Skydiving regularly brings visitors to this town, just 80 miles east of Las Vegas, on a regular basis. I was treated to the thrill of seeing their operation first hand, actually from the co-pilots seat of the 17 passenger caravan 208, a very small plane by my standards. I felt perfectly safe and aware I was with a very experienced pilot. Seemingly, light as a feather our take off and landings were hardly noticeable. Viewing the beautiful desert city and the winding Virgin River from the air is more than delightful; it gives one a whole new perspective of the area.

Among our grouping was Ronny Anderson, he is the oldest Skydiver in the state of Utah. Ronny is 71 years young. He has been skydiving since 1963, living proof of what a thrill it is to participate. Then there was Kirk Bastian 55, with over 9,000 jumps to his credit. He is one of the original skydiving Elvis’s from the movie "Honeymoon in Las Vegas" Kirk said "Mesquite is a good place to jump, the wind is consistent and there is not much rain, 2005 excluded. These two are regulars and can be found jumping in Mesquite most every week-end.

Most of the skydivers are repeat jumpers and return often to get their thrills. The airport hanger is a busy place on the week-end with the jumpers packing their own chutes, discussing their new skydiving paraphernalia. Everyone was friendly and eager to help the newbie’s.

Brad Jessey owner of Mesquite Skydive has been in business here since 2001. In his first year he had 1,500 jumpers, 80 new instructional jumpers. In 2004 he had 4,700 jumpers, 250 new instructional jumpers. Young and old alike can and do enjoy skydiving. Age is not a hindrance to active seniors. There is a weight limit of 220 pounds. The first time you jump it will be a tandem jump; you will ride piggy-back with a jump master (certified instructor).

With only minutes of instruction you can enjoy the thrill of safe skydiving. If you become hooked like so many others you can become an A-licensed skydiver right there in Mesquite with their integrated student program. Mesquite is a small friendly town with plenty to offer tourist besides the skydiving. With five golf courses and 4 major casino resorts, it makes a perfect getaway and offers something for the non-jumping spouse. Go for it and experience the thrill, check it out yourself. You will have one exhilarating day.

Bobbie Green was born in West Virginia, grew up in Southern California. For the past seven years she has been owner/operator of a travel agency in Mesquite, Nevada. She has been writing travel articles for the past 3 years and is a member of North American Travel Journalist Association. She writes for various publications including Mesquitelocal.com, Desert Valley Times and Senior Wire Syndicates.

© 2006

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