Adventure #40, the grand po-ba: Paragliding

Drum roll, please...
Here it is, the grand finale, number 40, a lifelong dream... on July 7, 2011 I flew off the side of the point of the mountain solo with a bright yellow paragliding chute over my head and nothing but air under my feet! It was incredible, better than I imagined!!!



This is something I've wanted to do for as long as I can remember. Every time we drove from our home in Layton to visit Grandma Harkins in Pleasant Grove, I eagerly looked out the window as we approached the point of the mountain. Watching all the colorful hang gliders sailing overhead stirred something inside me and cemented a desire to join them. Each time, I thought, "I'm going to do that!"

My surety diminished briefly when I was between the ages of six and eight and I shared my dream with my parents. After driving by, I blurted out, "I'm going to learn how to do that!" My Mom wisely and calmly responded, "Not as long as you live with me:)." Then when I had moved out and mentioned it to Todd he said, "Not as long as you're on my insurance:)"

Well, I no longer live with my parents and I found out that it doesn't matter whose insurance I'm on because paragliding, scuba diving, and sky diving are excluded anyway :) so it is game on.

We are sooo excited we just can't stand it! Aimie, Margie, Tonya, Tracy, Doug, John, Liberty

First Ken from Two-Can Fly (801) 572-3414) suited us up.

This is a funny video of me trying to figure out my pack the first time. I know, it is amazing I made it through without killing myself.

After our introductory instructions, they took us up on the hill just far enough for us to do the chicken run down. We looked like a flock of geese trying to take off.

Each time, we had to gather our chutes at the bottom of the hill and hike a little higher up the mountain side.

Aimie and her lovely new square dancing skirt

Tracy, laying out his shoot for the next run

Me, trying to keep all my chords untangled

By the third run down we caught our first air. I was so giddy with excitement that I forgot to quit running until the instructor came over the radio, "Uhm, you can quit running now."


Those first moments are magical when you realize you are actually soaring through the air. There is no way of explaining the elation. There is no engine, no significant structure, no other person at the controls; it is just you, a chute, and the air. I'm addicted!

After that there was no stopping us, we climbed higher and higher up the hill each time until by end of the morning we were 2/3 the way up and would have continued even higher if the winds hadn't picked up and the clock hadn't ticked so fast.

Wow, what a perfect morning, what a great way to celebrate my birthday. I would highly, highly, highly recommend anyone try paragliding who has ever wanted to and Ken with the company Two-can Fly is great. Skip the tandem, I think that would have been boring now, and go for the introductory lesson that lets you feel the air beneath your own wings.

When are we going again?!

Adventure #39: Rock Climbing

In college, I had a fun group of friends that I would go rock climbing with on Saturday mornings. I thought we were so cool as we scaled rock canyon, which I'm sure is probably one of the easiest rated climbs -- but we thought we were tough at the time.

There is such a thrill and sense of accomplishments when you are hanging from a ledge by your fingertips and finally make it to the top. Yeah baby!

Although it has been 19 years since those grand adventures with Cortney, John, Chris, Joanne, and Teresa, I had to see if I could still haul my 40 year old (almost) body up the side of a rock. So, I called upon the experts, my brother Curtis and his wife Liz, to come hang at the Quarry in Provo with me.

Even though Curt is pretty awesome and Liz is, well, spiderwoman, I think Elli and Eddie pretty much kicked our trash.







It was a fun night, but I have to admit, my arms were pretty much rubber by the end. I know you are supposed to push yourself up with your legs rather than pull with your arms, but I guess I have to learn the hard way by killing myself. Thanks Curt and Liz for a fab adventure; it was great because you shared it with me!

Before watching this video, please note I am not a complete whimp! Even if I look like it, hold your judgement because it is important to know that you can't just pick any hand/foot hold. No, each one is marked with a color and you have to stay on the color you chose at the beginning to follow a course based on level of challenge.



I wish I could say this one was me, but no, it is Liz that rocks the wall.



Curt showed us all up by scaling this wall in just barely over a minute. Show off!

Adventure #38: Ride in a Glider Plane

Todd is the best! He wanted to share his passion for flying with me for one of my adventures so he scheduled me a flight in a glider plane in Heber.

I loved the experience! I sat in the front cockpit so I could see everywhere. As gliders don't have an engine, we were towed up into the air by another aircraft and then cut the rope to glide up high over the whole valley. We started out at 6,000 feet and climbed up to 10,000 riding in a circular fashion around a thermal. Once we were that high and gliding over the valley, the pilot, Tom, let me take hold of the controls and stear us a bit. It kind of reminded me of drivers ed with the instructor anxiously waiting for the moment he needed to take back over the controls.

I'm flying!

Wow, the view from up there was incredible. Everything is so green this year. We could see the lake, the mountain ridges in layers, the snow, the fields -- everything. What I loved was getting a new perspective, I get so used to looking at the world in a linear fashion that it is refreshing to see it so multidimensional. The birds have got it good.

Today is my Birthday!

Okay, so today is it, the big 40 and I did it, I completed all 40 adventures in celebration of my 40 years! I know, I know, I still need to blog adventure #38 and #39 (soon!).

I saved an awesome adventure for today -- for the grand finale.

Here is a little hint as to what I did this morning;) It was soooo much fun!!!

Seriously!

I can't wait to tell you all about it, but the suspense will just have to build as I have a cake to eat!

Side note after the end of the day: Can I just say, I love all the fabulous people in my life -- you are truely what makes it great! Thanks for all the messages, Birthday wishes, prizes, surprises, treats, songs, hugs, and fun. I love ya!

Adventure #37: Paint My Childhood Rocker

Mike Swenson aka, the Clever Craftsman, paints furniture in these amazing colors that cry out my name every time I drive by his house and the door to his workshop is open. The sight of torquoise, lime green, orange, yellow and red make me start to salivate. I have added several pieces to my house like the lime green telephone chair that I LOVE and now sits in my entry way.

So, when I wanted the adventure of painting the little rocking chair from my childhood turquoise, he was the natural go-to guy. Mike was great to show me the way.


This chair was special to me because my parents gave it to me for Christmas back when I was little enough that my bum actually fit in it. I have spent hours of my life rocking and playing with this chair. When I wasn't rocking in it, I would carefully place my Raggedy Anne doll that Grandma Harkins made for me by hand.

Now that many years have passed, it is time to give it a fresh look and of course I have to paint it my life-long favorite color: turquoise.

This color is delicious!

First we got out the sandpaper and broke through a little so the paint would stick.

Then I lathered on the delicious blue. I decided to only do one coat since I liked how some of the dark stain was coming through.

We let it dry for a day or two and then it was back to the sandpaper until we had a finished product.

I can't wait to share the chair with my little girls now.

Adventure #36: laser tagging

back row: John, Mike, Stacie, Tonya, Sofia, Liberty, Angelina, Tracy; front row: Amelia, Alton, Sicily 

A few years ago my friend Kathy and I hopped into a laser tag place with our kids for a quick 15 minute session. We both had little ones hanging on our legs at the time that we were going in to help. However, as soon as the music began, our blood started pumping and the competitive vibe bit us. By the end we were running around flinging our crying kids on one hip while dragging another kid from our belt loops, laughing as we shot the competition. Once the music stopped, we realized that we were probably caught up in the moment a little too much; so, we lifted the hanging kid off the ground and wiped the tears off the littlest faces, smoothed down our ruffled feathers and calmly walked out as though we were responsible parents.

Since that experience, I have to admit I've been a little jealous every time I've dropped my older kids off to laser tag. I secretly have wanted to invite myself in to play too, but figure I embarrass them enough as it is. I'm sure they are thankful for my discretion.

Using my 40 adventures as an excuse I have finally made it back into the ring. And, I'm happy to report that I was ranked number 1 after the first round:), but fell to number 8 in the second round.Which just means I need to do it again and get that second ranking back up there.

Adventure #35: Serving Food to the Homeless

I have always admired Margie and Andrea as both women are amazing in so many ways; but then, when I found out they both go to the Food and Care Coalition to serve lunch to the homeless each week, well let's just say they are superstars in my eyes. So, it was an honor to go as Margie's double the week she was out of town. Andrea showed me the ropes and got me set up with an apron and gloves.

We served sloppy joes, cheesy mac, apple sauce, and such. I was the one taking the trays out to everyone in the dining room -- ladies and children first :) I was impressed by how polite and grateful the patrons were. I loved the little kids who patiently waited for their food with big smiles.

The chefs who work there everyday are amazing. They make up each meal by what is donated (they can always use more donations!) so they have to be very creative. In the summer, they have an outdoor garden they utilize for fresh produce. Ken is known for doctoring up a donated cheese pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil. Sounds good right now.

It was a great adventure and one I hope to repeat with my family soon! Thanks to Ken and Dave for all your dedicated hours to make a difference in people's lives. Thanks Andrea for always being the great friend you are -- you make me laugh so hard it hurts every time I talk to you. Thanks Margie for helping me get it set up and letting me step in your shoes for a day (they are mighty big ones!). Thanks to all those who came for lunch, you made it a grand adventure.

Adventure #34: Star in a Commercial

Okay, so star is too big of a word, but I had fun as Randy from Infomercials Inc. filmed us for an AirWolf commercial. I know, to them it was all in a days work, but it isn't every day the average shmoe like myself gets to stand in front of a big camera like that. 

Jumping with my Infomercials Inc. friends.

I went with Todd and the two youngest peanuts. We were acting like it was morning and I was giving them a little breakfast before the busy day started all in the comfort of the Air Wolf. While the product took center stage you can still tell it is us in the background. Doug said the infomercial airs beginning this Saturday. So if you are lazily watching TV on the weekend or late at night watch for our starring role (we are in it three times). I'll try to add a link when I find one.

 

 

Big thanks to Randy who sure knows his stuff and for Loren who makes it fun and is a pure delight. I would love it if you moved to our neighborhood -- you know we could kick it up.

Adventure #33: Cook Like a Peruvian

Can I just say, Yum!

Me and Patty getting ready to compete in the upcoming, "Whose the next Foodnetwork Star?"

So, while I hate the day to day, "what's for dinner" type cooking, I love the cooking experience when I get to make something new or make something taste bud popping. It doesn't get much better than a personal cooking lesson on an authentic dish from Peru from someone who grew up there! Thank you Patty for showing me how to put a little passion into a meal and for loving garlic as much as I do.

We first went to Rancho Market to get our food. I've never been there and loved it. Did you know you could get 10 pounds of oranges for a dollar (on special)? Who knew. And, the small bunches of cilantro I get at the local grocery store are anemic compared to the bunch I collected here for the same price. You can even get a crunchy churro rolled in cinnamon in the back to quiet little kids or loud gringos (me). Trust me, I'll be back again!

The food was great, but the company and conversation was even better. I loved watching Patty throw in a handful of this and a smack of that (all just a teaspoon or so).


She learned how to make this dish from her mother who still lives in Peru. She would cook it over open flames in earthenware they made. What a rich, full-sensory experience she must have had. I can only imagine how beautiful it was to feel the heat of the fire, to smell the aromas of heavy garlic and freshly ground cumin, to watch the stew simmer as the flames licked the side of the pan, and sit stirring with the sounds of the village swirling around.




Since most of the recipe was a little here and a lot there, I doubt I'll ever be able to duplicate it. But, I'll have fun trying and every time I taste it I'll smile as I think of Patty laughing.

Adventure #32: Ride a Mechanical Bull

Yeehaw, you got it cowgirl; it's on to the rodeo next. 

We headed up the canyon on the Fourth of July to Snowbird where people were enjoying the last day of skiing and snowboarding. How crazy is that? I've never heard of skiing on the Fourth of July before. We passed one group carrying their snowboards in one hand and super soaker water guns in the other. 

In addition to all the skiiers, we saw a moose drinking from a pond next to the parking lot.

While wrapped in blankets and jackets (another 4th of July first), we found a large patch of snow next to the river to jump on.

Finally, after several mini adventures on the way up, we reached the mechanical bull. I have to admit, as we approached I was a little disappointed. It looked so easy, like a kiddy ride at Lagoon. But then..... ummm, when you get on and it gets a moving, well let's just say it is harder than it looks.

I had fun trying to be a cowgirl for a minute. I'll appreciate those bull riders so much more the next time I go to a rodeo.

Adventure #31: Quicksilver Alpine Slide

Squirrel Crossing

The last time I rode an alpine slide, I was traumatized because a cute little squirrel jumped onto the track just as I rounded a corner going as fast as I could. I saw his bright little eyes just before... SMACK. I ran him over. Screaming, I looked back as he rolled over and over and then luckily scampered off. Whew, at least I didn't kill the poor thing. For all I know, he was either participating in a squirrel initiation tradition or he was an adrenaline junky catching a few thrills with the rest of us.

I'm happy to report, no squirrels on this trip down. I think it helps that the Quicksilver slide is made out of steel so it gets too hot to entice little creatures to join in the adventure.

The birthday girl was my co-pilot and we had a good time zooming along the scenic ride overlooking the valley. Thanks kiddo, for sharing your birthday adventure with me!

Adventure #30: xtreme zipline down Olympic ski jump

Wow, I was amazed to see just how steep the Olympic ski jump really is. I know I could never go down on a pair of skiis, but it would be something else to go down on a tube. Since that is not likely to happen (I would probably die!), I flew 50 miles per hour along side the K 120 ski jump on the world's steepest zipline. Yahooo!

Here is our ski jump landing. I think we scored a 10.

Adventure #29: Olympic Bobsled Run

When I was a kid I always liked to sit in front of the TV with a big cup of hot chocolate and mini marshmallows to watch the ice skating events of the Winter Olympics. But, the event I thought I would do if I were ever in the Olympics was the bobsled. Yes, I wanted to go FAST and feel the wind. I wanted to feel my stomach lurch as I flew up the side of the wall around every curve. I remember the Jamaican bobsled team and thought if they could do it with no snow, why couldn't I when I have the "Greatest Snow on Earth" in my backyard.

I obviously never made it to the Olympics, as a matter of fact I've never even sat in a bobsled. That was until now.....

Yea! That is me in the back with Clint and Jeni. The back is supposed to the craziest ride with the most bumps.

We completed the one mile course with 18 turns and 4Gs in one minute and six seconds. One of the fastest times for that week!



When you start out they tell you to shrug your shoulders to minimize the neck and head shake... I never knew that. I'll keep it in mind the next time I ride a roller coaster since they seem to totally attack my neck and shoulders in my old age. It worked too, because I was fine at the end. Too bad they don't have a trick for rattled brains as your head jiggles in your helmet -- a lot.

No one on the couch for today's bobsled run.

Inspirations from Mexico

At the end of blogging my Mexico adventure series I have to take a minute and reflect on the trip that inspired the 40 adventures in celebration of 40 years.

A few months ago I went on a trip to the Yukatan Peninsula with Todd and a few friends. The place was everything I crave in an adventure -- beautiful scenery, new experiences, thrills, good food, intense colors, great friends, belly laughs, and an excitment that perculates deep in the gut of my soul. It left me with a desire to engage in activities that once filled my days and encouraged an active, lively, and spirited existence.

As I pondered on my 40 years, I thought what a better way to celebrate a great life filled with many diverse experiences than to dive in and fill it up with 40 new adventures that either I've always wanted to do or that reflect cherished memories of my past. 

So, thank you Mexico for inspiring me, thank you Dawn and Jason for sharing the experience, thank you Clint and Jeni for providing the conduit to my inspiration, and thank you Todd for supporting, loving, and encouraging me.

We Heart Mexico!

Here is to the adventures I've completed and to the adventures yet to come and here is to the many great friends and family members willing to share them with me.

Watch the slideshow highlighting a few photos from this trip.

Adventure #28: Snorkling in the Caribbean

Me, saying hi to my long lost friends, the tropical fish that I have always loved.

Snorkeling in the Caribbean at Yalku was one of my favorite adventures because it rekindled a passion I have always had for the ocean and tropical fish. Even though I grew up in the mountain region of Utah, I have always craved swimming in the ocean surrounded by a full array of colorful fish in odd shapes and sizes. As it is with most things, it is their color that catches my attention and draws me in, but it is their seemingly playful nature that endears them.

In my younger years I dreamed of having a giant (two story high) circular tropical fish tank that would fit in the center of my house with a spiral staircase climbing around it; or, a fish tank in place of each window so when you looked out you could see all kinds of fish swimming in the air.

I also dreamed of living in Hawaii so I could swim with the fish every day. When I found out BYU had a college in Hawaii I knew I would go there, and I did. My roommate, Julie Brown, and I painted fish on our walls (with tempera paint of course). I loved snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where there was such a variety of fish swimming in every direction and nibbling at your feet.

Once I returned home from attending college in Hawaii, I missed my little friends, so I painted more fish on the sunflower wallpaper on the bathroom walls of my parent's home (this time in acrylic paint, to my parents' surprise). I soon took a scuba class and had a blast swimming with dolphins and seals at La Bufadora in Mexico.

It has been a long time, too long, since I last swam with my little friends, so I was almost giddy to squeeze into a wet suit and jump in with my snorkel.



I love adventures that bring back that childhood wonder and excitement!

Adventure #27: Riding a Zip Line Over the Jungle

view from one zip tower to the next

I've heard of these amazing zip lines that go over the jungle floor, and always thought how fun it would be to zoom through the air while a world of exotic creatures were stirring  below. I got my wish and rode not just one zip line over the jungle, but 13 different zip lines for a mile and a half at Xplor adventure and water park, some even zooming you through a waterfall and landing in a pool of water. Yahoooooo!

That's me flying in for a landing on my first run of the day.

Another highlight of the day was meeting Erik Estrada (or maybe it was his son), who yes, I did have a small crush on when I was kid watching the original episodes of "Chips."  He got to check my harness connections and then asked me, "So, do you want to go fast?" After I nervously giggled out a "y-e-s," he flashed his big white teeth and sent me sailing away with a thumbs up as I faded in the reflection of his giant chips sunglasses.

In addition to the zip lines, we were able to drive an amphibious vehicle, raft through underground tunnels, and swim through the stalactite river. All in all, a fabulous adventure that we enjoyed with great friends.

Me driving in the second car as we came out of a tunnel. Dawn and Jason blazing the trail.

Me and Jeni at the heart of the park.