plane.  Ken and Elly towing in the tandem.
Yes, it was the most wonderful experience – finally having my dream come true: flying like a bird… WOW! It is now 4am, and I am still psychologically flying high. At this time of the morning I should be snoring away, but no, I am at the computer relating my excitement to my friends. I would like to thank Kay for giving me this wonderful 50th birthday present, and for encouraging me all the way, Bill, for filming it from the ground up, his wife Eva for getting up at the crack of dawn and driving Bill there (he has just had knee construction surgery and couldn’t drive), and our friend Henry for taking stills on the day. Between Kay, Henry and Bill I will be equipped to send in lots of memorabilia. Bills lovely wife was so excited, she intends to do the same later this year. Boy, I have such good friends, I am so appreciative, God must love me. I phoned up at 7am to check with Ken if we were going (weather permitting). Yes! The excitement was on, Kay picked me up and we arrived at Canungra after a 30-minute drive. Like a kid I was jumping with excitement. The procedure of zipping up in a harness was quite amusing, as I had a bit of a squeeze problem with my top half. It doesn’t pay to be top heavy, I’m seriously considering a reduction up there… After the squeeze, the plane started towing us up. The run was short and sweet, and within 10 seconds I was up in the air. Magic! Ken Hill is a brilliant instructor and I highly recommend him. I wasn’t nervous at all, I was glowing and felt 100% safe under his wing. The landscape was superb: mountains, hills and in the distance the Gold Coast skyline and the ocean. My excitement excelled when the tow rope was released – it was awesome. Ken asked me if I would enjoy a few turns and spirals, and I didn’t hesitate to take up his offer. There we were, dancing through the sky, until after about 30 minutes we finally descended to execute a very smooth landing. Ken’s Labrador was waiting to welcome us, together with my good friends. This was one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had. There was a reason why my husband Geoff didn’t come to witness my joyflight. He had been unsure and nervous about the idea. He said, “Just call me when you have landed,” and jokingly added, “if you don’t make it, Elly, your paintings will be a lot more valuable, so to speak.” I laughed and told him, “Sweetheart, fear is the one thing in life which hinders anyone from experiencing adventurous activities.” But I turned lemons into lemonade: After I returned, he saw the photos and my happiness and now we will be doing something both together – this time parachuting. Yes, we’re jumping from a plane for out 22nd wedding anniversary… Wow! Life is wonderful! |
