#9 - The Tower of Power

Here is the story of how I checked #9 off my bucket list...

1999

1776, that's the number I needed to get to on my stair machine before the 30 minute timer went off. For a month, everyday, I would get to 1500 and I would hear the ding, ding, ding of the timer. Darn! I was scheduled for a charity CN Tower climb on Sunday. I had told everyone my goal was 1776 steps to the top in 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I had been averaging 35-40.

Sunday arrived and everyone lined up at the bottom. Once inside, there was no turning back. No elevators or quick ways up or down if you stopped half way.

My heart was racing by the time I got to the front of the line. I punched my time card and away I went. I did not realize you could see through the steel grate steps. Have I mentioned that I am scared of heights?

Half way up, I heard BANG, BANG, BANG...Clunk, Swish. BANG, BANG, BANG...Clunk, Swish.

What the..? It was getting closer. I held onto the handrail and kept focusing on my step count. Then, two firemen wearing full gear, air tanks and masks flew by me. They took the steps three at a time....BANG, BANG, BANG. As they grabbed the rail at the landing 'clunk', then the 'swish' of the jackets as they turned to go up the next flight of stairs. And then they were gone. Cool!!

Inspired, I continued diligently on my quest. Then I was at the top, punched my card and was told my time was 27 minutes, 17 seconds. Woohoo! Thank you awesome firemen for the inspiration and I enjoyed the nice elevator ride down.

#9 Climb the CN Tower added to the list 1986, checked off the list 1999.