Weightless: Learning to Fly in New Zealand

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“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live!” – Hans Christian Andersen

One of the most adventure-filled places on earth lies in the South Island of New Zealand, in a magical place called Queenstown. I had always dreamed of going to New Zealand and in the fall of 2002 my husband and I went on an epic two-week vacation of the North and South Islands of New Zealand. We were still newly married and kid-free thus craving adventure and excitement. Despite being the bungy-jumping capital of the world, I had no interest whatsoever in trying this form of thrill-seeking. Instead, my husband and I decided on trying tandem hang-gliding. It would be our chance to fly like a bird, soaring off the tops of the Remarkables and experiencing the sensation of weightlessness, exhilaration and joy.

I should have been concerned when we were about to book our day of pure kiwi-style adventure in Queenstown and the tour agent informed us that the day before there was “a wee bit of drama“.  But I was young, childless and full of that intense wild and crazy adventure that lead me to brush aside the fact that a woman and her “pilot” were in the hospital, barely alive, after crashing and free-falling thirty feet just after take-off on their tandem hang-gliding adventure.  Apparently the bolts weren’t correctly tightened.

After careful consideration of all of Queenstown’s fabulous, adrenaline-pumping activities, we settled on hang-gliding and I had my heart set on it, even though the story about the accident was still promptly displayed in the papers.  No it couldn’t happen to me?  What would be the odds?  We felt slightly reassured by our choice of a different company that according to our overtly friendly hotel concierge had a “no failure” safety record.  I didn’t want to chicken out at this point but the thought of being that first failure was still lodged inside the back of my mind, eating away a bit at my nerves.

It was with this mindset and apprehension that Paul and I set out one early afternoon to Coronet Peak a world-class ski resort in the winter and the launching off point for our hang-gliding adventure in the spring and summer.  Our van picked us up and drove us out of lovely, peaceful Queenstown and wove slowly up the mountainous terrain until we reached our destination:  Our launching point at 3,800 feet elevation!

As we drove up, my stomach dropped.  This time is wasn’t due to motion sickness but to pure fear, exhilaration and shock.  I saw the mountain for the first time and tried my best to not cry.  For some reason, I was picturing something a bit smaller, not this gigantic peak where sane people ski in the winter.  What on earth was I doing?  I tried not to panic and just sit there a smile as our driver talked about life in New Zealand and what a joy ride we were in for.  Was I really going to go through with it?

I spent the last few minutes in the van barely speaking as my hands starting clamming up with perspiration.  We pulled over to our launching point, right below the ski facilities, and my mind began to race.  As we got out of the van, I realized with dismay that there was only one guy waiting there and he was the pilot.  There was no backing out now.  We were the only thrill-seekers and one of us was going to have to go first.

Was it because he loves me so much that he graciously offered to go first?  Or was it because I was a selfish wife that would sacrifice his live over mine?  Needless to say, I didn’t have to decide.  As soon as the pilot asked us which one was going first my wonderful, loving husband Paul raised his hand.  He would be the guinea pig.  I was instantly relieved but then realized it would give me at least thirty to forty minutes to back out of going while I waited at the top and watched him go down.

After Paul had a brief training on hang-gliding 101, he was the courageous one and volunteered to go first.  

Paul getting strapped in and practicing a few safety techniques with Steve, the Canadian pilot.

One of the coolest features of the hang-glider was that it carried a camera! Thus we would hopefully have amazing pictures of us hang-gliding through the New Zealand sky!  Meanwhile more people arrived on top but they were with a different group. 

So, what does it feel like watching the love of your life strap himself into a hang-glider (with some relatively unknown pilot who was in charge of his life) and jump off the edge of a mountain?  Panic!

I gave him a kiss and told him to “have fun” and off they went, running strapped to the hang-glider and then over the edge. My heart pounded in fear and anxiety. I was nervous for his safety as it is not every day you see your husband jump off a mountain on a hang-glider, at least not my husband.

Taking off…

While he soared gracefully through the air, I marveled at the spectaular Remarkables behind me and saw the birdlike shape of the white hang-glider fade smaller and smaller into the distance.  The fifteen minutes that it took to reach the ground felt like an eternity.  I can honestly say that I not once felt calm until I saw the tiny, white hang-glider safely land far, far below.

The worst part after the sheer terror and fear that something awful would happen and my husband would crash, was the long, dreadful wait for my own turn.  I was completely alone on top of Coronet Peak for over forty minutes, feeling an enormous range of emotions moving from excitement, anticipation, and shock (that I was actually going to do this!) to anxiety, stress and fear.  It was ample time to change my mind.  When I saw the white van pull up over the crest of the ridge and into the makeshift parking lot my heart dropped.  It was my turn now.

I waited nervously for Paul to get out of the van and looked expectantly at his face wondering if he would have a look of elation or one of relief.  Thankfully he got out with a huge, triumphant smile across his face.

“What was it like”?  I questioned.  “It was fantastic!” he beamed.  “Was it stressful or scary?” I continued nervously.  “Not at all!” he replied confidently.  “It was so relaxing”.  Hmmm….relaxing?  I pondered.  “Really”? I asked a bit doubtful.  “Oh yes, it was incredibly peaceful” he responded confidently.

And that was enough to give me the guts and the willpower to fly like a bird….

Here I am with Steve, running as fast as we could before we leaped into the air and were flying like a bird….

“One, two, three….run!” Steve yelled.  And with that, we took off together running as fast as we could and then jumped into the silent air to only the sound of my desperately beating heart and a muffled scream.

The first thing I did in the air was scream at the top of my lungs.  I found my voice and poor Steve had to hear my screams almost the entire way down.  As we leaped over the ledge, the current of the air lifted us up like a bird and we soared weightlessly over the reclining edge of the mountain and into the sky.

Here I am screaming at the top of my lungs!

I remembered Paul’s words about how “relaxing” and “peaceful” it was. Was he absolutely crazy? This was the most exhilarating, over the top experience of my life! There was absolutely nothing remotely relaxing about hang-gliding.  It was the most insane, rush I’d ever felt.  A feeling of pure elation, joy and absolute freedom.

Steve laughed and told me that out of anyone he has ever taken hang-gliding, that I was the most enjoyable passenger of all. It was people like me that made his job so fun.

Finally I stopped screaming and relaxed as much as I could at thousands of feet above the ground strapped into a hang-glider. I marveled at the sensational scenery surrounding me and understood at that moment where the Remarkables got their name.

Hang-gliding was the most surreal, exhilarating experience of my life. To fly like a bird, for just 15 minutes, was incredible.

Paul took this picture of me from above as I gracefully soared throughout the New Zealand sky.

Once I calmed down, I began to really enjoy the exhilaration of soaring high up in the sky.  Steve asked if I wanted to take the reins and be the pilot. I instantly said yes.

The entire trip down took only fifteen minutes or so. As we approached the ground, Steve began circling the hang-glider just like a plane. Closer, closer, closer we came to the verdant green pasture and white van where Paul was awaiting my arrival.

Steve landed the hang-glider on a small makeshift runway. The landing was much bumpier than I anticipated but we made it. I survived.

And, just like that, my moment as a bird had ended. I waved my arms up for this photo finish and smiled triumphantly into the camera. I did it!

“Well…?” Paul asked with a smile in his eyes. “How was it?”  “It was out of this world!” I beamed. “But there really wasn’t a single thing relaxing about it”.  That is when his smiling eyes told me that he had told me a tiny little lie. “Hell no!” he said. “But if I would have told you the truth, you never would have gone through with it”.

I instantly forgave him and gave him a hug. He was right. I never would have jumped off a mountain strapped into a hang-glider if I knew the truth. But I am sure glad I did!

Would I do it again? Probably not…but then again, who would have thought I would have done it the first time.  

Even the sheep were a bit startled to see a giant bird land onto the ground with one screaming American wanderlust attached.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Weightless. 

63 thoughts on “Weightless: Learning to Fly in New Zealand”

  1. Nomads By Nature – We are a foreign service family living around the world. Our comments and pictures are our own and do not express the views of our employer. Being a bit shy, we kindly request that you do not link us to social websites such as Facebook. Links to your personal blog are welcome. About our Gravatar: This ‘little’ garden sculpture gem was at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. I’m not usually into sculpture (except I must admit that I do think that the big Easter Island heads are pretty funky looking) but when I saw this one, I fell in love. If I ever had enough money and the weight allowance, this would have been the sculpture I would have bought myself for my garden/yard. It is just whimsical and it made me smile. It felt like the best reminder to relax, play, have fun, see the world from a new perspective. Of course, you could always be a pesamist and look at it like “Whoa, the giant elephant foot of oppression is going to stomp on the head of the unsuspecting happy person”. I choose the optimistic view.
    Nomads By Nature on said:

    What a great adventure and view!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I had to scan these photos in as they were taken 14 years ago before I had a digital camera. It was pretty amazing jumping off the top and flying down.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Debbie! The things we do when we are young and carefree! I don’t know if I’d do it now…:)

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  3. Ahhh you’re braver than I am! I’ve just come back from New Zealand, my husband did a bungy but I just didn’t have that need within me to throw myself off a bridge. Queenstown is awesome though!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha Ha….I don’t think I would do it again though. I’d be too chicken. I loved NZ. It is such an amazing place. I would love to go back. There is so much to do there and it is so beautiful and serene.

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  4. Kewl 🙂 truth is when ya go fly on a day when there is 500ft to 1000 ft per minute lift is a real rush…we call dat da elevator ride to heaven! jest stay away frum da clouds…….. an have a great flight,,,every time ya go it is a different experience. I finally gave up foot launching an got an engine for mine, it’s easier thata way fer me, meanwhile i watch the foot launchers have fun……….so glad u had an awesome adventure! i want to fly NZ sumday! .yeahhhhhhaaaaaaaa. 😎 splendid 2016 wishes 2 U frum da’ Q 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Happy New Year to you too! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  5. A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
    A Wandering Memory on said:

    What a great experience – something I have yet to experience… Brilliant idea as always…

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It was very exciting. I would go parasailing again but I don’t think I’d have the guts to do this again!

      Reply ↓
      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        I will check it out! Thx!

      • A Wandering Memory – Seasoned traveler and aspiring photographer. I am a huge advocate of living life and have had many incredible experiences throughout my years. I just hope the next 30 years are just as amazing!
        A Wandering Memory on said:

        I thought you would like some of them…

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha Ha…good thing this was 14 years ago when I was a bit younger. I could never do it now! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes! It was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the challenge Sally. I don’t think I would ever do it again! My self has changed a lot in 14 years, especially now that I’m a mom. But I’m really glad I did it.

      Reply ↓
  8. scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
    scillagrace on said:

    This is a great account! It reminds me of para-sailing with my husband in the Bahamas. It was cold and thrilling and not at all relaxing, but it was a rush and quite exciting.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wonderful! I went parasailing many years ago in Mexico and it was pretty exhilarating too. I remember how hard it was to land on the beach. I was a little scared!

      Reply ↓
      • scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
        scillagrace on said:

        We were actually tethered to the back of a boat and reeled in and caught…like fish, I suppose!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow, that is rather wild! What an experience!

  9. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    An amazing adventure, Nicole. Love the photos of you screaming your lungs out. 😀 Well done to you and Paul.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! It is fun to look back.

      Reply ↓

  10. Pingback: WPC: Weightless (Falling Diagonally) | Chris Breebaart Photography / What's (in) the picture?

  11. We’re hoping to go to New Zealand as a family next year- I might be up for watching my husband and older boys try bungee jumping 😉

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      That is wonderful! How old are your kids? Do they hike? So much to see and explore there. It is one of my favorite places on earth and delicious wine!

      Reply ↓

      • by the time we plan on going, they will be 18, 16, 15, and 12. And they will hike whether they want to or not- ha! We will probably be going during NZ winter, though.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wonderful! How fantastic you are going there on a family trip! You will love it and they are the perfect ages.

  12. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    I didn’t know you’d been to NZ! We adored Queenstown! Funny how our fears differ – I thought the hang gliding looked super scary, but I really, really wanted to bungy jump. I was there with our three young kids and they were freaked by the mere thought of it. I decided watching their mom thunder toward the ground might not be the best idea! Now that I’ve read your post, I want to do the hang gliding, too! Perfect idea for the theme!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes we went awhile ago back in 2002. I could never try bungee jumping or sky diving. I think I’d have a heart attack!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It was a pretty wild ride that is for sure!

      Reply ↓
  14. euphoriciraqisinglemom – I used to be Neurotic. Verrrrrrry Neurotic. But I got promoted. Promoted to Euphoric. I am a mother to two beautiful boys. Im an ex of a very bitter man. And Im Iraqi. Im Iraqi but my Iraqiness is not defined by the amount of time I have lived in that country, because to be honest, I have only lived there briefly, instead my Iraqiness is bound by the traditions. The traditions that played a huge part, a huge part of where I am at today... I am a special needs mom. I love reading about research of finding treatments and cures. I also love fashion. I love interior decorating. I love planning parties. Especially birthday parties. I am addicted to reading. But ask me who is the author or whats the title of the book Im reading now, I have no idea. I have a very very short lived memory. I only remember the things that make me Euphoric. Be it in a bad way or a good one.
    euphoriciraqisinglemom on said:

    That takes lots of guts! Good for you! Looks like an amazing experience. One, that I doubt I will ever do 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I don’t think I’d do it now either! This was 14 years ago!

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  15. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Love this post Nicole! The smile on your face says it all. We haven’t tried this although it looks quite similar to paragliding. Good for you not to let fear stop you from this amazing adventure.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue!

      Reply ↓
  16. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    Goodness you are brave. Great post and fab experience! Happy New Year!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jane! Happy New Year to you too!

      Reply ↓
  17. RoarLoud – My love of nature has always drawn me outdoors. Being curious like a cat has lead to various adventures and travels. This blog highlights my travels, adventures, gear and random interesting tidbits of my life roaring loudly. The story behind my nickname (Wildcat) and my roaring can be read here. http://wp.me/p5yqsL-4m
    RoarLoud on said:

    Awesome story! I’m not sure I could do it, with kids I try not to take too many risks. Yet there is a big part of me that would love to try it! I would be screaming lots too! Roars to you!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes I did this 14 years ago before kids. Would not do it today! But it was wild!

      Reply ↓
  18. maamej – Australia – I'm a single white Aussie mum of anglo-celtic background with a teenage son whose dad is from Ghana in West Africa. I’m blogging to share experiences, insights & funny stories about living in a mixed family. I also blog about health, politics, culture, racism and food.
    maamej on said:

    You are braver than I am!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Not sure! Maybe just a little crazy!

      Reply ↓

  19. Great story of love and adventure Nicole! It is inspiring to know you didn’t back down (with a little ecouragement/lies from Paul). Great pics too. I am far more comfortable on the sea than in the air, so I don’t imagine I’ll be soaring like that anytime soon. But it was great to enjoy the adventure with you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lisa! I don’t think I would do it again now. It was 14 years ago and now I’ve become a little more cautious. 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Oh I try Lisa! I find that I am much more adventurous when I’m traveling though. I think it is just getting out of your comfort zone and somewhere new that brings out the explorer in me!

  20. restlessjo – Hi! I’m Jo! Johanna when I’m feeling posh, Jan to my Dad, and Joasiu to my Polish family. A bit of a mix-up, that’s me. The one constant, however, is my restless nature. I love to travel and to explore our world. It doesn’t have to be the big wide world. I can be ridiculously happy not too far from home, so long as I’m seeking new horizons. Of course I have a wish list, and it was to help me fulfil my dreams that I started to write travel guides for a venture called Simonseeks. I’d always kept a travel diary, and it was hugely satisfying to share my experiences and to make new friends who shared my passion for travel. Alas, Simonseeks hit a few troubles, but I still find myself writing about my travels. I’ve become addicted. I’d love to share them, and to make more friends. So, it has to be a blog- right? Or do I mean- write?
    restlessjo on said:

    Your feelings pretty much echo what I think my own would be. I would so want to do it but be very, very terrified! Well done you, and thanks for taking me for the ride 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You’re welcome Jo! 😌

      Reply ↓
  21. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Brilliant! I totally relate to the fear and excitement before doing something that’s way out of your comfort zone, and the feeling of exhilaration afterwards! Fantastic post.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! It is funny that when I’m not traveling it is so much harder to get out of my comfort zone than when I am. Strange.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! Yes it was quite extraordinary!

      Reply ↓
  23. Manja Maksimovič – Toscana – A Slovenian in Italy for love. Blogger, photographer, translator and would-be writer who would be a writer if she wrote. Plus reluctant but emerging poet. Beware.
    Manja Mexi Movie on said:

    You have passed your experience on to us most excellently. Well done! Also to your husband and his little white lie. 😀

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was quite the experience! Thank goodness I did it when I was a bit younger and before kids as I wouldn’t do it now! This was 14 years ago!

      Reply ↓
  25. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    What an absolutely awesome post. And brilliant photos. Felt like I was there with you. This is something I don’t think I could do but I guess if my other half did it maybe, like you, I would reconsider. You looked like you were having an absolute ball. What an experience. Good on you.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Miriam! I did this 14 years ago and I don’t think I’d do it again today! But glad I got that experience. It was scary but exhilarating too. 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        Isn’t it amazing how we lose our bravery as we get older. Or maybe we just gain more common sense!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        😌

  26. thepetalpusher – gardener, procrastinator, teacher, wife, daughter, friend, step-mother, pet owner, bike rider, angler, daydreamer, exerciser, not-a-very-good listener, walker, house cleaner, over-eater, lover, reader, voter, hiker, tutor, avoider, writer, fantasizer, painter, eye glass wearer, giggler, vacationer, traveler, photographer, Facebooker, Twitterer, shopper, pooper, stooper: Alas, a retiree!
    thepetalpusher on said:

    Looks like a blast. Thanks for sharing your adventure–it’s on my bucket list.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it was quite the ride!

      Reply ↓

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