When you have jumped out of a plane without a parachute (but trusting that the person who is attached to you is in good health and knows how and when to pull his or her parachute); and swam just above the bottom of a lake 30 feet down in the water; motorcycled around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario all on one July day there isn't much else to do other than climb a mountain, sail a boat, bungie jump or do a thousand other things ---- unless of course you live in or around Toronto.
Then you have the privilege and pleasure of going for a 30 minute or so stroll around the CN Tower -- albeit above the restaurant and very, very high in the sky. Again like most of what I do -- you can't get hurt -- you can just "get dead". Not a chance with the Edgewalk. You are given a breathalyzer test; all personal possession are removed or taped (as in rings that will not come off); frisked; frisked; and frisked again.
You are then put into a jump suit and frisked another couple of times. Up in the dedicated elevator and then to the walk off point. By this time the group of 6 individuals who were all chatting five minutes earlier are deadly quiet. Good thing no one had lunch. That seems to be the biggest difficulty experienced by individuals prior to stepping into inner-outer space.
We were each told to stand against the wall and then individually we were hooked up - front and back - to a rope. Everyone was checked about 3 times (I can't really remember because by this time I was wondering what the heck I was doing -- considering that I am terrified of heights.)
We then stepped out onto the edgewalk. I think that the escort was concerned about me -- he didn't let me go last.
We walked about 15 feet - all close to the wall until the escort told us that it was time to have some fun -- as in leaning backwards at the edge. That was bad enough but 15 or more feet and he asked us if we remembered the movie the Titanic -- we all more than groaned but all but one of us actually leaned forward into open space looking down at the ground. We were now crowing like expert skyscraper workers.
After that we walked as if we owned the joint. We did the back lean twice more -- it was now a piece of cake. The whole thing lasted 35 minutes and it was an experience of a lifetime. Would I do it again? Maybe -- but not until I have climbed a mountain, sailed a boat, bungie jumped and probably grew a full head of hair. ;-))))))
allan
Another Drop in the Bucket
As the bucket list goes -- it grows but so do the adventures that are placed in the bucket.
I have just finished the Open Water Scuba Dive portion of my scuba training. I am now a certified (and still certifiable) scuba diver. What a hoot! The training and adventure were amazing and like most things that I get myself involved in there is always an added "kick" to the story.
The 4 dives that constitute the open water training took place on Saturday and Sunday at Confederation Park in Barrie. Saturday morning was particularly invigorating with a major downpour and 15 degree weather. I suppose you could say - big deal since we were going to get wet anyway -- but it does make a difference when everything around you, clothes, papers, food etc is soaken wet and downright cold. But then the upside is that the water looks inviting. One scuba school actually cancelled its class.
Anyway, after an orientation session, we geared up - I now have the experience of what women go through in putting on certain clothing -- when I had to put on the wet suit; boots, hood and gloves. By the time I had my 24 lb. weight belt and BCD on I was just about exhausted. We then had to walk about 40 feet to the shore and into the water at which time we put on the fins (I kept calling them flippers - but that just shows how old I really am.)
The testing was organized and would go well if it wasn't for the fact that I now had to come to grips with a realization that probably existed for decades -- I have a waist - what I don't have is hips!! Which means the weight belt will not stay up. It sounds funny. It ain't. By the time I had completed the first test (satisfactorily) I left the water and was ready to call it quits.
The 3 diving instructors then had to consider how to deal with the issue of how to keep the weights on me so that I would be able to descend into the water - and yet be able to get rid of the weights in a split second if necessary. They were quite imaginative and by the time they were done I was wearing two sashes with the weight belt resting on the sashes. All was well and I was now a relatively happy camper (or diver).
For the next two dives, the sky would look as if it was clearing and then the rain got worse. The visibility in the water was about a maximum of 12 inches. Really freaky. But all went well and by 3 p.m. I was on my way home, tired, water logged and not hearing very much.
Sunday looked promising. The weather was sunny. However, as soon as I stepped out of the car at the park it started raining for about 30 seconds. Definitely someone was laughing at us!
The last of the 4 dives went quickly. We were all certified - 6 guys; 2 gals; ages from the young lady who was about 12 years old to the 63 year old motorcyclist; sky diver; etc.
But the best was yet to come. One of the instructors stayed behind to take 7 of us on our first additional dive. An excursion to a sunken barge 29 feet deep. It was a 30 minute dive and was fantastic. Beautiful views (about 5 or 6 feet of visibility) and lots of fish. It was amazing to stop and look at a fish who just simply looked back at me. It was as if we were communicating.
So thank you to Liam, Dan and Alan (with one L) ( all of Scuba2000 in Richmond Hill) who took us on the dive and emphasized all that is important to remember about diving. I can't say enough good things about Scuba2000. They are a class act!!
So, I have now done - earth (motorcycling); air (sky diving) and water (scuba diving). After I finish the Edgewalk at the CN Tower shortly, I am looking forward to the next adventure. I am going to again meet up with Alan (with one L) since he is also a ski instructor. Judy and I have never downhilled skied - and it is about time we find out what it is all about. I suppose I should tell Judy that Alan (with one L) is also a pilot but she may not be very happy about that.
be well -- and my MD says that my full hearing should be restored within a few days ;-)))))
I have just finished the Open Water Scuba Dive portion of my scuba training. I am now a certified (and still certifiable) scuba diver. What a hoot! The training and adventure were amazing and like most things that I get myself involved in there is always an added "kick" to the story.
The 4 dives that constitute the open water training took place on Saturday and Sunday at Confederation Park in Barrie. Saturday morning was particularly invigorating with a major downpour and 15 degree weather. I suppose you could say - big deal since we were going to get wet anyway -- but it does make a difference when everything around you, clothes, papers, food etc is soaken wet and downright cold. But then the upside is that the water looks inviting. One scuba school actually cancelled its class.
Anyway, after an orientation session, we geared up - I now have the experience of what women go through in putting on certain clothing -- when I had to put on the wet suit; boots, hood and gloves. By the time I had my 24 lb. weight belt and BCD on I was just about exhausted. We then had to walk about 40 feet to the shore and into the water at which time we put on the fins (I kept calling them flippers - but that just shows how old I really am.)
The testing was organized and would go well if it wasn't for the fact that I now had to come to grips with a realization that probably existed for decades -- I have a waist - what I don't have is hips!! Which means the weight belt will not stay up. It sounds funny. It ain't. By the time I had completed the first test (satisfactorily) I left the water and was ready to call it quits.
The 3 diving instructors then had to consider how to deal with the issue of how to keep the weights on me so that I would be able to descend into the water - and yet be able to get rid of the weights in a split second if necessary. They were quite imaginative and by the time they were done I was wearing two sashes with the weight belt resting on the sashes. All was well and I was now a relatively happy camper (or diver).
For the next two dives, the sky would look as if it was clearing and then the rain got worse. The visibility in the water was about a maximum of 12 inches. Really freaky. But all went well and by 3 p.m. I was on my way home, tired, water logged and not hearing very much.
Sunday looked promising. The weather was sunny. However, as soon as I stepped out of the car at the park it started raining for about 30 seconds. Definitely someone was laughing at us!
The last of the 4 dives went quickly. We were all certified - 6 guys; 2 gals; ages from the young lady who was about 12 years old to the 63 year old motorcyclist; sky diver; etc.
But the best was yet to come. One of the instructors stayed behind to take 7 of us on our first additional dive. An excursion to a sunken barge 29 feet deep. It was a 30 minute dive and was fantastic. Beautiful views (about 5 or 6 feet of visibility) and lots of fish. It was amazing to stop and look at a fish who just simply looked back at me. It was as if we were communicating.
So thank you to Liam, Dan and Alan (with one L) ( all of Scuba2000 in Richmond Hill) who took us on the dive and emphasized all that is important to remember about diving. I can't say enough good things about Scuba2000. They are a class act!!
So, I have now done - earth (motorcycling); air (sky diving) and water (scuba diving). After I finish the Edgewalk at the CN Tower shortly, I am looking forward to the next adventure. I am going to again meet up with Alan (with one L) since he is also a ski instructor. Judy and I have never downhilled skied - and it is about time we find out what it is all about. I suppose I should tell Judy that Alan (with one L) is also a pilot but she may not be very happy about that.
be well -- and my MD says that my full hearing should be restored within a few days ;-)))))
august 3
Just when you think that you are smarter than all that nature can muster - wham -- you are brought back to reality.
Such has been the case with me for the last couple of days. Thinking that my youth had not left me I decided to jump out a plane; ride a bike like Captain America; and for those of you old enough to remember - swim like Lloyd Bridges in Sea Hunt.
Suprise, surpise -- not likely. I now have the most miserable summer head cold to remind me that you can't fool with mother nature. I have never been one to believe in the adage: "all things in moderation". I believed that "grab what you can because it will be gone tomorrow". Unfortunately my body is thinking otherwise. So instead of walking around the outside of the restaurant at the top of the CN tower; or doing a solo parachute jump -- I will hibernate for a few days and be ready to be stupid again by the middle of next week. After all, I can use the excuse that I forget what I did last week and simply repeat it.
be good.
Such has been the case with me for the last couple of days. Thinking that my youth had not left me I decided to jump out a plane; ride a bike like Captain America; and for those of you old enough to remember - swim like Lloyd Bridges in Sea Hunt.
Suprise, surpise -- not likely. I now have the most miserable summer head cold to remind me that you can't fool with mother nature. I have never been one to believe in the adage: "all things in moderation". I believed that "grab what you can because it will be gone tomorrow". Unfortunately my body is thinking otherwise. So instead of walking around the outside of the restaurant at the top of the CN tower; or doing a solo parachute jump -- I will hibernate for a few days and be ready to be stupid again by the middle of next week. After all, I can use the excuse that I forget what I did last week and simply repeat it.
be good.
July 29
All within the month of July, 2012
by land, by air and by sea
air - tandem parachute ride at 14,000 km.
land - iron butt ride - great lakes - 16,847k in 19 hours
sea - scuba diving certification -- my open water certification to be completed asap.
all at the young age of 63
we don't get older we get better.
by land, by air and by sea
air - tandem parachute ride at 14,000 km.
land - iron butt ride - great lakes - 16,847k in 19 hours
sea - scuba diving certification -- my open water certification to be completed asap.
all at the young age of 63
we don't get older we get better.
July 24, 2012
The second of my "triathalon" ----
GOING FROM TORONTO TO KINGSTON VIA SARNIA!!
the final tallies for the Iron Butt Ride -- a Saturday July 21, 2012 ride are:
started at 2:54 am and ended at 10:44 pm. -- way too many cigar breaks; leisurely trip along the seashore parkway in pa; texting; and having to pay cash for gas
odometer: 1684.7k
overall average 86.6k
moving average 101k
max speed - I forgot to use it ; or I deleted it (sorry your honour, really)
total moving time 16:38 hours.
hardest parts -- I-75 is a mess; Buffalo to I-90 is a mess; 401 is a mess all the time
conversations with Customs -- priceless
at Port Huron -- the officer heard of the ride -- he didn't think he could do it on his Harley -- since he was wearing a gun I merely gave a non-committal nod without any other comment.
cost - about $110.00 not including the cost of Gold Balm
temperature -- 12(not including wind chill) in the morning 87 in the afternoon
amazing: I did not use my air horn even once!!
what I learned -- I do not have an iron butt.
That ghost is gone forever!!!!!
Now that I have done the “air” and the “land” time to do the “sea”
allan
GOING FROM TORONTO TO KINGSTON VIA SARNIA!!
the final tallies for the Iron Butt Ride -- a Saturday July 21, 2012 ride are:
started at 2:54 am and ended at 10:44 pm. -- way too many cigar breaks; leisurely trip along the seashore parkway in pa; texting; and having to pay cash for gas
odometer: 1684.7k
overall average 86.6k
moving average 101k
max speed - I forgot to use it ; or I deleted it (sorry your honour, really)
total moving time 16:38 hours.
hardest parts -- I-75 is a mess; Buffalo to I-90 is a mess; 401 is a mess all the time
conversations with Customs -- priceless
at Port Huron -- the officer heard of the ride -- he didn't think he could do it on his Harley -- since he was wearing a gun I merely gave a non-committal nod without any other comment.
cost - about $110.00 not including the cost of Gold Balm
temperature -- 12(not including wind chill) in the morning 87 in the afternoon
amazing: I did not use my air horn even once!!
what I learned -- I do not have an iron butt.
That ghost is gone forever!!!!!
Now that I have done the “air” and the “land” time to do the “sea”
allan
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