Arbor Terrace at Kingwood Town Center resident, Arlene Pounds, is no wallflower. When the spirited dynamo isn’t knee-deep in a rousing card game of Texas Hold ‘Em, she’s out learning to fly.
On October 2, 2015, 76-year-old Pounds climbed into a flaming red jumpsuit, strapped on a fitted helmet and goggles and settled into her seat at iFly Woodlands where an intimate class of three students learned how to be successful indoor skydivers.
The quick student learned that keeping her chin up, legs straight and body in a relaxed state would make her flight the most successful. After learning all the basics, she entered the 50-foot, three-story clear wind tunnel, ready for the challenge.
Pounds and the experienced instructor were soon hovering above the gridded floor, looking like pros. Soon Pounds was skillfully gliding through the air as if she’s been flying forever.
“The wind gave me an instant facelift,” joked Pounds.
The daredevil hails from Montana where she was known to play ‘Crack the Whip’ on the town’s outdoor ice skating rink in 10-degree temperatures. She participated in the drama club and was a cheerleader, all experiences that have shaped Pounds today. Ever the adventurer, travel is in her blood. Her favorite destination, so far, is Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
“Indoor skydiving reminded me of a bird learning to fly” said Pounds. “I really felt like I was floating.”
Pounds’ main motivation to indoor skydive was to prove to her three children and three grandchildren that Grandma still has adventures. “I moved here from Bakersfield, California, to live closer to my family in an independent and thriving community and start a chapter. Life is all about learning new things and challenging yourself,” she said. “At Arbor Terrace, I’m making new friends, taking weekly trips, learning to line dance and participating in a weekly card game. It’s not always easy to learn new things, but that’s what keeps life interesting.”
Here's a video of Pounds' experience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nutirct6X9g
