I’m married to a crazy person. I’m sure he’d say I drove him to it, but the truth is he’s always been this way. A hike is never finished until he has explored every available square inch of the terrain we’re crossing — especially the ledges and the high spots. For some inexplicable reason, his motto seems to be “When in doubt, go higher. Actually, whenever possible, go higher.” The good news is that this only applies to elevation and not to drugs. The bad news is that elevation has its own dangers. In contrast, my motto is “If I pause to take a picture here, no one can tell that I really just want an excuse to stop and catch my breath.” Which is why this picture is so typical of our relationship. We were in Canyonlands National Park on the winter solstice a few years ago. He’d just dragged me all over creation in search of God knows what, and I’d let him because I needed the exercise. While I stopped to take a picture of more rocks, he decided to go out onto them. I didn’t realize he was crossing onto the boulders until it was too late — to get a picture of him in mid-air, that is. If you thought I was going to write “too late to stop him” up there, you were incorrect . That would never work, so I barely bother anymore. I just cross my fingers and take a picture in case I need an alibi. “Really, Your Honor. I didn’t push him. See? I was over here the whole time, taking a picture.” By the way, if this photo looks familiar, that’s probably because I originally posted it on Playing with Pixels quite a while ago. I ran across it yesterday and thought I’d share, since I’ve been yearning for another trip to Canyonlands, despite the summertime heat. Click here or on the picture for a larger version with abbreviated text.
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About Me
I am the stay-at-home mother to a toddler nicknamed Sunshine. During nap times I write books, blog, and play around with the photos I've taken. I live in the southwestern U.S. with my husband, daughter, and two cats. My books are represented by Erzsi Deàk of Hen & Ink Literary Studio.
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LOL… Thrill seeker or not, at least you like each other enough that it still amuses you!
For some reason, I’m crazy terrified of heights. It’s never stopped me doing anything, but it’s always there. When I was in Paris, you would have died laughing seeing me at the top of the Eiffel Tower. My feet were never more than an inch off the floor, I shuffled around the platform, and I always had to have my hand on something! I saw a bunch of kids run by, not a care in the world, and almost threw up. Not really, but the thought of them running around like that… *shudders*
In other words, YOUR HUSBAND’S CRAZY.
OMG – Another awesome picture! And crazy is good! Things are never boring, right? I’m not sure I’d venture where your hubby did either, but your vantage point was pretty darn good too. These are adventures you’ll always remember, and to be a part of that outstanding scenery is priceless!
Can I come on your next trip? You know, in case you need back up.
He’s a brave soul, which I like in a person since I’m more the timid soul who’ll volunteer to wait way down on the ground while everyone is up above.
True, Kyle. We are often amusing each other. And I’m with you on the height thing. Heights never used to bother me, but now? I’ve had a few bad scares, so I’m definitely nervous around them.
Thanks, Robin! And, yes, crazy is so much more interesting and fun than normal — Hubs’s version of crazy, at least. And, yeah, you’re welcome to join us! Next up is Durango, CO and then California. Oh, wait — you *are* meeting up with us at some point on the latter trip because of a certain conference!
Dru, sometimes that’s where you can find the best photo ops.
I remember going to the Grand Canyon with my family. Beautiful place. We saw some rocks sort of like that one, but my father would have had a hernia if I had gone out there!
Made a beautiful picture though
I just adore this photo. However, I will admit a little part of me wants you to photoshop in a word balloon coming out of your husband’s mouth with Whee! inside it.
And speaking of heights, conferences and husbands, last year at RWA, Montana kept trying to get me to watch out our glass elevator as we sped down (or up) 23 floors. No. Thank. You. I want to make a memorable impression on these people because of my writing, not because I hurled all over Nora Roberts in an elevator.
LOL, Griffin! Yes, there are plenty of rocks to leap on in the Grand Canyon — and plenty of scary spots.
Thanks, Pam! Instead of me PhotoShopping “Whee!”, you could always make it into an LOL picture. And I’m with you on the glass elevator thing. They’re cool, but they do make me nervous.
Caryn, that is one fantastic photo…and I can just imagine him, one heartbeat before, mid-air and jubilant
.
That photo is gorgeous! Wow! that looks like so much fun!
I love that shot. Love it even more the story behind it.
Fantastic photo. And that’s how my Daughter acts when we go hiking. *G*
Great Pic…. and a funny explanation…”Your Honor part….”
Caryn, thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for extreme sports. Have you and your hubby ever thought about auditioning for Amazing Race? You’d be a shoe in for the million dollar prize.
My hubby is the complete opposite although he’s very creative and daring in a personal way he refuses to even go on amusement park rides.
that’s a really great pic! the view from that angle totally terrifies me! but it’s probably not as scary when you’re actually doing it.
It seems as though we are married to the same type of man. I should take more pictures.
Goodness.I’m glad my SO is afraid of heights! I’d never see him hopping around like a goat on mountains and boulders like yours. That said, sometimes his lack of common sense is astounding and frightening. So I’m probably still in the same boat, just we worry about different causes of death.
Marilyn, I know what you mean; it must have felt amazing.
Thanks, Amy! He certainly seemed to enjoy it.
JD, I always love to hear the stories behind the photos, too.
Brandy, that must be so scary to watch! Good for you for letting her explore, though.
Thanks, Harshsingal! Think it would stand up in court, though?
I hadn’t thought about that, Kath! I’m sure he’d do well, but I’m not exactly in the best of shape, especially compared to the people who would compete.
How funny, Robin. While hubs is pretty creative, he LOVES amusement park rides. Talks about them, looks up videos of them on YouTube, loves to work visits to amusement parks into every vacation…
Thanks, Virginia! And, yes, it terrified me, too.
Heather, I’m not surprised, considering what you’ve said about him!
Erin, it does make me nervous, although I’m glad to see him out exploring. I think it’s good for him, other than the obvious dangers.
Wow- I am TERRIFIED of very elevated open spaces, so people like your husband inspire me (in a strictly voyeuristic non-participatory kind of way).
Back when I was dating my husband, I did that cloud forest zip line thingy in Costa Rica because I didn’t want him to know what a baby I can be. It was exhilarating, terrifying, and exciting, and after we married I swore to never do it again!
Awesome photo!
*sound of me screaming* And I nearly lost it tonight when my husband got a SPLINTER beneath one of his fingernails. You brave, brave woman.
(Lovely photo, though!)
That’s what makes a good marriage, Caryn, as you witness each other’s experiences in life.
Alyson, that zip line sounds amazing, and you have my undying admiration for doing it, even if you never repeat the experience. Heights make me nervous, too.
Jess, sometimes it’s worse to see those we love in painful or terrifying situations than to be in them ourselves, isn’t it? Hope your husband heals quickly!
An excellent point, Larramie.
I will have to remember to take my camera on my next hike so I can rest
Great pic,my husband is the opposite of yours. We went hiking once in Sedona and when my teenage son wanted to go out on a fairly wide ledge his dad practically hyperventilated. My son kindly stayed put.
Sometimes with the guys I just squeeze my eyes tight. I have to–heart attacks are so painful. Great pic, Caryn!
LOL, Sarakastic! It’s a strategy I highly recommend.
Sounds like a close call, Bookbabie. Glad he stayed safe.
Well said, Conda! And when my husband goes out on adventures of his own, I often instruct him to gloss over the scary parts. Otherwise I won’t be able to keep myself from chaining him up so he can’t get himself into any more dangerous situations, and that wouldn’t make either of us happy.
Caryn, thanks for stopping by my photoblog the other day. It’s nice to meet you! This photo of the Canyonlands has me yearning to go back as well. If hubby won’t go with you, holler at me. I use photography as an excuse to stop to catch my breath, too!