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.
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!)