And out they go!
The heat really seems to be able to make people do crazy stuff.
During a week in July, we had a pretty good heat wave in the Northeast. Though I’m sure it went longer than a week, there was one particular day it really stood out to me.
Two of us were doing a full day of geocaching as we did a bunch in New York, crossed into Vermont and then into Massachusetts, where were heading for a mega (more than 500 people) event. We knew it was hot because we were crossing certain caches off our list for the day — ones where we’d need to hike a bit.
How hot was it, you may ask?
This is one way to beat the heat!
It was to the point where when you were out of the car for a few minutes, you started sweating. We left the vehicle running at cache stops because we wanted to get back into an ice box.
A side thing, too — ever notice in the middle of a hot summer, we want to be cold? Yet, in a cold winter, we’re looking for heat. Go figure.
Anyway, I digress.
We arrived at one covered bridge, where a geocache was hidden. With a parking area close, the car was once again left on. A few minutes later, another car showed up. Two kids — probably in their late teens — showed up. They parked and walked past me and headed to the bridge. I didn’t think anything of it.
Until I heard a splash. And then another.
What the hell?
I started peeking around, got into the bridge and looked out the windows and, sure enough, those kids had gone jumping. Turns out they climbed out one of the windows. From there, they either jumped straight down or climbed on the little roof over the window and jumped from there.
There didn’t seem to be any scouting, either. You know, to see how deep things were etc. I’m sure this isn’t the first time they did it, but still … it had been awful hot. What if some of the depth had gone away?
We watched one more time and started talking to them some. It seems they enjoyed the adrenaline of it all (though one seemed a little more risk-taking than the other) and liked jumping in the water from higher heights. I took some photos and a couple of videos. They even humored me by switching sides, as the light was better.
Of course they did some recon on that one and checked the depth before jumping. Check out some video footage (sorry that there’s some shake in he footage):
These guys were daredevils. I’ve never been much of a person who is willing to do crazy things like that. I know there are adrenaline junkies out there, but it still amazes me when I see these things.
This wasn’t the only place we saw this. Over the course of the day, we visited eight covered bridges. I’d say we saw jumpers and no fewer than three of those bridges. One of them, people were climbing out the window and going to the roof of the bridge and then jumping down below.
Nuts!
Maybe I’m missing something in life not taking some risks like this. I imagine it’s quite exhilarating when you splash down on something like this. Or when bungee jumping or something along those lines.
The craziest thing I’ve done is para-sailing, which took some prodding for me to do. But I felt secure and it turned out to be quite a fun experience.
So, for those reading today — tell me, would you go bridge jumping? Or have you done things like this? And what’s the craziest thing you’ve done? I’m interested to see what others say.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!
I’m not as daring as those guys anymore, but I will still go on every scary ride at the major amusement parks!
Phil recently posted..Orgasmic Sex Pastries – Sprinkles Cupcakes NYC!
I don’t think I was ever as daring as they were! And I also like the crazy rides at the amusement parks!
I am not a good swimmer, so there is no way I would jump off a bridge. I have gone parasailing, though, and it was fun.
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles recently posted..Rooster Hooks on Vintage Boards
I can fully understand your reason to not bridge jump!
Wow! I didn’t even know people did things like that. I’m with you though, that’s more of a risk then I want to take. I love your pics and video! ~ Bobbi
Bobbi Parish-Logie recently posted..Suicide Prevention: Acceptance, Compassion and Care
Yeah, I knew people did stuff like this. But I had never seen it off covered bridges. Crazy to watch!
That is one awesome bridge!!! I’ve never done bridge jumping, but it looks fun! My hubby used to jump into the canal and swim in it when he was growing up. He was so do this. I probably would just to jump off that gorgeous bridge.
Lisa recently posted..10 Best Things About Being a Mom
As a covered bridge nut, I’m always looking for them. I loved this one as well. The bridge jumping was bonus!
I visited New Hampshire and Vermont a couple years ago and the family we stayed with lived within walking distance of a covered bridge. Their son showed us several videos of him and his friends jumping off the bridge. I would never dream of doing something like that now, but I might have done it when I was younger. Before I had children, I had no fear. It looks exciting and on a hot summer day, I could see how refreshing it would be.
Stephanie Bourne recently posted..Giveaway | Gift Card Rescue $50 Kohl’s Gift Card Giveaway US Ends 10/2
New England has a lot of great covered bridges. Something tells me this is definitely not rare! When I was younger … I may have as well. Not sure though.
I can honestly say I have never, nor will I ever, bridge jump. I’m not that daring. I’d rather sit in the car in the air conditioning and watch people do it. That seems like fun.
I have either seen that bridge before or all covered bridges look the same. What upstate NY town was this in?
Jana @ Jana Says recently posted..A few thoughts on 9/11
I never have, either. And doubt I ever will. This bridge is Buskirk’s Bridge. It’s in Buskirk, which is a hamlet in Hoosick. It crosses the Hoosic river. (Always seems odd that the town of Hoosick and the Hoosic river are spelled different).
No way I’m doing any of that, was fun watching them do it though.
Exact way I looked at it!
Not a chance. I am so not daring. I forced myself back in May to go ziplining with my husband on a weekend trip. Total disaster. Hated it. Never again. Confirmed for me I am in no need for more adrenalin than life naturally gives me. ….but what a cool thing!
Kerith Stull recently posted..Remembering 9/11…
It would take some prodding, but I think I’d zipline. I’d have more fear in bridge jumping than that. Why was the ziplining a disaster?
Great pictures! That is something my husband would do. I tend to live life more on the cautious side. I think swimming with stingrays is about the most adventurous thing I have done.
Laura recently posted..Mother of the Year
Swimming with stingrays sounds like it would be awesome!
I’ve repelled off the tallest towers in Assisi and swam with sharks but I wouldn’t go bridge diving. It’s a popular activity at the university I used to attend but every year there was a death or two because of it. Even in “safe spots.”
That being said it does look like a lot of fun and I can see the draw, especially on a hot day.
Andrea recently posted..National Emergency Preparedness Month SPECIALS!
That’s crazy that you would do those other things and not leap off the bridge. I think I’d rather leap than repel !
No. That particular daredevil will never see the light of day. You have some great footage. It does look cool and refreshing for them.
Cecilia recently posted..Wheat Pasta with Meat Sauce
On that day and how hot it was, I can imagine how refreshing it was.
The bridge is beautiful. Is this particular one in Vermont? It’s neat how seeing them jumping out gives a perspective on how big the bridge really is. I would NOT do it! Ha ha! It looks like they’re having fun, though!
Kristen @ It Comes Full Circle recently posted..It’s Kind Of A Big Deal
This bridge is in Buskirk, NY. It’s not too far from Vermont.
Great to watch but I could never do that. I can swim and I’m a risk taker but there’s something about being in the middle of lake that scares the heck out of me (too many horror movies lol).
I love the post and awesome video.
Kimberly Ann Hawes
http://over40andkillingit.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/lets-get-it-achieve-the-over-40-and-killing-it-lifestyle-today/
Fair enough reasons, that’s for sure!
OMG that would not cool be down, it’d probably kill me lol
Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy recently posted..Kindergarten Art
It was pretty deep, so I think in that regard it was safe… but it’s that going down thing…
Hi P.J. I am definitely not a daredevil. Shoot, I don’t even like getting on a freeway. lola
As for bungee jumping, or bridge jumping, it’s not gonna happen. I don’t know if I took more risks when I was younger, but I would definitely say I tend to err on the side of caution these days.
The good news, I suppose, is that my husband and I tend to think alike. So, it isn’t a problem that I don’t take risks, because he doesn’t either. Well, he does take more of them on the road than I would.
By the way, I must say that I love those old bridges. They have so much character. I am not sure if I have ever been on one, but they intrigue me.
Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
I’m not a daredevil, either. But I love to watch. And I understand erring on the side of caution, that’s for sure.
Agreed on the old bridges. Covered bridges, especially the historic ones, are amazing structures.
That looks totally crazy–and like so much darn fun! Thanks for reminding me how I need to take the fam geocaching. It’s been on our to-do list for years. I’ll have to check out your adventures for inspiration.
Kerry Ann @Vinobaby’s Voice recently posted..Top 10 Tips from a Thrift Store Fashionista
It definitely was crazy. As for geocaching, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I have a 101 series on my blog about the game, too!
I would not. I am an overly cautious person a lot of times. And I am sure it causes me to miss out on lots of fun. I guess my cautiousness comes from being a 911 dispatcher. I take 911 calls when this kind of fun goes wrong.
Amanda Smith recently posted..When families blend
I am the same way, but that’s why I carry my camera. I can capture the fun while other people do the crazy stuff!
I am not a risk taker at all – I lean more towards the couch potato. On another note I would love to get into geocaching. We have tried three times with our children and didn’t find the cache once. It has discouraged us so we haven’t tried for over a year. But I really want to do this. It sounds like so much fun.
Jennifer S. recently posted..Star Braid
What kind of things were you looking for with geocaching? Any idea? I have a 101 series on my blog with some ideas on things.
Oh I am NOT a risk-taker AT ALL!
We had a hot dry summer (hot and dry for us anyway!) but when the kids were swimming in the sea and jumping into rock pools to swim it always makes me nervous. There were some teens jumping high from the rocks – some safely with wetsuits, helmets etc, others just in their swimming costumes – I was scared to even watch!
Janmary, N Ireland recently posted..5 Best iPhone Photography Apps I use every day
I think I’d be terribly nervous watching that, too. Though, I can’t lie, I think it would have been something to watch!
P.J. recently posted..My pledge in moving forward with the blogging world
Definitely not something I would do (but then, I’m not a very good swimmer). I’m not an adrenaline junkie and just don’t need it in my life. Crazy watching other people do it!
Narelle @ Cook Clean Craft recently posted..Sew Ready to Play – 2013 edition
I’m definitely not an adrenaline junkie, either. I had a lump in my throat just watching these guys!
P.J. recently posted..My pledge in moving forward with the blogging world
Nope, it wouldn’t have been me jumping 30+ feet down….but your pictures are absolutely fantastic!!
Wren recently posted..Things We Love: Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes….Reborn
Me either! And thanks so much!
P.J. recently posted..My pledge in moving forward with the blogging world
Nope, you won’t find me trying that stunt!
But I do love visiting covered bridges, and Autumn in New England.
I’ve never tried Geo-Caching but it does sound like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Linda recently posted..The Great Semi-Annual Seasonal Clothing Switch-Over
Covered bridges and New England in the fall just seem to be a perfect match. Geocaching is a hoot. If you want more info, let me know!
P.J. recently posted..My pledge in moving forward with the blogging world
Nope, not me! Bridge jumping is popular where we live but they are covered, that is crazy! There are also abandoned quarries filled with water that kids jump into, I know one guy who ended up in the ER, that was enough for me to rule it pure craziness 🙂 Now that I have kids I don’t really care to take risks anymore, and that is ok!
Dawn from http://www.ithinkwecouldbefriends.com
Yeah, the big thing with the covered ones is they had to climb out the window. So a little more chance of slipping up. Crazy!
P.J. recently posted..My pledge in moving forward with the blogging world
My official craziest thing is doing a hot air balloon ride in Utah, but I think the non-official thing is riding the New York City subways on a regular basis. That takes daring.
I really want to do a hot air balloon ride one time. As for the subway… I get that! 🙂
P.J. recently posted..Train coming
Bridge jumping is a great way to keep cool in the summer. Ever try cliff jumping?
Nancy W recently posted..Recipe Box: Peach Blueberry Cobbler
No, I haven’t. And I don’t think I’d be that daring, either (though it is fun to see).
Nope…I wouldn’t do it. But I’d love to see this bridge! Looks beautiful! I think my kids might like geocaching…I may need to look into it.
Sarah @ Play 2 Learn with Sarah recently posted..Two Years Ago Today…
Geocaching is a ton of fun and very kid/family friendly. If you want any info, feel free to ask!
What an experience to see it–but No, I would not do it. I’m not a daredevil at all, and I have my kids and husband to live for.
Tammy Doiel recently posted..Scattered Saturdays: Back in the Groove
All very good reasons not to be that daring!
I’m terrified of heights, so the craziest thing I’ve done is ride roller coasters with my friends. I don’t like riding them, but it gets me over my fear, at least for a little while.
Ashley O recently posted..{7} Game Day Essentials
I hate heights as well, so that’s one thing that would make this hard. I can dig the coasters though!
That’s way too much adventure for me. My idea of adventure is shopping on Black Friday or the day after Christmas. Most times I’m not up for that either. It’s pretty cool that they helped you get the best pictures.
I might actually consider bridge jumping over shopping on those days!
I’m so out of the exciting loop, I don’t even know what geocaching is. I know some people who used to go Gorge-jumping and I think my brother went bungee jumping and I know someone who did some sky-diving…but that’s as close as I have gotten to daring sports. I think I need to go drink some tea now.
Monica recently posted..Triumph of the Cross: September 14
Geocaching is a “high-tech” treasure hunt used with a GPS unit, though now there are apps for the game as well. If you’d like to know more, let me know.
I definitely don’t think I’d be daring enough to do those other things!
I would so go bridge-jumping! I’m not overly adventurous either, but I like water and I like saying I’ve done things others haven’t and I like heights. I haven’t done anything wild and crazy, but I have been kicked in the face by a bull if that counts. 🙂
bolton carley recently posted..Sucky Monday Re-Mix: Party in my… Pasta!
I love water, too. I just don’t know if I could pull myself to do that!
I haven’t done anything too crazy lately but in high school I jumped off a cliff into the river. My best friend, her brother and her boyfriend and I went to a roller coaster theme park with season passes but the lines were too long and it was steamy hot so we decided to go to the river instead. And well, cliff jumping just seemed like a good idea… lol.
Heather C recently posted..#MondayMealRecap
Cliff jumping looks way more adventurous than this! I don’t think I’d do either, to be honest. But when I was younger, there definitely would have been a better chance at me doing it than now.
How fun! I remember that heat wave. Thank goodness for covered bridges! Those kids are daring but after you have done a few jumps you get used to it.
Amy recently posted..When Challenge Turns to Injury
I would imagine, like most other daredevil things, once you do it once, it’d get easier. Alas, I don’t think I’d be able to do it the first time!
I am abit of a scary cat. I don’t think I will do anything that rick my life….
I fully agree! 🙂
Ya, I don’t think I’d do something like that, lol. I’m not much of a risk taker, but it got hot enough here a couple times this summer, that I think I might have reconsidered. 🙂
Stacie recently posted..{TH}read – September
I think if I was opting to beat the heat, I’d just walk in the river from down below!
Nope, wouldn’t bridge jump. I don’t think I’ve done anything truly daring.
Cindy Howell recently posted..Let’s Get Social Sunday
I think I’ve done a few daring things in life, but not sure I’d be this daring.
I don’t think I would go bridge jumping…not really into that sort of thing;)
Rachel recently posted..Saving Money in Europe: Food
Can’t say I would ever go bridge jumping. Something about jumping into unknown waters freaks me out! However, my husband and I did jump off the Stratosphere in Vegas for our anniversary. I surprised him with this as he would never ever think I would do such a crazy thing! It was awesome and so exhilarating! I surprised myself and my husband! Can’t say I’d ever do it again though! (:
Kelly recently posted..Essential Oil Spotlight: Vetiver
I think if I ever did it, I’d need to swim around and look at the water.
I just had to look up jumping off the Stratosphere. Oh my. I don’t think I’d ever be able to do that. But if I did, after looking at the prices, I’d pay the extra 30 bucks for the photo and video of it!
I fully agree!
I definitely don’t think I could do any bridge jumping! The most daring thing I’ve ever done is ride a thrill ride at a theme park! LOL!
Britton recently posted..A little Hump Day Humor…
Thrill rides are a ton of fun though!
I can’t say that I’d never do it, but I also don’t know of anywhere around here to do it. I do like a bit of an adrenaline rush every now and then. I could see bridge jumping being fun; though, I think I would make sure there were no rocks that I could fall onto or that the water wasn’t too shallow before doing it.
Felicia recently posted..Ask Felicia: Death in the Family