Last June, my friends and I decided to take a day trip to Helen. We wanted to fit a fun adventure in before Ramadan started. Who knew that a harmless trip could take an interesting turn of events.
We started the morning off climbing Mount Yonah. And definitely did not expect to be climbing over huge rocks and walking on narrow paths. I had a feeling we would give up before we made it to the top. It surely becomes a struggle when 5 different people need breaks at different times. Some of us were dissing nature and all the bugs around us. And it was hot!! Sadly, we really didn’t think this hike through because we even began salvaging the water we had. We hadn’t even made it half way and were soooo out of breath. What else were we to do but to save our water? Obviously, we were not prepared for this hike.
Just when we were ready to quit and satisfied with a semi-pretty view, we encountered this nice couple who encouraged us to continue hike 10 more minutes. They told us we were almost there and that the view was breathtaking. We even met a man who camped out overnight at the top of the mountain by himself!! We had to continue, I mean we drove all this way and struggled enough already. We finally made it. Wow! The view really was breathtaking. I had brought my camera with me and could not stop taking pictures. See for yourself:
So that was that. We had a lot more planned that day. M and I wanted to go zip lining. We went to Zip-N-Time and were convinced to conquer The Thriller Giant Swing. Never again. It felt like we were asking for death, maybe I’ll share the video with you guys one day. The zip lining however was awesome, the drive up the path not so much. It was bumpy and steep going up part of the mountain. M was smart and made an awesome video while zip lining. I however was too chicken and closed my eyes during half the ride . Regret? Yes, only because the view was beautiful!
After this tiring day, we decided it would be nice to end the day with river tubing. A nice relaxing, peaceful ride in the river. HA! If only it was what we hoped it would be.. We attempted to stick together, but M and I lost the rest of our group immediately. We got stuck on a rock and I injured my toes. It hurt like hell, but I didn’t think anything of it. We then got stuck again, I was in the middle of the river crying with cramps in both of my legs. I couldn’t even move and I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A RIVER. What are the freaking odds?! M had to let go and promised she wouldn’t leave me there stranded. In attempts to save me, she fell and got a huge bruise on her back.
After what felt like 10 hours, we finally made it to the end. But not before M and I lost ONE shoe each. We found the rest of our crew and found some injuries there as well. We found out one of our friends had drifted away and got lost, a couple actually saved her! Anyways, we were soaked, injured, and so ready to go. My toes still hurt and two of us walked with a limp from injuries. I struggled while driving home with swollen toes, but we arrived safely. After a trip to the doctor and a few x-rays later, I found out that I actually fractured two of my toes, fun!!
This was probably one of the most memorable days of my life. And at least I have a fascinating story to go along with my broken toes!
With love,
A
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