We Survived Some Scary Fun!

I have always loved suspense. And exhilaration. So when we went to Moaning Caverns I was anticipating a little of both, but had no idea how amazing it was going to be. We walked into a little shop where they sell very expensive tickets and rocks and trinkets, then we saw the cave opening...right there in the tiny store. Andy and I rappeled down 165 feet through the center of the dark cave while the rest of the family climbed down the 16-story metal spiral staircase and met us at the bottom. Andy went first and I followed just above him. Everything was fine until we had to go bottom first through a tiny hole (I though I was going to get stuck!) and then I heard Andy call out, "What do I do here? My legs don't reach the side anymore!" Being the encouraging mother that I am (and thinking that sometimes Andy can be a bit alarmist) I called back that he'd be fine and to just keep going. Suddenly I reached the spot he must have been talking about. Yes, I was just hanging there, about 80 feet down from entrance and 80 feet up from the end of my life. And no, they don't send a guide with you or someone to ask questions to if you need a little advice, like how shall I proceed without dying.
Since Andy had already passed this point, I knew I could do it (it wasn't the first time he has helped me like this!) so I held my breath and kept pulling the rope. After a while I could see little ants (that would be my family) waiting for us to finish our descent. Such relief I have never felt as when we were back on firm ground! It was the most exhilarating feeling and I loved it.
Then, we did the 1,500 foot long zip line. Dave and Ryan watched as Andy and Alaina went solo and Becca went tandem with me because she wasn't quite big enough to go alone. After two regular zips, we were ready to go "superman style". One by one, Andy, Alaina, and I jumped head first from about 60 feet off the ground and flew down the line. It was awesome. What a fun day!


A view of the starting point from the end.