Conquering the Royal Gorge Bridge

In 1988 we took our boys on a

Colorado Rocky Mountain vacation

the Royal Gorge Bridge was one of our stops. . .

just about the time we got a third of the way out on the bridge,

a vehicle started over behind us. . .which caused the bridge to

feel like we were walking across a trampoline. . .hellooooo. . .

that was it for me. . .I headed back to solid ground,

while Dave and the boys, much braver than their Mom

headed on across. I have always regretted that decision. . .so. . .

24 years and lots of pounds later here we are. . .

I’m bound and determined to conquer my fear

and do just as this billboard says. . .Walk across this crazy hanging in the air

with no supports bridge. . .as it bounces and sways with every footstep. . .

I can do it. . .I can do it. . .I even gave myself the pep talk. . .

“Every day, hundreds of people and vehicles cross this bridge. . .

and you’ve yet to read a news report about a collapse.”

Right! . . .here we go. . .

all was going well until I discovered there is only

a fastener about every fourth plank. . .WHAT?

Are they crazy. . .every single board should be

screwed and bolted down. . .

then Dave took great delight in pointing out the cracks

that were big enough to lose a small child through. . .

with the Arkansas River roaring by a thousand feet below. . .

okay, okay. . .stop looking down. . .just keep your

head up and look forward. . .OH LORD! OH LORD!

not helping. . .good grief. . 

.

My son required proof that I actually made it. . .so I took

this pic of his Dad in the very center of the bridge. . .

seriously. . .I really took it!

and please. ..wouldn’t you love to hear the story

behind the need for this sign. . .really?

We finally made it all the way across. . .and was taking a break on one of the

restaurant patios with a great view of the bridge when I had this bright idea. . .

I told Dave. . .I’ll go back up on the bridge. . .and you take my pic. . .

THAT was going very well. . .until. . .

this stupid car came across behind me. . .too late to do anything but hold on and pray!

Dave laughing at my moment of sheer terror. . .thanks honey!

So glad to have conquered my fear. . .

will I ever walk across it again. . .NO!