She Flies Through the Air

The Artist's thrill of the week was the trapeze!

Trapeze lessons were included in the resort package and the Artist was not shy about taking advantage of them. From the first time we saw the trapeze crew she was excited to return at the appropriate time for lessons.

First a teacher took her aside to a practice trapeze that hangs at about adult eye level from the ground. Here the Artist was coached through the brief routine she would do on the high trapeze, and learned the verbal command cues.

Next, it was over to the cinch belt and the ladder, a very tall, skinny ladder. Tightly cinched about the waist, the Artist eagerly climbed up to the platform. About 10 feet from the ground, hangs the safety net. At this point the climber has to change from the outside of the ladder to the inside.
The Artist followed the instructions beautifully, and it seemed the crew was very pleased with her. She had such a good time, she went up that ladder three more times that morning. Then she went back for more high flying swings two more days during the week. After each aerial adventure, getting down from the safety net is accomplished by a somersault off the edge, hands holding onto grips and feet landing of the padded stairs. Here the artist is getting her instructions. By the time of the following photos, the Artist is an old pro. The sky was beautiful this morning, and the skinny little ladder shows up clearly.Thank you, Trapeze Crew!

Sagittarius, the Archer

When I first read that the resort where we were staying offered archery as an activity I wanted to check it out.

Archery had always been a mild interest of mine, but something I've never gotten closer to than admiration of those who practice sport shooting or bow hunting. With complimentary lessons as part of the vacation package, how could I resist?From the first time I held the bow, I was comfortable with the weapon. It was beautiful, and very comfortable to hold. Even more comfortable than I'd expected. This was going to be fun!

From the first time I drew back the bow string I was determined to hit the bulls eye. Well, that took quite a while! First I had to play around with right or left handed bows because my dominant hand and dominant eye are on opposite sides. All my photos are from the first day, when I was shooting right handed. I did get some arrows onto the target, and the backboard netting, and on the ground in front of the targets. This was going to take some practice!
I also learned the importance of using an arm guard. I struck myself three times with the bowstring and had a lovely bruise the size of Connecticut, well the size of a dollar bill anyway, around my elbow. I won't make that mistake again.

Rick gave it a try too: The second day I went to the archery range myself. With one staff member to coach me and no audience I was much more relaxed. I stayed with the left handed bow and hit the target almost every time, but my arrows were still all over the place, mostly on the white ring around the outside. By luck, not skill, I did get an arrow in the center of the bulls eye.

The third time I went back to shoot, Rick and the kids were with me. This time they got to see a good session. I did not hit another bulls eye, but I was consistent and had some nice tight groupings. Hooray! I can work with that.

I've checked some archery books out from the library, and looked around on line a little to learn more about where to practice in my area. There is still an overwhelming amount of information to learn, but my appetite is whetted. This was FUN!