Australian_Geographic_-_August_2015_AU_.

July–August 2015 97

On the way back to the car, Bennett pointed out wildflowers
and explained their medicinal uses. We saw a ‘wigwam’ that he
said dated from the early 20th century. Wild horses ran across the
ridge above and unconcerned antelope watched from a distance.
The night before we were due to jump, Bennett performed
a traditional Hualapai blessing for us, using an eagle’s feather
and incense, while reciting an incantation to guide our safe
return. It was comforting, but, for me, anxiety had taken hold.
Could I do this? A problem on this jump was potentially a big
problem. The flight was across a proverbial no-man’s land, and
the small landing area was surrounded by parachute-tearing trees.
Self-doubt plagues me before every big jump. I can look back at
diary entries, and the emotions and thought patterns are the
same with each challenge. Only experience, mindfulness and
breath control keep me focused and stop me giving in to fear.

W

E TOOK OFF just after sunrise on 9 April 2015. I
watched the benign desert plain disappear and the
canyon lands rise up to take its place. I’d never been
to the Grand Canyon before. I’d seen many photographs and
studied our flight path on Google Earth, but I was stunned by
the sheer vastness of it. It is not one canyon, but many. It’s
immeasurably beautiful, powerful and intimidating.
Ten minutes to the jump. Outside temperatures are –50°C.

Personal oxygen systems on and plane systems disconnected.

We lined up in the door of the plane and looked down for the

prominent feature of our exit point over Toroweap Point. When

Glenn saw it, he nodded to us. I jumped first.

I was flying, but Glenn, Roger, Vicente and Paul all bar-

rel-rolled in the thin air. This was not part of the plan. I held

my breath and to my great relief they all recovered quickly.

They were a long way beneath and in front of me, so I put my

suit into a dive to catch them. I got to Glenn about 10 seconds

later. We were all together, although our diamond formation

looked more like a misshapen rectangle.

We passed the deepest part of the Canyon at more than

100mph (160km/h). I could hear Glenn’s laboured breathing

in my headphones – he was head down, flying fast. I felt like an

eagle as we soared over the V-shaped formation of our marker

point on the South Rim of the Canyon. We were across.

I opened my canopy and took in the ancient landscape around

me. Everything glowed in the early morning light. A sheer cliff

wall fell away 300m beneath my feet. Beyond that, the central

part of the Canyon dropped another 1000m. We’d done it!

The first wingsuit crossing of the Grand Canyon was complete.

Sharing the experience with Glenn and our team heightened

the intense elation and self-confident joy that accompanies

conceiving and achieving a grand dream.AG

Eagle-eye view. Heather (opposite)

was stunned by the sheer vastness

of the Grand Canyon (above) as

she and the team set off just after

sunrise on their world-first flight

across a remote stretch of this

natural wonder.

Landing site. After successfully

completing the first wingsuit

crossing of the Grand Canyon,

Glenn (left) floats safely into the

small landing area, surrounded by

potentially dangerous trees.