The canopy walk was something I
was looking forward to since the trip planning had begun. Walking through the rainforest on rope
bridges, high in the trees wasn’t like anything I had done before. I was excited to experience the foliage
and animals that live in the forest.
After a bumpy and twisting ride in
“the fridge,” we arrived at Kakum National Park. It proved to be a very nice spot with stone walkways, a
museum, gift shop and café. With
our guide, we hiked up a steep slope, with many stairs. I was a little nervous to begin, as I
have a fear of heights, but I was still excited for the experience.
Two Canadians, with the help of
many Ghanaians, designed and built the bridges and every six months, the tree platforms
and bridges are replaced. The
bridges can each hold the weight of two elephants! The system is built over a valley, so even though the
bridges are all level, the farther you go, the taller they get, with the highest
point being 40 metres.
I decided to be one of the first
to cross the bridge, along with Kathy and Ashley. I began on the bridge (made of rope, with wooden planks to
walk on), and immediately became nervous.
The bridges are bouncy and swing a little, too. When I reached the first platform I was
sure I was going to take the bypass of only three bridges, instead of all
seven. As each person came to the
platform, where I clung to the ant-covered tree, they all suggested I just do
it all. They said I would be proud
of myself for completing the challenge, and if I didn’t, I would regret
it. I kept asking if anyone else
would take the bypass with me, but I finally decided to just do it!
As I went along, and the bridges
got higher and longer, my nerves lessened. I was still a little nervous as I moved along at a steady
pace, but near the end, I was able to stop and look down. I trusted the construction of the bridges
and their safety, but it was the human instinct to fear falling that trapped
me. When I reached the very end I
felt triumphant! I was so excited
that had been able to conquer my fear and make it across all seven
bridges. I survived the canopy walk! And it was so fun.
One thing I keep telling myself in
life is, if it scares you, do it.
You’re never going to experience anything great or new if you only do
things you are comfortable with.
In retrospect, conquering the canopy walk was only one small fear I
conquered.
Even our adventure to Cape Coast
proved to be another fear conquered.
I am a very shy person, and have trouble getting to know other
people. As a group, we decided
that switching roommates would be a great idea; we could get to know each other
a little better. I did not want to
do this, and was rather uncomfortable with the idea at first. However, in the end, I am super happy
that we did. I got to know someone
better who I thought was very opposite of me. I believe travelling let’s you meet and enjoy people who you
might not in your normal life. I
am grateful for the friendships I have made on this trip, and for the additions
to my “people collection!” ;)
My entire adventure in Ghana has
been an accomplishment for me. I
was so nervous to journey far away from home into a culture I knew hardly
anything about. But I did it, and
I’m so happy I did. This journey
has been like nothing I have ever experienced, and I would trade it for
nothing.
-Meaghan
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