Anne Patton enjoyed a leisurely hike up Mount Tolmie with her grandkids this week. It’s a slightly different pace from last week’s family outing.
“I really didn’t want to do it,” said Patton, reflecting on her adrenaline-pumping experience.
The 78-year-old buckled up with her daughter, taking on Wildplay Nanaimo’s Primal Swing. It’s a 140 km/h slingshot that drops nearly 150 feet (45 metre), hovering the Nanaimo River. Her grandchildren, Seamus and Jasper, witnessed the thrilling experience first hand.
“Her face was just so funny because she was so scared. She couldn’t talk,” said Jasper.
Patton faced her fear, calling the experience one she’ll never forget.
“I have watched these two videos about 20 times and each time I’m sitting there giggling, with absolutely ear-to-ear grin. I’m just so proud of myself that I did it,” said Patton.
Conquering the Primal Swing was part of Patton’s “embracing 80 challenge,” a way to push her comfort zone in 80 different ways before she reaches the milestone birthday.
“It’s a way of staying young and a way of having a blast and trying new stuff,” said Patton.
She’s thrown axes, paddle boarded and hopped on a dogsled in Churchill, Man. For the most part, the retired children’s author is having a great time. Whether it’s zip-lining or sailing on the Pacific, the experiences are always with family by her side. Patton has recently reached the mid-way point with plenty of time to go, and this courageous granny has big plans moving forward.
“I’d love to have a hot air balloon ride, I’ve never done that. But I’d also like to, for example, take a Mandarin class to say more than ni hao.”
And her grandkids can’t help but admire their gnarly nana.
“There’s not very many 78-year-olds that jump off bridges,” said Seamus.
“Well that’s the ultimate to me, I’d like to be a cool nana,” said Patton.
With many more adventures to go, the experiences have already taught Patton a valuable life lesson.
“You can have enthusiasm ’til the very last minute.”
Kevin Charach
