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13/03/2008 - We arrived at Rainbow Lodge today on the Kiwi Experience. Most people were checking in to Base but Nikki, Fleur and I went to the hostel that Clare's at. It's so nice here, much better than Base! They have free tea and coffee in reception, a hairdryer in the bathroom, a nice deck to sit out in the sun on, it's just generally nicer. Clare was working late but Nikki, Fleur and I went out. It wasn't going to be a wild one... but it was awesome fun!
14/03/2008 - I failed the Tongariro Crossing today - the bus came at 5.30am, we all slept on the bus. I managed 20 minutes then had to go back because my foot was killing me. I got the bus back to the doctors and got to experience a New Zealand Health Centre. Spent the rest of the day, relaxing.
15/03/2008 - Sitting on the plane, crushed in with 8 other people, I have never been so scared in all my life (I remember saying that about the caves!) I couldn't breathe and made full use of the oxygen mask I'd been given, just in case. My tandem master was being crushed underneath me, my hat was too tight, my foot was still sore, and the guy beside me kept taking photos (fair enough i was paying for him to do that but oh well!) I was petrified.
Eventually, the green light came on, the door opened and Fleur was gone, just like that. I was next. I have no idea how I managed to scramble to the door but I did. As I sat there, hanging out a plane, my mind couldn't grasp what I was about to do.
Next thing I knew, I was in freefall. 15,000ft from the ground. It was so surreal and I still can't put it into words.
When he put the parachute up, I expected more of a jolt but it was okay. It was then that my brain must've realised what was happening. I was so scared. I could look around and see everything! The scenery was unbelievable. The lake, the mountains, everything.
And before I knew it, we were landing. It was over.
We did a lot of celebrating after that!!
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