Trapped In The Heavens

What a view, what a view, what a view! That is all I could think as the scenery passed slowly beneath me. A mesmerizing view every human being should encounter! The simple yet breathtaking scenery unfolding beneath my feet was nothing short of awe-inspiring. As I gazed out at the vast expanse of nature, I couldn't help but be overcome with a sense of pure wonder and amazement. The sun-kissed colors of fall were delicately speckled across the treetops, creating a stunning mosaic of crimson and gold that seemed to stretch out to the very horizon. And down below, nestled within the depths of the valleys, a thin veil of mist hovered like a gentle shroud, adding an ethereal quality to the already mystical landscape.

As I continued to soar upwards towards the open sky, my eyes were drawn to the snow-capped peaks of the nearby Skrazo mountains. Their jagged edges looming ominously against the clear blue sky. And yet, there was a sense of serene calm that permeated the air, as though I had been transported to another world entirely, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In this moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and privilege to be here, experiencing such a wondrous sight. It was as if the world had been created solely for my enjoyment, and I was the only one lucky enough to bear witness to its beauty.

As the cold wind swirled around me and the sun beat down upon my face, I realized that this was a moment that I would cherish forever. A memory that would remain etched in my mind, a reminder of the sheer magnificence of nature and the profound impact it can have on every one of our souls.

Snap out of it man, I thought to myself, as I tried to calm my racing thoughts. I couldn't afford to panic now, I needed to think logically. Jumping was out of the question, it was too risky at this height. I needed to come up with a plan, and fast.

Look I had always been an adventurer at heart, always pushing myself to the limits to see just how far I could really go. So, when friends presented me with the opportunity to take part in a test of flight potential while harnessed to weather balloons, I jumped at the chance.

Here is the thing though as I ascended higher and higher, something began to go wrong. The crew who now looked like ants, the ones who were supposed to guide me back down scurried around and looked panicked. The safety precautions, mainly a rope tied to a truck, were dangling below me. No, the truck had not made the journey. I was floating at an altitude of at least two, maybe three thousand feet now with no idea how to get back down to solid ground.

Quickly and frequently I scanned the horizon, searching for any signs of help. Only an endless sky greeted me. Only the quiet expanse of blue caressed me. But, then the scientist in me began to calculate. How could I pop some of the balloons while harnessed underneath them without any weapon to pop them? It’s an impossible task with no hope, right?

My first flurry of attempts to come up with the right remedy included cutting the ropes holding me. Then spreading out like those wingsuit daredevils and guiding myself to a lake or pond to land in. Scratch the first try. Falling would be just like hitting concrete from this altitude.

How about a parachute? Nope not in the safety gear. But I did have a nice harness to keep me steady. That same harness has some no sharp edges. Maybe just maybe if I can get to some of the balloons then I could deflate and descend from my predicament.

Swinging, maybe swinging back and forth and building up momentum with each swing I can then reach the prize. With a burst of energy, I started to first just tuck and swing my legs like when I was a child to get higher on the playground swings. Tuck and swing, tuck and swing. Each try I swung higher and higher, and noticeably the balloons were getting closer and closer. Just a few more tries and I can get them. There it is. No. Bugger. Here it is again. “Ahhh, Noooo!” I yelled. Each time I reached and reached but the balloons would move away the closer I got. Stopped by Physics again. Darn those elemental rules.

Now what? Wait this out and freeze to death in an hour or so as I get closer to the stratosphere? Think, think, think. There really is only one option left. Unharness myself while dangling, climb and shimmy up the ropes and pop those balloons one by one until I am back safely on the ground.

As you might expect I am dangling below a series of ropes which lead up to the balloons like giant vines. It was a risky plan, but at this point my only option. One last quick look to analyze the situation and then taking a deep breath I began to fumble with the harness, trying to find the release mechanism. It was a tight fit, but after a few tense moments, I managed to undo the buckle. Now I’ll just slip out of the harness. First though, I need to wrap a rope or some ropes around one of my outstretched arms to support my weight.

Somehow it holds. How long I can hold, I am not sure. Now with the harness off, I began to climb up the ropes slowly, hand over hand. Tying my feet into the safety lines gave more support. It is hard work, the ropes were slick and slippery, and I had to use all my strength to make my way up. As I climbed higher, I could feel the balloons getting closer. Physically and mentally.

Finally I touched the first balloon. Using all my strength, I punched it with my fist, hoping to pop it. But the balloon was tougher than I expected. It did not give up the fight easily. So I punched harder, again and again and again. No joy in mudville tonight. Quickly, quickly how do I pop these things? This isn’t working!

Then it hit like a ton of bricks. One of the grounds crew had given me a pen with their logo on it. I had packed it into my front shirt pocket away from harm. It was still there. I reached in and found that hero, that round cylinder of love that was going to save my life. Frantically I stabbed at the closest balloon. Boom, the balloon exploded, sending glorious shards of rubber through the air. At the same time the ropes bounced and shimmied like a wet noodle straining me to keep hold.

Don’t panic, I told myself. Keep going on to the next one. So I climbed up to the next balloon and the next, popping them one by one. After deflating three or four of them I could feel the ascension stopping. Not descended yet but slowing. I began to feel a sense of relief mixed with fear. I was still high above the ground, and I could still screw this thing up. Pop one more, maybe two I thought. That should do it. But how do I know I’m slowly descending? Quickly up and down is noticeable. Safely and slowly falling is not easy to judge.

Two, two would be enough. Then see if it is working. Maybe four in total I thought. Yah, no more than four. Another swing, another bounce and another popped balloon. One more and I think I am home free. Swing and a homerun as another disintegrates before me. My joy is becoming intense as my plan seems to be working. But in my haste I realize I have dropped the pen with that last salvo. I didn’t feel it as it happened. It just happened.

Now how would this end? I can’t pop any more. I can’t tell if I did enough or too little for that matter. Panic comes over me again as I gaze towards the ground and the beautiful mountains. The sky caresses them as I wonder if I will ever see them close up again..