Riding Out My Comfort Zone

Another episode in "Adventures with John in his Red Ford Truck" (though this adventure is in a purple dune buggy.

I was a little apprehensive about riding the sand dunes with John; but it was the highlight of a trip we took to the Oregon coast in April 2023. We climbed into the dune buggy with Zach riding shotgun and John and I in the middle seat.

“I never dreamed I’d get to ride the sand dunes,” Zach remarked. I felt grateful. Grateful that John had come into my life three years ago. Grateful that he plans such enjoyable outings with us. Grateful that he’s like a fun grandpa for Zach.

We took off at a comfortable pace, with Clay, the motorist taking us through sandy trails. “If you want,” Clay instructed, “you can hang on to the side of the buggy or the bar in front of you.” I held on for dear life to a purple metal bar; for soon we were racing up the sides of sandy hills, swerving side ways at times and over the tops at other times. With my other hand, I held John's hand tightly. 

“How are you doing?” John asked me when we stopped on a flat plain so Clay could get out and take our pictures with our phones.

“It’s a little scary,” I said, “but I trust you. And I trust the driver.”

John smiled encouragingly.

I told him that as we sped through a sharp curve, I envisioned myself flying out of the side of the vehicle and landing in a heap on the sand, bringing an end to an exciting adventure. “But that couldn’t happen because I’m securely buckled in,” I added.

"No, plus you wouldn't get hurt landing on sand," he laughed.

We crossed a shallow stream and picked up speed again. I continued to cling to John’s hand. I felt safe with him.

When we finished our ride, John said, “I hope that was a little fun for you.”

“It was a little out of my comfort zone,” I answered. “But you were with me. You thought I’d freak out, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I thought you might.”

“But I didn’t. I think I did pretty good.”

“You did excellent,” he replied.

I beamed with pleasure at his praise. And throughout the day, I thought about how I liked the safety of my hand in his. I felt good that I could ride out of my comfort zone with him. 

Author's Note

I'm almost done with my book that this story appears in and expect to get it published by Christmas.

Reviews

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Shelley!

Very interesting, entertaining story, and well written in such a way it holds one's attention throughout. Especially, I related with the excitement parts … yet, as I age the fire in my belly for bulletproof adventure seems to have dwindled to a comfortable simmer.

Good stuff … I'm glad you made it through with brave smiles! ⁓ Richard🖌

[FGFRANKLIN]

This was such a great read, Shelley. I enjoyed every word. Sometimes we have to get outside our comfort zone to enjoy life a little. I've felt the same way taking my kids to a theme park and riding some pretty terrifying roller coasters. I liked the log ride. It was hot and the water spray was refreshing. But some of the modern corkscrew, upside down and backward roller coasters are a real adventure. But my kid was having a blast and laughing at the thought of me being out of my "comfort zone". I enjoyed. F.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you for that review. It is part of a series I call "Adventures with John in his Red Ford Truck". I couldn't do the modern roller coasters. You get parenting points for that.

[FGFRANKLIN]

I like "parenting points". Can I redeem those for personal quiet time? (laughing) I enjoyed reading your post.

[Shelley Warner]

LOL, I'm raising my 13 year old grandson. He went through a phase (hopefully it's over) where he fractures a bone or hurts himself somehow. I got sick of going to the ER with him. One day, as we walked from the parking lot to the ER entrance, I said, "I think I should earn a parenting badge for this." He turned to me and said, "You earned it a long time ago."

[FGFRANKLIN]

That is sweet. Does a "badge" then give some "policing" authority? (laughing) Teens and toddlers are both a handful.

[Shelley Warner]

Yes, he is an easy teen though. I'm fortunate. Well time to get off my computer and do some other things.