I was holding on to a handle as I opened the door of the helicopter. A gush of wind rushed all throughout the cabin and I got the full blast into my face. My wingsuit and parachute were secure. I was ready to jump. I waited for the pilot to give the “go ahead” so I could start my journey through the mountain below. I look back towards the front, into the pilot’s cabin. The pilot extended his arm as though he was motioning for a first down. That was the green light. I adjusted my goggles and tightened my parachute pack. Then I stood at the edge of the doorway and fell back.
I instantly turned to face towards the ground. When I got close enough to the earth just below the peak, I extended my arms and legs, unleashing the webbing between them all. My plan was to travel down a path on the mountain. A little ways down, I spotted it off to my right. Carefully turning my body, I swiftly made my way over. Then I dove down closer to the ground until I was gliding along the tops of the trees. The trail was thin now, so I had to be careful with every turn.
Up ahead was where the path took a sharp turn and went across the hill in the opposite direction. Worst of all, just beyond the corner was a steep cliff that I needed to dodge. But luckily the path widened so that there was more space to turn. I was gaining speed, and my chances seemed slim. But I mustered enough courage and twisted my body so I was sideways. I tried pulling my legs farther forward to give me the resistance against the wind to turn more sharply and faster. Swoosh! And I was through the turn.
From then on is was a straight way down to the bottom through what must have been an avalanche chute. I followed the path down but just. It would be too risky to do especially since the trees were too sporadically placed. Seeing no imminent threat ahead, I tucked in my arms and legs and did a roll in the air. I reached over to the strap of my pack and pulled the string to unleash the parachute. I felt a jolt and was pulled upwards. From then on, it was just smooth gliding up and around trees, besides rock formations, and through a small waterfall coming down a cliff side.
When I finally touched down on hard surface, the helicopter swooped down to pick me up and take me to camp. I couldn't wait to tell the pilot what today's adventures had entailed and to the rest of the divers at camp. They ended up having their own stories to tell to which we all discussed over a bonfire. I was hoping for another good day tomorrow for riding the wind.