There was only one thing standing, or should I say swaggering, between me and my monkeys in Honduras…a 237 foot long semi-stable, suspension bridge.
We were at the Gumbalimba Park in Roatan, Honduras and I wanted to hold a monkey…bad. The tour guide led us around the lush grounds, diverting our attention with colorful foliage and statuesque iguanas. We were then stopped just before the suspension bridge. Yes, crossing over a suspension bridge is on My Bucket List and I do love the spontaneity of a goal, but I was just not mentally prepared. I had monkeys on the mind.
How many feet was this suspension bridge? How far above the lake below? How deep was the water and what sort of critters were lurking around in it? Has this bridge ever collapsed leading folks to plummet down in the depths of the sea? Okay, that last one may have been a little dramatic. I peeked down below and saw a large turtle swimming about. At least if I plunged into the water I would have an opportunity to cross off the ‘swim with turtles’ bucket list goal.
As I stepped on the platform, I looked to my left and that’s when I noticed the “Chicken Walk” sign out of the corner of my eye. There was a way out. A pleasant, trail walk for the scaredy-cats amongst us.
There were only five people allowed to crossthe suspension bridge at a time and I patiently waited…at the back of the line. Stepping onto the bridge I was surprised by its prominent sway and grasped for the rail. I had thought I would be able to quickly sprint across, but turns out these things are shaky, hence the name “suspension bridge”. 382 steps later, I was on safe land again.
These monkeys better be worth it…
Great story. I love suspension bridges .. ever since I crossed my first ones aged five or six. Nice to encounter a fellow adventurer and life enthusiast. Looking forward to getting your latest posts :-)
Thanks for reading! I checked out your site too and look forward to your next adventure!
How brave of you! This one I think would give me the creeps. I am soooo afraid of hights, and walking slowly across a shaky bridge seems like a nightmare. I love your adventures. Keep at it :)
Glad you didn't take the chicken walk! I've always wanted to do something like this, just like in Indiana Jones. The "Mile High Swinging Bridge" at Grandfather Mtn. (NC) used to be like this but they replaced it with a metal one that is much sturdier (and doesn't swing, although they still call it the "Swinging" Bridge). I guess I'll just have to go back to Honduras!
Ah! Super!
Good luck with the rest of the items in your list :)
I love that you counted your footsteps. I've never done a swinging bridge, but once when I was going to a lighthouse I was on a creepy one person at a time metal bridge that I swear shook as thought it was a suspension bridge. I definitely want to try the real thing!
I love this idea! I've stolen it for my own list
I love the fact they've called is Pirates Bridge too, I'll have to add Honduras to my list of destinations to save up for xx
It was a really cool experience, worthy of adding to your bucket list ;)
My time in Roatan was a little different. We rented a car and drove around the island. I was shocked at how the people lived. It's a stark contrast to the perfection of the port of call. I'm really glad that I explored away from the touristy places because it's the reason why I decided to sponsor a child from Honduras.
I've been to a lot of places, but it was the first time I saw real poverty, and it changed me. I didn't get back on the cruise ship the same person.
Wow, what a touching story! I love the way exploration & travel can change your life.
That looks so cool. Did you do the suspension bridge in Costa Rica too? I want to try that one
No, we didn’t do one in Costa Rica. But, we did go zip-lining there!
Kudos for having crossed out 2 items on your bucket list!
I have traipsed –very shakily– on suspension bridges several times, but not on one that long! And one so flimsy it cannot accommodate more than 5 people at a time.
As to monkeys, I have touched one somewhere in my childhood. A neighbor's pet, if I recall correctly. Not the adventurous kind, I have tamer things on my bucket list.
Thanks! That’s what is so great about having a bucket list…it is completely yours and can contain anything that is a personal goal :)