Loops & Corkscrews

Whirrrrr, thump thump thump, creeeeeak, tap, tap, tap, snap, snap, snap, buzzzzzzz “please keep your hands and legs inside the vehicle at all times!” whirrrrrrrr, click, click, click, click, click ..... click.... click ...creak... TICK! -----------

And so here I am, on the precipice of the roller coaster. Everyone has gotten you very excited for the ride, discussed different experiences, emphasizing the best parts and leaving out the negative details. I stood in line for my turn, sat in the front car and strapped myself in – the seatbelt double checked by experienced personnel. And the ride starts. It goes up the first hill being assisted by the chain which is latched on by a small, yet sturdy hook. The view is beautiful! As I climb higher the anticipation becomes greater and greater. Maple trees begin to look like small rows of vineyards, mighty rivers like the canals of Amsterdam, cows begin to remind one of olives – a vehicle for something of greater worth. At some point, however, the climb begins to slow, and more attention is paid to that little chain holding you onto the track, onto safety. As the car begins to roll over the highest point it slows, seeming to allow the rest of the car to make it over the top before it begins. Who knows what loop-d-loops or corkscrews may come my way.

So here I am. Two days before my departure. At the top of the roller coaster – I am strapped in. The excitement is huge, but so is the lump in my throat as I know once that chain lets go my stomach will be so high in my throat I may not be able to breath for a moment or two. That first drop is always the biggest, and that’s when the adrenalin takes over.