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.
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!