Day 2: A New Kind of Water Sport


We were all hot after our excursion into the forest, so we were all eager to jump in the pool. So after lunch, imagine our surprise when we saw Misty looking down on us from way up in the air!

So one long trek up eight flights of stairs later, we met Misty overlooking an intricate maze of water tunnels and the main pool below But what was intriguing was what was next to her-- what looked like a giant blue see-through tube shaped water balloon perched on a tilting platform, a slim air tank similar to a scuba tank, a full face mask, and a respirator.

"What are those?" Mint asked.

"Glad you asked!" Misty smiled. "These are all you need to participate in <i>mizujin</i>, or water tunnel racing."

"I've seen that on TV before!" Neon gasped. "Some of those pipe mazes look insane!"

"Well, here's your chance to try it." Misty replied. "First, you suit up in the safety gear, then climb inside the protective balloon. The platform will then tilt into a horizontal position, so you are lying on your stomach. Once you're in position, it will tilt down even more, sending you down into the tunnels. The safety gear is mainly for the final splashdown, since the protective balloon is designed to pop at that point."

She then asked. "Anyone want to be the first one to brave the camp's maze?"

For all his excitement, Neon clammed up when Misty asked this question, There was an awkward silence for a moment before I stepped forward. "I will."

So after being suited up, I was launched into the tunnels like a human rocket. I could hear the water rushing as I sped downward and around turns, down rollercoaster-like dips, and even a loop in the darkness.

Then all too quickly, I felt myself being launched out of the exit ramp at the bottom, then the actual water in the pool as my protective bubble burst.

Misty arrived by elevator to meet me some minutes later. "How was it?"

"That was amazing!" I wheezed, more from my eight flight walk earlier than the trip down. "Can I do it again?"

"Come on up and get a fresh balloon and tank, and you can go again." Misty replied.

Although you could have told us there was an elevator earlier... I thought as the elevator carried us back to the top, where my cheering cabinmates were waiting.

I deferred my second trip so my cabinmates could try it--my trip down spurred Neon to try it, then HE wanted to go again. Flyer went next, then Sunny, then Cottonee and Mint worked up the courage to try it before Neon went again. Once Neon took a third trip and Sunny had gone again, I took my second trip down--which was just as exhilarating as the first time.

I was still riding the adrenaline high when the trumpet sounded mess call at six--I couldn't wait to tell Mom, Dad, and Brock about the experience!