The definition of daredevil as provided by Webster’s is “recklessly and often ostentatiously daring”. I like that definition. It appeals to the bad-ass side of Life In Pleasantville, wherein I make popcorn for dinner and drink Sangria all night. I am nothing, if not, reckless and ostentatious. Truth be told, I’m really quite reserved but I have figured out how to be a daredevil. You need to think like a travel writer.
More than anything I love how travel writing has opened me up to experiences I would normally not have tried.. Jump into a jet boat and head into class 5 rapids, called *ahem* the Devil’s Hole? Sure, why not. Get the wits scared out of me? Of course, I’m in. Get dropped 300 ft from the sky in a slingshot? Ummm, are you freaking kidding me? Do I look crazy?
And yet here I was on a recent trip with Experience Kissimmee and Global Resort Homes and I was looking down the barrel of certain doom with my girlfriends and fellow bloggers, Nadia and Jen. Maybe our hosts thought we were the daredevil type. After all, we had just ziplined over alligators and crocodiles at Gatorland. Not exactly an activity for the faint of heart, but still, looking up at the Sky Coaster that was set to drop us 300 feet from the sky, my breath caught in my chest. To be fair, I didn’t really see that listed in our itinerary. I even double checked after the fact and yup, absolutely no mention of free falling from stomach flipping heights. Maybe the girls from Experience Kissimmee know what I now know…..that if you think about it too long, you won’t do it.
I asked just one question of the director at Fun Spot USA, before we were strapped in. The only one that mattered really. How many daredevil tourists had they lost on this ride? Not one was my answer. Despite the reassuring response, it was cold comfort as we were being hoisted up into the air by the steel cable.
This is how it came to be that I was strapped beside two good friends, arm in arm, being pulled 300 feet into the sky. Cue the intense bonding. What gets said in the air, stays in air, so I won’t share the nitty gritty but let’s just say it was emotional and had a lot of ‘f” words thrown about like fabulous, fun and f…..well, you get the picture.
I can not lie, the first twenty minutes of free falling was the worst. I kid, it was probably 3 seconds but it felt like forever, at least until the cable caught up and gave us a little tug tight. As soon as I felt the catch, the Sky Coaster was 100% pure awesome. Despite the fact that I’m screaming non-stop in the video, I’m actually having the time of my life. Really.
I’m pretty sure that had I had more than five minutes to think about riding on the Sky Coaster that day I would have chickened out.
So now I know how to be a daredevil and I’m going to treat all my travel like I’m working. I’m pretty sure that leaping before I think is the best thing I’ll ever do.
“Live like we’re dying” perfect soundtrack
I didn’t even notice the song playing until you pointed it out. Perfect soundtrack for this!
Watching was just as heart stopping…well ok…it was a little close??? You girls are total bad asses!
Ha! It was crazy fun and a little heart stopping 😉
that’s awesome and such great advice as we often let our fears get in the way of things and keep us from new experiences.
very true. Our mind plays tricks on us.
OMG, I would have pee’d my pants! You are braver than I! Looked like you guys had an amazing trip! Can’t wait to read more about it!
I have to tell you I thought I was going to pee my pants LOL. Scary as hell going up but glad I did it.
Now that’s pretty bad-ass. What do you do for an encore? What’s next on your list?
Hmmm, jumping out of a plane is definitely not on the list. I’ll have to give that some thought.
Running with the bulls? Jousting? Eating the hottest wings on the menu?
I’m not sure I could have done that! Good for you! 🙂
Like I said the key is to not overthink it 🙂
Omg Ian so chicken!!!
Very cool advice! I love to travel. Now I am going to travel like a travel writer!
Thanks Stephanie, it certainly helps change your perspective.
OMG, Never in a million years.
LOL! Oh Ann-Marie that made me laugh. You’re braver than you think girlfriend 🙂
Amazing video. great article.
Thank you! So much fun.
Oh my goodness! This is awesome! Way to be a daredevil! I am starting to face my fears little by little and this makes me want to face them even more. hehe!