Fearful To Fierce! A True Adventure In Paradise

While on a trip to Puerto Vallarta I did some things out of my comfort zone. 

Way, WAY out of my comfort zone.

The day had started out rather like a fairy tale, we swam with dolphins and spoiled ourselves with some authentic Mexican cuisine.  Then our group of travel writers was presented with a challenge.  What did we think about jumping into an oversized open air jeep, taking a trek up into the mountains and trying our hand at zip lining, repelling, water rafting and riding a mule?  WHAT???  Well I can’t speak for the others in the group, but this Mama felt scared right down to the tip of her toes!  I am not an adventurer.  I didn’t jump off mountains or ride on donkeys?  Were these people nuts? For goodness sake I was wearing brand new shorts from Banana Republic and a pair of Toms.  Does this sound like “Adventure Girl” clothing to you?

With shaking hands and a fluttering heart I followed my group out to the over sized open air jeep that would take us to our destination; Canopy River.   Our adventure began immediately as we quickly left the city and began our drive into the mountains.  We had the unique and special experience of being tourists on these roads not often travelled.  We passed by small village towns, and humble homes, the cobble stone streets forcing us to slow down, wave at the locals, and allow a glimpse into real life in this part of the world.   

 

We arrived at the top of the mountain, met our guides, put on our protective gear, received our instructions and prepared to set off on the adventure of a lifetime. 

I stood in line at the beginning of our hike, and held my breath until it was my turn on the zip line.  I steeled myself and then…. I threw my body off of the mountain. 

(I screamed a lot.)

I repelled down the side of a cliff.  (and only screamed a little)

I let go of that zip line and launched myself into a river.  It was a feeling of joy I simply can not explain!  I was free!

My SassyHubby released himself into the river with much more style than I did.

It was FFREAKIN AWESOME!!!

We swung like Tarzan and a very frightened Jane.

I rode through some rapids on a tube, and took a moment to catch my breath. Astounded by the beauty that surrounded me, and feeling very blessed to be there.

I then rode a mule back up the mountain to our home base of Canopy River. 

Me! I rode a mule!  (the wee donkey was very patient with me)

I did the entire adventure in my Toms and frankly, I felt like a rock star.  Our fierce group of travel writers cheered each other on, supported one another, laughed and screamed until we were hoarse.  SassyHubby and I made memories, and I had some new bragging rights.  I was now an Adventurer! I could brag to my children that I conquered a mountain, did seven wild zip lines, threw myself into a river, tackled water rapids and rode a mule all by myself.  Truthfully, I knew my girls would be all kinds of proud and just a little bit jealous.  For almost three hours I didn’t think about bills, the kids, post deadlines, or what was for dinner.  I had truly left the real world behind and it was magical.

Thank you Canopy River for an experience I will never, ever forget!

Disclosure: I attended this tour as a guest of @PVVisist #pvpress trip, as always all opinions and thoughts are my own.  Please note that many photos were taken by our Canopy River Photographer, cameras were not allowed on this adventure.