Another One Bites the Dust

So, as many of you are already aware, my brother got married on September 10th. I can see why you'd think this post heading might be referring to him, however, it's not. The title of this post refers to 

Big Mabel. 

Big Mabel was my brother's favorite pre-wedding requisite for all guests. I guess, if you're man enough to ride the BM, you're man enough for this ranger's wedding. These rides were not for the faint hearted.

 They started pleasantly enough. Ash and I, never to be outdone by our brother, happily took our places behind the boat. Ashley is in blue. I am in pink.

We take a swing to our left...

And then a swing to our right...

And then a JUMP in the air...

And now we're holding on tight!

 

Not...tight...enough...

Uh-oh...

This is when Big Mabel showed us who was boss and I bit the dust... 

And Ashley used me as a cushioned landing spot...

It was intense. But we survived... just. I am still getting headaches. Apparently, that's what happens when you land on your head and almost break your neck.

Other couples to brave Big Mabel were

Chantel and James:

Brendan and Amanda:

Derrald and Brendan:

Dave and Dad:

Dan and Jed:

And the Bride and Groom to be, Amy and Brendan, awwwww:

Our pain, sweat, tears and screams of terror would not have been possible without the wonderful patience and persistence of Amy's Dad, Greg. 

Now I know this man looks like a sweetie, but let me tell you, when you're on that boat watching a couple of riders on Big Mabel being lulled into thinking "this isn't so bad" the words "air time" escape the lips of our Captain and you realise that this is a sport, like hunting, in the eyes of Greg Hammers... and we are his prey! 

We had an absolutely wonderful time on the lake. The amazing thing is that our lakeside fun didn't outshine the actual wedding, which was by far the highlight of the week. A simply beautiful day, full of beautiful people, in an incredibly beautiful location. That post is to follow.