The Dallas and Houston Safari Clubs held an Outdoor Leadership School at Dolan Creek Ranch. Among the many classes taught these young people was a class on rappelling. Our story starts as we are in the process of selecting a sheer rock face to descend.
Now Dolan Creek Ranch has multitudes of bluffs, so after selecting one, all was in readiness as our students began to arrive. The counselor had checked the ropes and was in the process of explaining all safety precautions and procedures to the boys and girls. I could see a bit of uncertainness in a few of the fairer sex, I for one could certainly understand their apprehension. All students would participate without exception. Now this “feller” had never even seen rappelling done and above all did not plan on participating.
A couple of the “Macho Boys” were vying to be the first one over the edge in order to show their stuff. Before long the more adventuresome girls were going down the sheer rock face. I noticed after most had made their descent a couple of those girls along with a couple of “big ol’ boys” were edging over my way with a gleam in their eyes that I sure did not like at all! You know those little “ol’ gals” just kinda drifted up to me along with those big “ol’ strapping boys” and
said “ Mr. Finegan, don’t you want to enjoy rappelling down that bluff like we did? “ Now what could I say? I was quick to tell them that I hadn’t intended to infringe on their fun. They quickly told me that I certainly would not be infringing on their fun in the least and they really wanted me to ENJOY this great adventure! You know it sure would look bad if the host let those little “snips of girls” show him up.
Besides those “big ol’ boys” did look rather convincing themselves. I somehow managed to walk up to the edge and put that rig on and heard the last minute instructions. I sure did hope that they weren’t my “Last Rites” as it sure was a long ways to the bottom! It was hard for this old cowboy to lean back off that bluff and start down, even if those “little ol’gals” made it look so easy!