Could two women look more in control and relaxed after a long hot day in Jackson, Wyoming?
It was about time we gave 'tubing' a try. Fortunately, during this 'spur of the moment' decision, my brother suggested that we rent wet suits, and we wisely accepted the 'booties' too (just in case it was slimy). As we rented our wetsuits I mentioned this was our first time down the river, anything we should know before venturing out? "You should be fine, a couple of small rapids and it goes all the way through town, about five miles, you'll end up behind the supermarket".
Another 'fortunate' moment came when we ran into the guys who had done this the day before and were more than willing to do it again. What Fun! They did happen to mention that there were a couple of rapids with drops, not to bad, maybe four or five. No problem! Except... if you will look closely at this picture, you will see the 'first' bridge that the current was 'pulling' us towards. Why I caught the jet stream I'm not sure, but I became the leader. This is where I stopped noticing any scenery and held on for dear life.
It was lose my head, or lay 'FLAT OUT' on the tube to fit between the bridge and the water, and I made it! What a rush! I should be more daring, I'm not so old after all, ahhh, the thrill of adventure!
About that time, Christine came under the bridge, she tried to slow herself down by putting her feet up against the bridge. The force of the river popped the tube right out from under her and we watched her tube leave without her. Heroes to the rescue, YES, we have real men to save the day, (thank you, GOD!)
Unfortunately this is the last photo in the serene water...we were picking up speed. I lost count after THE FIVE rapids (did they mean five every five minutes?) 'Why am I still in first place?" A couple more times falling out, a few more 'drops', and each time we fell out, the guys would 're-set' us in the tubes and we would carry on. When you hear the water rushing, it is not a good sign, nor is it possible to change your mind about being in a tube. Just hold 'er steady and pray. The seriousness of this hairbrain idea was now teaching me something I had never in my life experienced so intensely. I would have to ride it out to the end (or crash) and I had absolutely no control on speed or direction... and, why am I still in the front? I am also thinking if I survive, "I am going to have a talk with Mr. Yoolbe Fine".
Bright idea! Grab the grass! No, too late, bushes, grass, stickers, psssssssssst, no more bumper! "There are no snakes in Wyoming, there are no snakes in Wyoming". I sounded like Dorothy wishing she were in Kansas. (and guess what, there ARE snakes in Wyoming) But, I was no longer flying down the river, just standing in muck and high grass. Okay, done, finished, get me out of here, had enough.
My Knight in a black shiny wet suit came around the bend and his tube went pssssssst. Time to warn the others, the trip stops here, wherever 'here' was. If only we could see what was up on top of the hill we had to climb.
We ended up at the CarWash on the main road! Not knowing we were traveling at 'Magic Mountain' speed, my brother had hoped to follow us from point to point through the town. I'm sorry he
didn't get that National Geographic photo op , okay, Kodak moment, because it would have shown
the sheer terror on my face and I would have liked the proof.
I got some 'splainin' to do about this picture!
Let me start by saying I was shaking so bad inside, that when they picked me up for the movie, what came out of my mouth was " I have never in my life said this, but... I need a drink!" I think it was then that they realized it was no exaggeration that it was one scary ride! Second, It is a Spritzer in the bag, and it is in a bag, because, nevermind... I have never and never will drink out of a brown paper bag!
It would have to be something prettier... kidding!
