The flying is done in a wind tunnel about 14ft across with winds of up to 120mph lifting you up. My heart sank a bit when I saw that it was surrounded by a viewing gallery so everyone waiting for their turn, or their families could watch you!
Due to technical problems we had an hours delay and we all sat around the tube watching other people flying. The fact that they were all young and tiny did nothing for my confidence and it did cross my mind that there might not be enough wind to actually lift me off the floor!
At that point, if they said that sorry they had to cancel, I would have cheered! But they didn't so we got togged up and went for it. The outfit is boiler suit chic, complete with orange helmet and goggles. Mmmm, nice!
Our instructor for the session was a lovely young man called Matt who was very patient with me and the 5 children who shared my group! Although it did cross my mind that if I did something wrong and landed on him, I would probably break him!
Anyway, after safety and communication instruction we were off. Assume the position, lean into the tube and let the wind do the rest.
So I did it and here is the pic to prove it. Before you comment on the fact that I look like I have my lunch squirrelled away in those cheeks, let me mention tight fitting googles, 120mph winds and G force!
The manic and near hysterical expression is because this hurts. My back is not designed to bend in that direction and the handsome young man (think Sam Winchester for all you Supernatural watchers) keeps throwing me around the goldfish bowl. He kept signalling me to relax. Not much chance of that! (The man seated behind my feet seems surprised that I got airborne too)
You get to do 2 flights and for your second you are offered the chance to be taken spinning right up to the top of the tube, about 25ft. As I was there, I guess I just had to go for it. Quite a thrill although I couldn't walk in a straight line for a moment or two when I landed.
Maisie did really well too, she seemed to enjoy it and I think she would be up for doing it again, now that we know what to expect.
So, am I glad I did it? Yes. Will I do it again? No. An experience, but not as much fun as the zipwire, which I would definitely do again.
So daft or dangerous activity for February? Check.
March? Bring it on!
Best part of the day, Maisie saying that I was cooler than all the other parents there because they all sat round watching their kids rather than going in with them. High praise indeed from a teenager!
Lessons Learned: I am not as flexible as I thought I was and I struggled to bend backwards as much as needed. Also you are fighting to hold the position against the wind and my arms are certainly feeling it the next morning!
If it makes my daughter proud of me, there is nothing that I won't have a go at!
Diet Diary: Had a few setbacks recently and have lost the mojo a bit, but haven't given up and will be back on track after half term.
Rambling Record: This is still going well. Over 160 miles so far. Finding every opportunity to walk. After the flying we went to the Trafford Centre and as Maisie shopped, I just walked up and down it for an hour and covered 2.5miles!
Absolutely incredible :)
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