Coming down from this trip has been difficult. Frankly, the next day, I had a hard time believing I actually did it. But I did, and I lived to tell about it…and I loved every minute of it.
More than anything, the anticipation was a killer. My husband had me all kinds of scared before I left early Monday for my adventure. I ran to a neighbor’s and popped some kid’s dramamine, hoping to avoid sickness, but not wanting to be lethargic for all I would encounter. It worked. I arrived at the meeting point, hubby and the girls dropped me off. I think hubby was pretty excited for me, having been able to experience this himself. I think he was getting a kick out of my nervous anticipation. All formed in a circle in the parking lot were a group of people that wouldn’t really have much time to talk throughout the day, but would have lots of nods in approval, shared smiles in disbelief, and a joy of the story they would carry forward.
Caravanning out to the flightline, gathering in a room to be briefed, I felt like a pilot going out on my first solo flight. No time to think, just a lot of movement and by the time I knew it I was fumbling with my seatbelt in a seat facing the back of a plane. Hot and nervous, no windows, just a feeling of complete and utter trust in the “ballet” I was about to become a part of. That’s what they call it, and that’s what it is. From start to finish, landing, discovering, and flying off of an aircraft carrier in the middle of the sea is the most intricate of dances. Running through all of my checklists-earplugs under cranial headgear, life vest, goggles, completely seatbelted, camera gear secured at the back of the plane, long taxi ride out, liftoff and then an even longer 2 hour noisy (but quiet) flight. Noisy, because the plane was too loud to talk, and all of our thoughts combined probably said more than our words ever could. Quiet, because this was a trip we took silently, one we analyzed, dreamed of, imagined, and mulled in our minds the entire 2 hours. Oh boy, the Anticipation, it was immense. Checked my neighbor’s time, we were getting close, thumbs up, and then crew member ahead (remember we’re all facing back of the plane) starts waving hands furiuosly. That means get ready, my spine and body pressed tightly into the back of my chair and then-
NOW!
And just like that we went from 150mph to 0mph in about 2 seconds. I don’t think there are words, no there aren’t. Wow seems really inadequate. Use your imagination and then multiply it. You’re getting close. It was smooth though. The smoothest simualtion of a crash landing I could have ever hoped for:) And then the back of the plane opens up…and we’re turning. It’s bright and I see lots of water…beautiful blue water. It’s still so loud, but everyone around me seems to have a combination smile and confusion on their face. Kind of like, “what just happened, and what’s gonna happen next?” all rolled into one. Then a man boards the gaping hole ahead of me, in head to toe white. For a moment I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie, like we were aliens (or vice versa) and had just landed on another planet. I had that feeling a few times on my journey…
I think mine is much easier. I can assure you that my ballet is nothing like your ballet, Dear One. Oh, goodness. This is simply amazing. I am in awe. I am thrilled that you have had this experience. I know it something that appreciate more than words can express. The good news is that your photos speak volumes, and they speak to and from the heart. Thank you for sharing. Love you.
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