I never thought I'd feel wimpy and weak to have signed up for white water rafting down class IV rapids on the side of a soaring, ice-capped mountain.
Interlaken is filled with the most extreme of the extreme: skydiving, ice climbing, skyboarding (I think that's what it's called), glacier skiing, hang gliding, bungy jumping, etc etc. If it involves gravity, and lots of it, you can do it. Markus is off right now doing something called Canyoning. I'll let him describe it for you later -- assuming he hasn't broken both arms, which is apparently a common occurance.
Anyway, back to my original point: canyoners swear by it, and two girls I was talking with at the hostel last night made it pretty clear this morning that I wimped out by not joining the canyoning group. I'm not the thrill-seeking type, but c'mon, white water rafting can't be that weak, can it? Interlaken, and particularly our hostel, is filled with energetic people looking for a great time outdoors; standards are through the roof.
Can you tell that I'm nervous? Nevertheless, I'm really looking forward to the rafting this afternoon, and proving myself; wish me luck!
Posted by Brian at June 17, 2003 10:39 AMDude, don't drown! I can remember when you wouldn't even get in a canoe on our scouting trips, so I'd say what you're doing is far from wimpy. Hope you have fun!
Posted by: Michael Holt at June 17, 2003 03:53 PMGOOD LUCK!!!
I went white water rafting once at about the quitest time of the summer, in not that big rapids, and I was very very scared, so I feel for you. Of course, that doesn't make you not a wimp, since I'm a giant wimp and don't bother trying to deny it. However, if you are more of a wimp than me, then you deserve the mocking. The part that got me the most was the safety lecture. If you fall out of the boat .... If someone else falls out of the boat ... If you get knocked unconscious on the rocks .... If you get a gash on the razor sharp rapid rocks .... Ya, my little imagination sure didn't need such ideas put in there, but hey, I lived, unharmed, and stayed inside the wraft the entire trip, except by choice. So ya, I'm sure you'll be just fine.
As for me, I'm still nervous about my attempt at the extreme sport of Wolski dating. I hope someone is around to give me a safety lecture.
Posted by: Shannon at June 17, 2003 04:03 PMShannon,
I think the only thing you might have to fear at my mom's house is feeling way too full all the time. I know it's gotta run in the family now after my experience with Sepp and Christine. I had a great time with them, but I don't think my Canyoning experience would have been possible if I would have stayed there for much longer. They only have harnesses and suits up to XL.
As for going up to visit my family, I say don't worry about it. You're Crazy, we're crazy, it'll all work out just fine.
P.S. I kicked myself several times for not bringing along my International driver's license. Let's just say that my withdrawal has reached a state in which I constantly make car-related sound effects, but then again, that's nothing new either.
Posted by: Markus at June 17, 2003 06:05 PMHey Mark, Sounds like you guys are having a great time! But some things are happening back in little ol' Dryden. Mike had surgery today, had his apendix taken out. but he's ok. thought you should know. Shannon is coming today!WHERE ARE OUR POST CARDS!!! Any way, see ya Love ya Sonja
Posted by: Sonja at June 24, 2003 11:27 PM