Go Jump In The Lake!

Well, we did. Jumped in the lake I mean. First we did it because we just had to- we have a dock, it’s Lake Como, what choice did we have? At 1,300 feet, it is Italy’s deepest lake, so we knew it was going to be cold, but we figured what’s one more polar plunge?

But once in, we discovered it wasn’t so bad. In fact, after about thirty seconds it actually felt great! We set our goal and made our way down and back, enjoying the clear, turquoise blue water. When we got out we were not hit by the instant chill we expected- we actually felt warm. That feeling was the incentive to try to swim every day when possible. And I swear it makes the tired joints feel better!

During one of our daily ventures around our tiny hamlet, we discovered that our new village was home to the world-famous Nesso Bridge- Ponte di Nesso. This is the renowned Civera Bridge, some say over 2000 years old, as its beginnings were during the Roman era.

Behind it a spectacular waterfall plunges down a huge gorge, the Orrido di Nesso. The bridge was rebuilt in the Middle Ages, and it is definitely one of the most beautiful, romantic, and memorable spots we’ve ever seen. It looks like it’s been there forever, tucked between brightly painted buildings with contrasting shutters and beautiful vines everywhere. It’s magical.

It’s also known as the bridge that everyone jumps off. While we were there people jumped from the (some say) 28-foot bridge, one after another, sometimes in groups, some doing tricks. It was quite the show, and obviously the thing to do. I wish I'd snapped a few, and I will the next time.

We decided then, since everybody else was doing it (and despite our mothers asking “If everyone was jumping off a bridge would you do it?”) that we would return in our suits sometime in the next few days.

When our first guest arrived at the end of that first week, we knew we had to take him to the famous bridge. Father Jerry was intrigued to see the big attraction and agreed to photograph our leap. Had it not been for a back surgery earlier in the year, he would have been jumping too.

We arrived at the bridge and watched some Greg Louganis wanna-be’s showing off their skills. We told Jerry not to expect any theatrics from us. Just climbing up on the bridge was a feat in itself for us, and not a pretty one. But we made it up and stood on the precipice. It was pretty far down there.

We decided to hold hands.

How many of you can guess what happened when we jumped?

Note to self- NEVER hold hands when you jump off a bridge. Think gravity. You’d think we would have thought this through.

For those who haven’t caught up yet, the heavier person falls faster. The lighter person’s body then torques with the pull. Now do you see the picture? You literally do.

Fortunately, awkward landing notwithstanding, (no pun intended) I was not injured . . . just left with an entire backside of bruises. And I would (will?) jump again, just not holding hands. Consider yourself warned- the romance is not worth it! But the thrill and adventure of the bridge . . . yes, worth it.