My father recently flew here from Northern Idaho for a week-long visit. We lost our mom, his wife of 72 years, in December. My dad is turning 97 years old in June. Now, I know what you’re picturing, a feeble old man using a walker or cane. Wrong.
Meet my father, LaWayne. He lives independently, maintains his 2 1/2 acre property in Idaho, plants a garden, trims the trees, and loves to work in his huge shop. I am not talking about puttering around making birdhouses. He enjoys overhauling old tractors and giving them new life.
He often drives a “flag car” for his farmer friends when they are transporting oversized farm equipment to different locations. Or, maybe a neighbor needs a trench line dug. No problem. He’s got tractors and diggers to do it all.
Over the years, my parents and I have had a lot of adventures in and around San Diego. He’s been in a balloon over wine country and enjoyed riding above San Diego in a blimp. He soared above the desert in an acrobatic glider plane. We also celebrated his 60th by parachuting at 10,000 feet.
Coming up with a new adventure for his age was easily addressed by this cool new thing, called in-door skydiving. Maybe you’ve heard of iFlyworld.com?
We are fortunate to have an iFly tube in San Diego. The staff was great. They talk you through the process, show you how to position your body, teach you non-verbal signals and encourage you to just relax and have fun. The wind tunnel fans push up air at about 85 mph, and it does get loud inside the tube.
We suited up, donned our goggles, and took turns soaring inside the tube with the aid of our instructor. If you’re a bit more daring, you can be flown up into the tunnel with an experienced professional. We had a blast, literally and figuratively.
Naturally, after a fun day of high-flying adventure, you top it off with a cold beer at McGregor’s Ale House, which just happens to be close by in Mission Valley.
If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience, for all ages, give iflyworld.com a try. It’s a fun group experience or to celebrate a special occasion.
Note: My dad was one of two 97 year olds (the oldest) to fly the Mission Valley location so far.
Julie Main is publisher and owner of San Diego Community Newspaper Group.
