Jumping for Joy
For the past week, I've been practicing the hands out motion by falling face forward on a bed. I tried to prepare myself mentally for what it would be like with toes over the edge, and the 709-foot fall into the gorge below. The world's highest bungy jump.
As we pulled into the parking lot of Face Adrenaline, I told Tanya not to let me leave without jumping off that damn bridge. She's psycho, and bungys 4 times a week with Rustic groups off of the world's second highest in New Zealand. I simply followed her through the motions: put on a harness, filled out the safety forms, got a jump number (I wanted to go first), walked down to the bridge, zip lined across to the center of it, took off my shirt (to distract myself, replace fear with awkwardness), got the ankle braces strapped on and the chest harness secured, hopped out onto the platform, connected to the bungy cord, and 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - I'm suddenly in mid-air. Thinking about how the dude said you go from zero to 170 miles/hour in 5 to 8 seconds. About how the first rebound takes you up to the height of the Victoria Fall's bungy jump (the second highest in Africa), and how the second rebound takes you to the height of Africa's first ever bungy jump. Thinking that this is the FUCKING CRAZIEST THING I'VE EVER DONE!!
The adrenaline rush was unbelievable. It's amazing, and a bit disturbing, the way your brain naturally obeys the countdown. It's like hypnosis. I looked straight ahead with my arms over the shoulders of two members of the crew, completely aware that what I was about to do was totally nonsensical. Yet my body threw itself off of that bridge. Before I began accelerating, I of course panicked (though I didn't flap to try to get back up like many do). When I realized the hardest job was over, however, I just enjoyed the ride.
Tanya and I agree that the scariest part was actually after the fact, as we were dangling upside down. It felt like the ankle braces were slipping off, and your death awaits in the ravine straight ahead. Some guy eventually lowered himself to get us, but then you can't help but think how one strap or carabiner mistake and down you go. After all of that!
When I reached the platform, overflowing with ecstasy and pride, I ran over to Tanya to see the pictures. "The guy didn't get any, Charlie." Ha ha ha, I responded, convinced she was just messing with me. "No really. He yelled to the guys to stop so he could get positioned, but they had already started the countdown. You jumped too quickly." Okay, it's not funny anymore, I thought as I reached for the camera. For once, Tanya wasn't joking. There really weren't any pictures of the jump. It went from getting ready before to getting pulled up after. "I told you," she said apologetically. Without a moment's hesitation, I announced that I was going again. My biggest motivation had been the photos that I could upload to the site and brag about. In my mind, no photos = no documentation of the jump = no good. I knew the drill the second time around, and jumped even farther out.
On the way out, I bought the video of both jumps and a shirt with "Jump Addict" in big letters, and took a picture with the Guinness Book of World Records certificate.
“A Thanksgiving Prayer”
The holidays are on their way,
With egg nog, reindeers, snow and sleighs.
But wait! Before the skies turn gray,
I must pay homage to the day,
Of turkey, stuffing, bales of hay,
And give thanks, so I bow and pray.
I’m thankful for the little things,
For great big things, and bright green things.
I’m thankful for my mom and dad,
For Gram, and a cute guy named Brad.
I’m thankful for the sun and moon,
For Altoids, sporks, and red balloons.
I’m thankful for each day, each smile,
For belly laughs and extra miles.
I’m thankful for a helping hand,
For turn signals, footprints in sand.
I’m thankful for the love of pets,
For floppy ears and no regrets.
I’m thankful for our troops out there,
For good hair days and lots of prayer.
I’m thankful for moments of grace,
For a kind face and tight embrace.
And lastly, God, I have to say,
November 22nd, 2005 at 2:53 pmA special thanks, a happy “Yay!”
For the blessing you’ve given me,
My dear brother, my angel, Charlie.
Although I’ll cry a tear or two,
With him not here to turkey, chew.
The fond memories he did impart,
Will never fade or fall apart.
For on my mind and in my heart,
Will be my friend, though we’re apart.
I have only one word: COWABUNGA! Love, YGOP
November 22nd, 2005 at 5:44 pmI tried to call you like 10 times today!!!!!!! it never let me get through! wow you have balls my friend that is insane–i thought I was hardcore because I did the devil’s dive at six flags once! you are the definition of intensity. xoxoxox
November 22nd, 2005 at 7:08 pmTry to have a little fun while your there, why don’t you. BTW - the penguin sign from the Cape was hilarious.
November 22nd, 2005 at 9:48 pmCharlie
How are they “going to keep you down on the farm (Harvard) after you’ve seen Paree” and all these high-adrenaline kicks (have just got vertigo reading abour your bungi jump). They’ll have to rope you into a Harvard Chair. You’ll be wanting to write a book, then a film of the book. What about your education.
Anyway we are vicariously enjoying the ride. Happy Trails.
love from Margaret, David & Jim Reynolds
November 23rd, 2005 at 6:32 am