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Only in Alaska
By Carol Redding
For the sixth year in a row, skydivers from across the U.S. traveled to one of the country's most remote drop zones for four days of unique skydives over Alaska's stunning scenery. Alaska Skydiving's sixth annual Summer Solstice Celebration began at the Wasilla drop zone under cloudy skies Thursday, June 17. The Caravan from Kapowsin Air Sports in Washington flew load after load under the clouds. Thursday night, the skies began clearing, and Friday morning, more than 100 registered skydivers awoke to crystal-clear blue skies and warm breezes. Friday afternoon, the helicopter arrived, and the first skydives over Colony Glacier began. Most jumpers opened high to enjoy the visually overwhelming scenery, descending over some of the most spectacular views Alaska has to offer. Friday night included the traditional midnight jump, just 14 minutes after sunset, and 18 skydivers descended in freefall to watch the sun set again. Freefly organizer Mike Ortiz stayed busy all weekend putting together hybrid dives and freefly coaching jumps. Marty Jones and Don Stevens gathered 21 members of the Parachutists Over Phorty Society to set the Alaska POPS record. Sunday morning again brought blue skies and record-setting temperatures for 25 skydivers prepared to break the 15-year-old unofficial state freefall formation record of 22. On the first attempt, 25 skydivers at last successfully surpassed that mark. The long hours of daylight and the impressive scenery left all who attended with memories that will never fade. |
