I chose to be on the catching end of the zipline because there would be more down time. While belaying was constant activity of checking harnesses and hoisting kids up a ladder, the catching end was a quick transition, so I would be able to read my bible and text my boyfriend between zippers.
I could have been belaying. No risk. No guess work.
It was only the second person. This camper probably weighs 12 pounds. Always a risk. But a risk we always take here at Center Lake Bible Camp. Fun forever.
She didn't even make it to the tree line. That means she is in the bog. For those of you not familiar with bogs, I will give you this information: When it comes to usefulness, they are like a giant green sponge floating on a lake.
So I'm on the deck unhooking people from the line and Fenn is on the ground catching. Catching means that a kid drops a rope and Fenn pulls him or her the rest of the way to the deck where I grab them and take them off the line.
So, to recap, there is a camper who didn't make it far enough. To the bog with Fenn. He misses with his first jump (First attempt at a rescue). There is no hope. That sponge-like surface won't get any firmer. I come to the rescue with a stick (second attempt), hoping to hook the rope and pull until we can grab it. No luck.
Third Attempt- As much as I disliked the idea, I knew it was the best option. Fenn is a strong guy. He just had to grab me round the legs and hoist me up a little bit, then I would be able to reach the rope. The sponge foiled us again. The footing was poor. Down I go. Luckily I catch myself on my hands while he still has my feet. Thanks Fenn. -_-
Fourth Attempt - Similar to the first but a tad more secure. I jump on his back. Fenn is like a noodle, bending under my weight. "Fenn, boost me up higher," I say. He responds, "okay," but nothing happens. I reach as far as I can, but Fenn just starts to go down, similar to how I had the first time.
Keep in mind that poor camper is just hanging from a line watching all this. Poor girl, but at least she has a show.
Time is ticking. There are still a lot of zippers left. Then suddenly, a little camper appears to save the day. "Hey, wanna do something fun. Come here." I lure him into the bog with candy. Just kidding. This idea is brilliant. Fenn and I boost the little guy up. He grabs the rope. We just pull his legs and body through the trees until we can reach the rope. Little guy took a beating from some branches, but I would say it was an overall successful mission.
I just wish you all could have been there.
