(photograph © Kiwidutch)
At the Waiau River Bridge, outside Hanmer Springs in the South Island of New Zealand, there’s a second frequently asked question: newer, fresher and less historic than the first statement, ” Hey we are almost there!”
The second question still comes out like clockwork… “Do you think we will see any Bungy jumpers today?
Yep, the Waiau bridge is one of New Zealand’s Bungy bridges.
We are constantly on the lookout to see if there are any foolhardy brave souls waiting on the little platform, ready to jump.
So far we’ve had no luck, but today I decide to park the car back along the road a bit and to walk over and take some photos of the bridge, river and gorge anyway.
The weather is warm and windy, so it’s a nice chance for a walk and a closer look at the view that usually only flashes by as you drive oven in the car.
I was on the bridge when along came a group of people, and one man all harnessed up, walking with his son.
They all make their way to the center of the bridge, hey I’m about to get some bungy jumping photos!
They are there for a good 10 minutes or more, the bungy ropes are sorted out and dangle over the edge of the bridge.. then I hear a countdown … Three, Two, One…
Camera at the ready I wait for the moment when the guy launches himself off the edge, but it doesn’t come.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
There appears to be some sort of consultation going on, the guy sits near the edge of the platform for another 5 minutes at least.
Eventually it’s clear he’s changed his mind and won’t be jumping after all.
I back off my end of the bridge and the group pass back by when they leave with all the gear. I be honest I respect his decision completely, I couldn’t do this either.
His son gives his Dad a covert hug as they head down the path away from me… good on you lad, It must have been a tough thing for Dad to admit that he didn’t want to go though with it.
Himself says he might consider a Bungy jump if someone would pay him say a million dollars to do it…
Me, Never Ever, not for all the money in the world.
(but you already know I’m a wimp, right?)
