Ropes Course at IT

We've had our share of frightening experiences on our Great Loop Adventure. The scariest that come to mind are the two times our mast and boom cradle wiggled loose enough to allow the cradle to dance on deck while underway in rough weather! Another hairy experience was our stay in Frankfort Michigan. A storm blew so much water into the channel leading to our marina that we couldn't stay aboard our boat. Mystic was healing over in the slip with 16 spiderwebbed lines holding her in place. We spent the night in the bathroom, checking lines every hour and retying those that snapped.

Mast cradle

Mystic, spiderweb slip in Frankfort

Everyone is afraid of something or has been frightened at some point in their lives. Fear is kind of like pain in that our body is telling us to pay attention! We don't really have control over these sensations; but pain can be tamed with medication where fear must be conquered. I've faced some of my greatest fears on the great loop. Real fears like tornados, shallow water, tides and current; but my greatest fear is Acrophobia, my fear of heights. I am so afraid of heights that I get sweaty palms and a racing heart when I see others up high. I remember when I hoisted Dave up the mast in the bosun chair back in Mobile. I was terrified that I would drop him. When I lowered him, I was sure the rope would fly through my hands causing him to crash onto the deck. Of course, none of this happened. I had full control of the halyard throughout the ride. If I had been the one in the chair, oy vey, I can't even go there!

Dave in the Bosun Chair

While visiting family in Connecticut, we gifted our nephew, Marc, a fun experience for his birthday. The "IT" ropes course in downtown New Haven is located inside a furniture store. I'm not sure why I thought I'd be able to do a ropes course. Perhaps it's because I have built up some confidence during our cruising experience; surely I've become more brave. We didn't know what to expect but we were amazed at the size and height of the course. There are five levels, with the top level sitting 50 feet above the ground. We purchased tickets for the ropes course, the zip line and the 50 foot free fall from the top level. After harnessing up, we made our way up the stairs to the third level where the adventure begins. Marc looked at me funny when I mentioned that I was nervous just climbing the stairs.

The IT ropes course is very safe. We were in harnesses and locked on a track that would not allow us to fall. If we slipped, we'd simply hang until we put our feet under us to take the weight off the harness. This did nothing for my confidence. The part about falling just fueled my fear! Marc and Uncle Dave took off across the first bridge like tightrope walkers. I just stood there, in sheer panic, heart racing, palms already wet, dreading taking that first step onto the first bridge. I stood there for a long time, taking a step out several times but always sliding it back to safety. It took me a long time before I trusted myself enough to take the second step onto the bridge. I walked back and forth over that same bridge until my confidence grew.

As I stood there struggling with my fear and my desire to say I did the course, I began to make bargains with myself. Let's face it; I'm cheap! I hate to waste money. I figured that if I found the nerve to cross to the landing that would take me zip lining, I'd have made good use of my ticket. At this point, I knew there was no way I'd be doing the 50 foot free fall. Marc and Dave visited me several times to see if I was going to follow them. Finally I was willing to go for it. I had to cross two bridges to get to the zip line. Eventually, I fought my fear and reached the reasonable goal of crossing bridges on levels three and four and racing down two zip lines. I'd been up there for two and a half hours! I made my way down the stairs, removed my harness and ran to the car for my camera. Now I was in my comfort zone! I was able to get some great photos of Marc and Dave as they made their way across the top level, some 50 feet off the ground.

Marc & Dave
Crossing Bridges

The 50 ft. drop

At the top

Dave Leaps

Hamming for the camera

Marc Leaps

Gentle ride down

Once I was making my way off the course, my perspective and confidence grew as I got closer to the ground. Now that I think of it, fear feels a lot like excitement! It's all in how you look at it! I was thrilled about what I did, not disappointed about what I couldn't bring myself to do. I hadn't conquered my fear; it's more like we had a face off, a stare down of sorts! I won the battle between trying the ropes course and making my way down the stairs in defeat. I'm proud of this small accomplishment and promise Dave that I will give the bosun chair a chance, some day!