That daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze……”
Well……not a “young man”, but a “middle-aged” woman flying through the air. And, not on a flying trapeze…although, it’s possible that someone could argue that point….but, on a “zip line” at Santa Margarita Ranch right here in my back yard in California!
When I was in Costa Rica, zip lining was one of the things I wanted to try. I don’t know why…..maybe because everyone says that zip lining is the thing to do in Costa Rica and I wanted to be one of the “cool kids”. Or, maybe I thought it would shock my friends and family, as this was not my usual kind of travel activity. Or, maybe I just wanted to do it because I could. Who knows…..As it turned out, in the end it didn’t matter. By the time we got to the idea of zip lining, I was “sick” and “tired” and it just didn’t hold as much appeal as I thought it would. So, I skipped it. And….I was OK with that.
But, at the beginning of June, when my friend, Nancy, called to say that she had a birthday coming up and she wanted to celebrate by going zip lining, my interest was once again “piqued”. This is was my chance! So, on Nancy’s big day, we headed out to Santa Margarita Ranch, one of 2 places in the area where one can have this very special experience. We met up with our Claiborne and Churchill dancing buddies (you remember them from our “dancing in the vineyard” evening) to see how we would fare with the zip line.
In my younger days, I was the one who was always doing something “daring”. I was the “fun” aunt that introduced my nephews to the joy of riding on a roller coaster….in the front car, of course. I was the one who, when my father purchased a cabin by a lake that came with a small speed boat, would be daring enough to take the reins of the boat and give everyone the ride of their lives! And, I was the first person in my family to go to Europe, much to the dismay of my parents. In my younger days, I had the answers to every question and the gumption to try almost anything. Who was that….really…..
I’m still pretty adventurous, but as I have gotten older, I have become very good at creating anxiety around just about everything……food….select health issues…renting cars in France…..So, by the time I reached Nancy’s house, I had allowed my mind to practically write a novel detailing all of the reasons why I should not go zip lining….I might hurt my back, I might not look good in the safety helmet, someone might see up the leg of my shorts when they strap on the harness, oh yeah….and I might plunge to my death…..don’t forget that one! I even brought along a book to read in case I got to the zip line and just couldn’t do it. How silly!
So, when we got to Santa Margarita Ranch for this great adventure, I was a little tense. I decided the best plan of action would be to observe…I’m good at that! That’s right….I’ll let everyone else go first, and then if they drop to their deaths, I’ll pass. Sounds like a reasonable plan to me!
One of the tour guides walked us through the many safety procedures and demonstrated the multitude of ways that we would be strapped in, tied down, and basically attached at the hip to the zip line so that we wouldn’t fall. One tour guide even gave us a brief demonstration to show us how easy and safe it was. Seemed OK to me. So, after observing the guide and another 3 people zip to the other side, I realized that no one was going to die on the zip line today, and I was ready. Bombs away!
What a rush! WOW! With a short run forward and one step over the side of the platform, I was flying far above a vineyard. And then I did it again….. and again…WHEW!!! I can’t tell you how freeing this was. I was a bird…a plane…..no, I was Super(wo)man! Sorry….getting a little carried away! But, it was a lot of fun….and, a little daring!
The platform for the last jump was very special! We climbed a small distance to the top of a mountain ridge and, after we all caught our breath from all that climbing, we had a most spectacular view of the ranch and the surrounding area.
I have to say it was on par with some of the vistas I have seen while traveling in the last months. And, this was right in my back yard. Who needs to go to Costa Rica to have an adventure? I can have one right here!
We ended the day with some wine tasting….and the biggest burger I have seen in quite awhile. It was a great day!
I have decided after this experience that I need to do more living in the moment in the fun part of my brain and less living in the scary boring dark part. Otherwise, how will I ever have another fun experience like this one?
So, I did not fall into the dark abyss that day and probably won’t today….and, I’m guessing that tomorrow will follow suit as well. So, I say take a risk, take a plunge, and party on….
…….HMMMM…..does this make me one of the “cool kids”?!….
Travel With Betsy 
August 6, 2015 at 7:01 am |
You are DEFINITELY one of the “cool kids!”