Yesterday it was raining….still….and Mr. Al and I decided to be done with waiting for the weather to change and just play. So we rented some bikes, biked about for a couple of hours, got really wet and cold…turned our bikes in and spent the remainder of the afternoon at our condo alternating between the hot tub and the pool.
Not a bad day.
Today was the first sunny day we’ve had and we made the most of it by taking the zip-line tour through the treetops. All I can say is I wish it was longer. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.
The first step, I have to admit, was a leap of faith.
But after that, it was just fun.
Our two guides were so careful at buckling our harnesses onto the line, that I quickly lost my fear and just enjoyed the freedom of flying through the air. On the last ride, the 30 storey drop, I found I could relax enough to let go of my little harness strap, spread my arms wide and pretend I could fly. The whole Zip-line extravaganza is strange to think about don’t you think? It’s gotten so popular. But, now that I’ve experienced it, I see why.
Our group consisted of 9 people and 2 guides. Between the zips, there were rope bridges and hikes through the old growth forest and I had the opportunity to talk with one of our guides, Dan by name.
That’s another of me favorite pastimes when traveling–meeting interesting people.
Dan was a young Kiwi, 25, who feels it’s time for him to grow up and be serious. I tried to argue with him about the growing up bit, but he was already thinking serious thoughts (although he still retained his sense of humor.) He told me that lots of Aussies and Kiwis came to Canada to travel, work for a couple of years and then to either remain or return. Dan’s girlfriend had returned, and apparently was finished not only with Canada, but with broken-hearted Dan who was leaving next week to try to win her back. I wished him luck and he told me that what would be what it would be. Quite philosophical about it all, but then, our Dan had seen some action. He was a paratrooper and sniper before he became a “ski bum.” (His words not mine.)
Can you imagine how young he must have been? He’s 25 now…just a baby.
It breaks my heart to think that babes are going to war.
But as Dan would tell you…it is what it it.
Whether Dan reunites with his girl or not, I’ll never know. But I do know, back in New Zealand, Dan plans to become a doctor.
I think he’ll make a good one.
Chronicles of Cammy, my Fool's Journey and Travelogue 