After enjoying a morning of penguin viewing, Torey and I set out to Queestown. It is the skiing capitol of New Zealand, but neither of us is much into skiing so we would have to make our own fun. Actually, there are many extreme sports to try in Queesnstown, from paragliding, jetboating, to even bungy jumping. I was looking forward to our short stay there, because I had heard of the fun environment.

Although I'm not a drinker, if I was, then there would be a lot of fun bars that I might check out in Queenstown. Such as the World Bar, which is supposedly the place that everyone needs to go to in Queenstown (I didn't) or I might even go to the bar that is completely made of ice (everything is ice, from the shot glasses to the bar stools). We did not spend too much time investing in the night life, however we did get to a local pub, Spreight's Ale House, for a choice steak dinner. We planned this dinner purposefully, because there was a huge rugby match that evening. The All Blacks (a famous NZ team) were playing their rival, Aussie team. Before I left on my trip my brother educated me on rugby and the traditions of the All Black team. I knew this would be a good match to watch and I wanted to experience it amongst the locals.

On our way to the pub we met an Australian family whom was also staying that the campground. Since they beat us to Spreights they offered us two seats at their table (the place was extremely crowded). Then the dad gave me a one-on-one lesson into the game of rugby. I promised to cheer for the Aussie team for his help, but when they left at half-time I switched over to the All Blacks team, who was already winning. It was fun to see the local crowds roar with each point scored. I actually think my night in Queenstown was one of the favorites in New Zealand. In fact, that whole day had been superb.

We started out day with seeing penguins and ended with a night of local activity and filled in the middle with a bit of adventure. Of course I can't forget to tell you about our trip into Queenstown. It was a long trip, atleast six hours of driving, just to get there. I didn't mind so much because the scenery was spectacular. And, when we were almost in Queenstown I saw a sign for AJ Hackett. I immediately turned off at the exit, because I knew what it was for and I wanted to see what was happening.

AJ Hackett is the leading bungy jumping company in NZ. If you didn't know, commerical bungy jumping started in New Zealand with this company. They are basically the people who have strived to make it a safe sport as well, by developing the Bungy Code of Practice, a framework for jump standards. After we parked the car we walked out onto the observation platform to see many jumpers taking a "leap of faith." The first person I saw jump was a young girl, probably around ten years old. She looked fearless. I thought to myself, 'if she can do this, then so can I.' However, my budget was not as excited about this adventure sport. I had spent a little more in NZ then I had anticipated, because we stayed at campgrounds, and I didn't want to spend all my money just in NZ. So I encouraged my friend to go, even though he was nervous.

He really wanted to try the Nevis jump, which is 134 meters versus the 45 meters at the Kawarua bridge (where we were currently observing). Actually, both of us wanted to try the larger jump, but we found out that it is on private land and we would have to book for the next day, which we had already scheduled for a tour to Milford Sound. So Torey decided to jump at the Kawarua bridge instead.

The Kawarua bridge is the site of the first commericial bungy jump. It is a cool place, because if you choose, you can jump so that your head dunks into the water. It was a cold winter day, but Torey decided to brave the cold and choose the dip in the water. I stood on the observation deck and took pictures. I was so excited for him, and a little bit jealous too. I kept thinking, 'just do it, money should not be an issue.' Normally money would not be an issue for me as I would tell myself, 'this is a once and a lifetime opportunity,' but I think my nerves were telling me that I couldn't possibly spend money (when really I was thinking I was too scared to do it).

After watching Torey and congradulating him on his bravery I made a simple comment, "I wish I could do it too." I guess this tugged at Torey's kindness cord, because he said, "Do you really want to jump? Because if you do then I will pay for it and you can consider it a birthday present." I couldn't believe he was offering to pay. After I had been so snippy and uptight he was offering to give me the most generous birthday present I had be given in a long time. My insticint was to say, "no, I can't ask that from you," but his sincerity was strong and I felt a slight urge to just do it, so instead I said, "ok, if you are going to pay, then I'm not going to say no." Immediately I was in the process of filling out a waiver, stepping on a scale, and emptying my pockets.

A wave of nervousness churned through my stomach. I like being adventurous, but most crazy sports, like sky diving or scuba diving, involve a professional who knows what they are doing. To bungy jump I would have to go it alone. I'm the one who would have to jump off the platform and I alone would be dangling from a cord of rubberband. I was admittely nervous to try this. Bungy jumping has always scared me a little bit. Even now, although I think I would jump again, I'm sure I would get butterflies. I took a deep breath, and continued to smile, because I didn't want Torey to know that I was a little scared and then I headed out the door towards the jump.

Once I hit the cold air my nervousness went away. In fact, I was pretty stoked that I was getting to jump for free (thanks Torey). I became instant friends with all the guys working the bungy site. I also felt comfortable as I saw the harness they used, which was the same as our harness at the climbing gym. I knew this was going to be fun and as long as I continued to talk I could ignore any fear that may have subsided. After ten minutes I was slowing scuffling my way to the edge of the platform. I looked down (it wasn't that far), smiled at the camera, waved at Torey in the observation deck, and by the count of three before I could think about it, I jumped out from the platform.

I screamed for joy because I actually did it, I jumped! After a second I thought to myself, 'you are falling' and I stopped screaming and held my breath. Now I was nervous. 'Oh my goodness, this cord is going to catch any second.' My heart started beating faster as I got closer and closer to the water's edge. All of a sudden *snap* and I was going back up in the air, sigh, I took a deep breath, smiled, and screamed with joy again. Heck, this was really fun. I continued to bob in the air like a bouy in rocky waves. In fact, I was also spinning in circles and I could feel my stomach getting nauseous. I think I even said that to the two men who worked the raft at the bottom of the river. Then picked me up, unhooked the rope and brought me safely to shore. It was a fast rush, but notheless a rush!

I BUNGY JUMPED!!! I was practically running up the hill, because it was so exciting. I wanted to go again. I really did it. I conquered a fear. I can actually tell people that I jumped. How freakin' cool is that. It was an exhilarating part of the my day and I didn't want to leave. Torey and I were so high with adrenaline, that I think all frustration between us ceased. Honestly, I am so thankful to his kindness, because without his generousity I would not have jumped. It was an amazing feeling, and now that I know what it is like, I know I will try it again...on my own account!