I *really* didn’t think I’d actually do this, but then I kept thinking of the drive out of Queenstown and how sad/disappointed I would be if I didn’t - so I sucked it up, closed my eyes and signed up ($267 on Kawarau Bridge - home of the world’s 1st bungee jump). And then I didn’t think about it until Monday morning.

And on Monday morning? I woke up and it was pouring rain. Excellent. The jump will be cancelled, it wasn’t my fault, I tried, but can’t. And then to my dismay I heard “jumps go ahead in rain or shine.”

GAH!!

On a level of “0 to sh*t my pants” (Nat’s scaling), I was at about a 3 on the bus there. But as the seconds ticked on, my fear quickly escalated. And then somehow, someway, I was out in the rain, getting harnessed up. I was at a 7 or 8 on the fear factor now. But no big deal. I can do this. I will do this.

They wrapped my feet up (umm with a towel!?) and then suddenly I was shimmying towards the platform. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE MY FEAR RIGHT NOW.  It took nearly 4 and a half minutes (average time) for me to actually jump, but not before I asked to go back, had tears in my eyes, had reviewed what I would do if the bungee snapped, praised the good Lord for the life I’ve lived and cursed at myself for thinking I could do it.

And then I did it. I can’t remember what exactly made me do it, but I did it! And? It was incredible. I remember distinctly knowing I was free falling before the rope caught me, and there was no massive jolt like I assumed there’d be.

Pretty cool, eh? And now off I go to my bucket list to cross it off the list.

t.e.r.r.i.f.i.e.d.

I know. My belly! But I remember this moment - smiling through the fear.

I bought the photos from the Bungee company ($45) and owe a huge thank you to Natalie for getting it on video.