The Tour Specialists Blog

Well it started with an email and some how I got roped in hook line and sinker.
But I am very happy that I did.  The day started with the sun shinning and the brightest blue sky I have ever seen.  Tammy and I met Florence at Skydive Cairns (I had to get Tammy to drive, as I was unable to change gears due to legs shaking uncontrollably),
We had to fill out paper work and sign our life away, I couldn’t read as my brain was in over drive the only word I could see was - this is DANGEROUS, but signed anyway knowing these guys were professionals and I trusted them with my life.
After a nervous toilet stop, we were given these funky MC hammer pants to put on, after a little sideways dance and a little of, you cant touch this, our instructors introduced themselves and geared us up with our harnesses.
A quick demonstration on what we have to do getting out of the plane, in flight and when we land and then into the bus we go off to the airport.
There awaits us the Green Machine (our aircraft) again we go through the motions again head back, hips forward, legs back and they show us where we will sit before we jump,  we all climb in, all snug like a bug in a rug.
The plane ride is an experience in itself, this turbine power Cresco had so much power we were up in the air in no time so no backing out now, the nerves were really setting in and I  was feeling very parched.
The view was amazing over looking the Trinity Inlet and the surrounding mountains, poor Tammy had to sit right next to the door therefore constantly reminded of how high we were, I glanced over at her a couple of times and she was the same colour as the plane.
The guys let us know at 9000 feet this is where our shoot will release so only 5000 feet to go, then goggles on, doors open and from here it all went so quick.
Tammy was the first to go, then Florence and then lucky last me.  I can’t really tell you what was going through my mind at the time as I was sitting on the step I imagine it was pure fear (specially when I saw the DVD and the look on my face) but that only lasts for a second once you launch your self out and are freefalling it’s the most amazing feeling I have ever felt, it almost felt surreal.  The panoramic views were awesome; mountains, ocean, and inlets meandering everywhere it does not get any better then this.  The free fall last for a minute so you are falling approximately 100 feet a second, but at the time it feels like you are flying.  Once the parachute goes up it’s a nice peaceful trip down, the instructor loosens you up and as you descend you go through the landing technique, once the formalities are over you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
As you get closer to the ground the instructor tells you when to put your feet up, which is quite hard especially if you’re not very flexible, this is to avoid a bumpy landing.  We landed safe and sound on terra firma, letting the adrenalin rush take hold.
What an amazing experience, defiantly what to do it again!!!!!!

Louise - The Tour Specialists

Everything started with a phone call from Tammy my co-worker at TTS.
She asked me if I tried skydiving before as she would like to give it a go.
I told her that I did it once and it was… Magic!… And that I would be interested to do it again.
I don’t know how (!?!?!) but Louise, another co-worker, ended up as being part of this wonderful experience….
So Tammy, Louise and I met at the Skydive shop at 09.00am last Monday.
It was THE perfect day: No wind, no clouds at all, just perfect.
First we had to fill in a bit of paperwork. My tandem/instructor was Ronnie and he gave me all the instructions on how to become a good skydiver (I wish!). I could already feel the adrenalin and was looking forward to this jump!
Time to get to the airport where our plane (a Turbine powered Cresco: Spacious, fast, custom built) was ready to take off. On board we had: The pilot (of course), 3 crazy girls (us), our 3 tandems/instructors and 3 professional camera crew.
The plane took off and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the city of Cairns, the Rainforest and the Reef, especially Tammy who was sitting next to the exit (How scary is that!!!!)
After 10 minutes we were already reaching 14 000 feet and our jump location.
Go Tammy Go!    I was next and Louise was the last one.
I sat on the exit/stairs of the plane, flashed a big smile to the camerawoman… and off we jumped. The feeling was just amazing, you will only understand when you try it. Not scary at all just the adrenalin pumping.
I felt like a little fish swimming in the air (If you watch the video you will understand what I mean). After the minute freefall Ronnie opened the parachute and we were flying in the sky, it was so peaceful and we enjoyed the views for 5-6 minutes before landing.
After you experienced this kind of feeling/emotions you really are another person.

In my opinion we should go skydiving every morning before work…
 
Tammy, Louise: Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful adventure with me!

And to every person who read this story: You should give it a go; it’s really worth it and not scary at all.
   Florence - The Tour Specialists Hilton

I don’t know if you do but I have a top ten list of things to do before I die!  Skydiving is in my top 5 not that I am thinking of carking it anytime soon!!  So as this thought had been playing on my mind for some time, I decided to take some action!
I asked a couple of my colleagues if they were game and sure enough Florence the daredevil was really keen and with a bit of persuasion Louise also said she would join in.
So last Monday it was off to the Skydive Cairns office at 9.00 am for our briefing. 
 It was then time to fill in some paperwork and be introduced to your tandem master.  The person I was handing my life over to was Max he was great.  He showed me all the moves I needed to make, made sure I had the harness in place then it was off to the General Aviation for our flight. 

In the bus on the way I could really feel my nerves starting to play havoc and my mouth all drying out!!  Lucky at the airport there is a water fountain!

Before I knew it we were onboard the Turbine powered Cresco which looked awesome as it was painted green along with a big mouth that had a tongue hanging out painted on the  front!  Very fitting as I wondered if this is how I would look up in the air, green with my tongue hanging out!  Well I nominated myself to go first so I entered the aircraft last, and had a great view as I was sitting right in front of the door (which is clear) so I could see a fantastic view of the sea then the land.  When we had reached 14 000 ft the door opened this is when I was starting to freak out as I new it now that I had to make the plunge down! 

My cameraman went out first then I placed myself with Max strapped to my back onto the ledge.  All so quickly and in position I was off and away!!!!!  The feeling is pretty indescribable one minute of freefalling down.  My face contortioned, but oh so invigorating.  When the parachute opens it is a big sigh of relief and time to relax and enjoy the view as it takes around five minutes to land.  I managed to land on my feet.
As soon as I landed I would of loved to do it all again as it was such a fantastic experience and not really as scary as I thought!

Being first I got to see my other friends land and run over and greet them, it was then back to the Skydive Cairns office where we go to watch our DVDS and have a laugh.  This was such a fantastic experience and having being able to enjoy it with two great friends made it even more memorable!

Tammy -The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

It started out with an idea to play in the mud as big kids do and to ride a horse! On a fine Saturday approx 3 weeks ago, I was collected at 8am by Annie my host from Blazing Saddles.  As I was the only person to be collected from the Northern Beaches that morning, Annie let me on a little known secret that we are to stop at Trinity Beach Meats to collect  the hamburgers for lunch - more about this later.  

We arrived at Blazing Saddles at approx 8:30 am, on arrival I signed myself into the Visitors register, paid my $12 insurance levy and completed the necessary paperwork. Then I was advised to help myself to a complimentary beverage of coffee! 

Around 9 am the remaining adventure seekers and my self were fitted with our helmets & made sure we have suitably enclosed shoes. One fellow only had thongs so he was given gum boots to wear!  Appropriate footwear on we were then lead over to the ATV (quad bike) area.   Here we were met by our ever jovial safety orientated hosts Mariah & Texas.   It was a bit daunting at first to be getting on an ATV for the first time.  However Texas gave us a thorough run down on these big boys toys (suitable for teens as well under his instruction of course.)  At exactly 9:20 am we were off in our group of seven to the training tracks, surrounded by rubber tyres and mini jumps etc. This obstacle course has been designed so you can become 1 with your ATV and have time to practice your driving skills.

At approx 9:45am we then started on a 2 hour journey over the fantastic 1200 hectare property that is Blazing Saddles. In the first stage for approx 20 mins we all rode along together, both Mariah & Texas both check your level of confidence and ability to ride the ATV, then the group is split in two with the more confident riders going with Texas into the deeper wilderness of the property.  After a further 20 mins of honing my ATV riding skills we stopped for a rest and much needed drink of water to wash the dirt/dust off our teeth.  After a short break as we continued our ride I was to join Texas in the more advanced riding group.

During this adventure I got bogged in creeks twice and  by the third bogging I was experienced enough to get myself out of trouble, I also became separated from the group at one stage as I was left in wake of their dust, so for approx 5 mins, I was lost in the depths of the vast property.  In my wisdom I turned around and back tracked however still managed to drive over the top of a small termite mound and took the top off it.  I can see why the ATV’s are fitted with a bull bar! 

At approx 11:45am we returned to base camp & parked the ATV’s and headed to the shed to wash up & then be served  a buffet barbecue lunch with the best juicy burgers. Well worth the wait after a full throttle morning. 

After lunch at 12:30 it was off to be saddled up, for our 2 hour horse ride.  My guide this time were Abigail & Alison, these ladies both love working with horses & are very passionate about what they do. They guide you in the correct ways of handling and riding horses.   On this occasion I had not sat on a horse since I was 8 yrs old.  So I did not have a lot of confidence.   However after riding Wattle (my horse) for 15 minutes it all came back and I felt really confident.  By the end of the afternoon I felt I could see no problems in getting on a horse next time and go for a more advanced riding experience. At one stage wattle insisted in standing in the creek and not moving. After a quick chat with her we were on our way once again.   Remember you will get dusty dirty & wet on these activities!!  Both activities are must do when visiting the Cairns region.  This is a  perfect start or finish to your day & you can add Hot Air Ballooning to you adventure in the morning or also combine either ATV or Horse Riding with the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail.
Lachie
The Tour Specialists Palm Cove.

I was very impressed with the crew at AJ Hackett, they were very professional and concerned with safety as a priority. My 9 year old son and I were directed to the Minjin platform where we were strapped in for the flight of our lives! Once harnessed and helmeted up we were elevated to a breathtaking height of 45 metres. We overlooked the lush rainforest and had an amazing view all the way out to Green Island. We also had a view to our left of the Bungy Platform and realized we were almost as high as the bungy jump platform (actually only 5 metres shy of it).  The best part of this swing was that we were in control of the release. My son and I held on to each other as we counted down 3-2-1 then we let the cord rip and we were off!

The initial drop of maybe a few meters was a really liberating feeling. Being in a horizontal position and then to drop a bit before the slack on the rope picked up and we were FLYING!!!! Speeds of up to 120km/h can be reached. 45 metres to 1 metre in just 3 seconds! We soared over the rainforest and the AJ Hackett building back and forth and back and forth. It was the best fun we have ever had!!

Sonja - The Tour Specialists Palm Cove

Just wanted to let everyone know what a fantastic time is to be had with Blazing Saddles on there  ATV’s. We actually started off early and drove up the Gillies to go for a swim at

It would be great to experience it in the wet too, as it would be a completely different day.

Yvette - The Tour Specialists