Whewwwww!!!!
Talk about a RUSH! I just got back from the Desert Sky Zipline Experience and it was crazy! Although I had some pre-concieved notions about being strapped into a harness and flying fifty feet about ground, it ended up being my favorite activity so far!
Like other Outdoor Challenge Activities at Miraval, this zipline experience was all about really letting go of your fears and living in the moment. But, I have to say going into this I was more than a little nervous. I’m not one to be afraid of heights or anything but the whole letting go and stepping off the ledge thing sort of freaked me out.
So yeah, I was feeling a little uncomfortable…a little out of place. And, it didn’t help that my other three teammates already were best friends. I felt like that middle school girl looking for a lunch table or something. You know what I mean! However, I think that it’s times like this—when we are out of our pretty little comfort zone—when we really grow and become stronger. Challenges like this really push you to try new things and learn more about yourself in the process.
And, I’m not really one to step down in the face of a challenge. See Exhibit One and Exhibit Two.
And so, quite literally…I took the leap!
First though, I had to hike up a fifty foot telephone pole. Now I don’t know about y’all, but I hike up fifty foot poles on pretty much a daily basis so this was no big deal at all.
Do I look like I’m about to pee my pants? Because I am.
Victory!
Once we had all gotten to the top, we paused and had a deep little chat about what it means to let go of things in our life and how to take big leaps.
Actually, I’m lying. We talked about who was going to be photographing who with various iphone cameras. But it sounded good, right?
And then…I stepped off the ledge!
My partner was a doctor so I felt like I was in safe hands.
After a few minutes of flying, we grabbed hold of the noodle-like contraptions that were dangled in front of us and we were pulled back to planet earth.
Highly unattractive photo:
Dear Jenna,
Why do you insist on wearing tiny Nike running shorts when you’re about to be strapped into a body harness? We weep and burn for you.
Love,
Your inner thighs
After we all made it down, we sat in the shade and this time really did discuss our feelings at the top and the idea of living in the moment and letting go of whatever is holding us back.
I learned that being a little uncomfortable isn’t always a bad thing and sometimes the hardest part is just stepping off the ledge. I never would have done something like this before but now feel ready to conquer future ziplines in rain forests and over oceans.
But next time, I’d be sure to wear longer shorts.
{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
I ADORE ziplining. The first time I went, in Nicaragua, I was bloody TERRIFIED but it was so exhilarating I did it again the next chance I got – six months later in Thailand. I dont know why but it changed something in me … helped me conquer some major fears. Now I want to do it every chance I get!
THat looks like so much fun!! I went ziplining in Costa Rica and it was amazing! years of gymnastics makes hanging upside down a million feet up in the air second nature. Enjoy the rest of your trip!!
I hear you sister! Totally wore short-shorts while on a ropes course last week. Felt very sorry for the people underneath me who I flashed…
Yay! You did it! That photo wasn’t unflattering, you crazy cute girl! You probably made the day of the boys nearby. :p
Oh wow this is amazing. I totally cracked up about your ‘shorts’ letter (short story?). So funny. It looks like it would be SO much fun. My middle school used to have a much much smaller zip cord thingy (only 5 feet off the ground) and I remember what a rush that was…hahaha.
These are such wonderful pictures!!! Congrats on getting through it all
You make my day over and over and over again
HUGE SMILES! You go Jenna!
Looks like so much fun! Congrats on conquering your fears and going all out! Love the pics
awesome!! get it girl!
great photos too!
So cool! You did a great job Jenna!!
wow, i’m so impressed you’re upside down! that’s so cool
I rode a zip line on a field trip in the 6th grade. While I wasn’t too scared (I was 12!), I definitely know how high and fast you fly on those things! Good for you for conquering your fear.
Woohoo!
Looks like so much fun. You’re very courageous!
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to zipline! So jealous.
I did the zipline stuff when I was in Austria, back in 2003 – LOVED it. What a rush!
I went ziplining in Costa Rica a few years ago, and I LOVED it!!! Isn’t it so much fun?!?
Awesome.
Good for you girl! Looks like an awesome experience!
Too funny! I think your inner thighs look absolutely fine.
What an incredible experience!
Awesome! I am so glad you faced your fears and you had so much fun!
Awesome! I went skydiving a few years back and it was such an amazing feeling!
Dear Jenna,
Your posts just get better and better. I love them! And I, too, failed at wearing shorts that were too short when I was strapped into a harness on some giant trampoline at 6 flags. All photographs have been hidden away in a deep, deep box where no one will ever find them. lol
I agree, it’s definitely good to try new things and be pushed out of your comfort zone every so often. And that photo is NOT unflattering! You look fine!
Oh this is wonderful – awesome experience!!!
Loved this post! What an incredible opportunity, never tried it, but I really want to now.
seriously, nothing like that seat belt harness material bunching up your crotch. not fun. but zip line = totally fun! and i love your comparison to bob and jillian, it helped me visualize you there!
There used to be a zipline just out in the middle of nowhere on one of the trails that I used to ride in Germany. I would always jump off my bike, do the zipline thing, then jump back on and ride. Here are some pics…
http://geekturnedathlete.com/2009/09/11/zip-line-fun-on-a-bike-ride/
I’ve also been in Jamaica, and I loved it there too.
It looks like you had so much fun. I’m glad you are enjoying yourself there. 
WEEEEEE!
That looks like so much fun! Although the climb to the platform would have me freaking out.
I think you look great in that picture. You look so happy.
First, that photo is not unflattering, rather adorable, and second, the second picture of your post is AWESOME. I’m going to look up going there for my next vacation because everything you’ve talked about is something we all need at one time or another.
How amazingly fun and terrifying! Adrenaline, much? Good thing you’re not afraid of heights!
Amazing!
Ha ha ha! Loved this post. Way to go, Miss Jenna! My hubby says you need to do something every day or week or month that scares you. Nothing necessarily dangerous but something that takes you out of your comfort zone. So I just got back from a scooter ride through town. I was given the scooter for my birthday last year and finally got up the nerve to ride it. You see I have to cross a highway and drive on a 45mph road to get to our quaint little seaside town. Instead of the cute orange scooter I would have liked (but still been too afraid to drive) hubby thought it was a good idea to get me a 150cc motor bike. It’s black with alot of chrome, weighs nearly 300 lbs and can go up to 70mph. Safer he says. Hmmm… I enjoy my limbs and driving my jeep thank you very much. Anyways, today was a beautiful day and I really had fun zipping around town. Have to take a driving test soon to be licensed. Going to the DMV… Now that’s scary!
This is awesome, Jenna! What a great reminder of how important it is to step outside of your “safe” place every once and a while. And the pictures are awesome! Those shorts don’t look comfy in the harness, but you looked good!
Jenna,
I think this every time I read your blog…you are an amazing writer! I not only envy your writing ability but I also love how you just jump in and do something — even if it does scare you to the point of almost peeing your pants! Needless to say, I loved your letter about your shorts and you are right, it is so true that we only really truly grow and become stronger when we are out of our ‘pretty little comfort zone.’
Thank you and please keep up the amazing writing!!
I love zip lining! Such a rush!
Ziplining is so much fun! I did it for the first time last year on a staff retreat – picture a bunch of environmental, hippie types tanked full of beer zipping through the forest….
Wow- that’s so awesome! I’d be so scared to do that. I can understand how that would help you let go of all the stress in your life.
Love the note from your inner thighs. Mine would have said something more like……”hey, cellulite here, COVER ME.” but your inner thighs are very nice so you got nothing to worry about.
I want to try that…
…mine are thick and have cellulite – uh…lukewarm?…
And what the hell are you talking about?? I’d KILL for your thighs!! HOT!
WOW! Awesome! The photos didn’t appear as challenging–until see the vid–then OMG–lose lunch kind of scary/fun. Your ‘unattractive’ picture looked fantastic! Are you kidding?!
What terrific experiences. My son always tells me AFTER he does something scary–like skydive or jump off high rocks in France and into the sea, etc.
I can’t wait to go there. What a tremendous experience–and also vicariously. Always helpful to have that message of “Go for it” underscored. Thanks!!
WOW! Awesome! The photos didn’t appear as challenging–until see the vid–then OMG–lose lunch kind of scary/fun. Your ‘unattractive’ picture looked fantastic! Are you kidding?!
What terrific experiences. My son always tells me AFTER he does something scary–like skydive or jump off high rocks in France and into the sea, etc.
I can’t wait to go there. What a tremendous experience–and also vicariously. Always helpful to have that message of “Go for it” underscored. Thanks!!
Now that you have been in AZ a for a while by yourself how does it compare to the trip you took with your mother? Are you taking more things away from this trip with all of the time for reflection or would you prefer doing the trip with someone?
I was just in Maine hiking by myself and it was an amazing experience hiking alone and laying on top of mountains alone and thinking about life!
What a great experience!
Whoooo!
Well…… I would have peed my pants.
Because I’m a stud like that.
Jenna.
I don’t comment enough, but I just have to say (if I haven’t already), I love love love reading your blog.
regardless if your posts are about something exciting (like today!!) or what you ate for lunch… it’s always entertaining and great to read.
enjoy the rest of your stay!!!
Wow – I have a knot in my stomach just looking at those pictures and reading your blog! You are definitely brave… I am a little scared of heights!!
rock on chica!
That is so cool! I am scared just watching!
That looks like a lot of fun, and yet I would be TOTALLY shaking in my shoes the whole time.
Oh my god!! Wow! I could never do that, Frightening!
Hi Jenna!
Wow, those photos are gorgeous. I love arizona and pretty much all deserts– so calming. And sunrises!… one of those thing I rarely push myself to experience but alwaysss enjoy. WOW!
Oops! How did that end up here?! Darn. Haha
That looks awesome. It looks fun to do, but i’m not sure if I could convince myself to do it, but yay for you doing it.