Sunday, January 22, 2006

I'm Back!

Son in jr hi + mom/jr hi leader + winter camp = mom flying down the zip line UPSIDE down?
That's right...I took a flying leap...for some it was a leap of faith...I can get that. For me, it was pure fear. lol OR maybe it was just the thin air & lack of sufficient oxygen? But think about it, your harnessed to a rope & what is seperating your harness & that rope is only a centimeter thick metal caribiner thingy. ONE CENTIMETER! Now that I think about it more...WHAT WAS I THINKING?

Well, I know what I WAS thinking...I was thinking that I just took an hour long hike UPHILL, waited in line another 2 hours & the quickest way to get to the bathroom and/or back to campfoodlodging was to step off that way-too-high & not-too-steady platform & 'zip' down that line.

I was so excited the whole time we were waiting. We let the boys in our group go before us, so ds could film his ride down & then film us. It looked a bit scary but the closer we got to the front of the line, the more I convinced myself that hanging upside down would be NO big deal.

While in line....we held the spot while the boys climbed the rock wall, then traded & they held our spot while us girls went & did a climb. I had never done that before either & it was really cool....and HIGH. I regret NOT looking down when I finally got to the top. I looked down about half way up & thought it best if I NEVER look down again unless my feet were firmly planted on the ground I was looking down AT. kwim?

Finally it was only seconds before it would be our turn. Ds was before me w/ the boys. I could recognize the nervousness on his face...which was turning to fear. He had already admitted he is afraid of heights (but will ride roller coasters. lol) They were to jump off @ the count of 3.

I was cheering him on, telling him he was 'So cool, he could do it' & that 'he was my hero'. I was near the top of the rickety spiral staircase that leads to the platform & hadn't yet started to get a bit of 'stage fright' myself. I yelled if he was ok, he said: 'I don't think so'.....I KNOW you can do it! wooohoooo! I cheered. 1...2...3...w/o hesitation, he stepped off & was on his way.

Then it was our turn. I'd like to say I reacted as bravely.....Once I stepped on that platform & saw it swaying...my heart 'bout dropped. I walked slowly to my spot. I began to wonder how in the world I was going to hold on. I didn't think I would be able to hold on...WHAT was I supposed to hold on TO? The guy said I could hold onto the strap or the rope or both. I opted for both!

Your strapped into a belt/harness thingy so really, there is no need to hold on @ all. Me & the girls had promised ourselves we would even hang upside down like we saw so many boys do on their way down. On the way up one girl said she wasn't sure she was going to hang upside down after all, the other said she would. 1...2...3...they jumped....I...... hesitated...& hesitated. I now understood WHY my own DS was so scared.

I don't think I can do this. This really IS high. I can't back out now. I must take a step. They were already half way down & ahead of me. I don't want to look stupid. I already look stupid. How am I gonna do this? I gotta do this. Maybe I AM too old for this? I think I heard my son cheering my name....go mom! I grabbed my ropes, closed my eyes, & slowly stepped forward & off the platform.......SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER until my breath gave out. I opened my eyes & began to enjoy the ride, let go w/ one hand & leaned back as far as I could....it was almost hanging upside down!

My son greeted me @ the bottom. 'I'm so proud of you mom!' :oD

It wasn't until then that I even realized we were on the same 'line'.

And how much alike we are. I'm not sure whether to be proud or scared.

to be continued........

1 comment:

  1. Oh my gosh! I don't think I could have done that...BRAVO for you!!

    ReplyDelete

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