I was in my 40’s before I had to cross a suspended bridge. I did not like it. I still don’t like it. This is why I have a rule, if I pass one, even if it is not on the trial I am on, I have to cross walk across the bridge because I believe facing fear helps me to fear less.
Dogs do not naturally take to bridges that are open on the side, make weird noises and move. This Jolene’s first time on a bridge. I had to be confident for her because this style of bridge is not unusual in Tennessee. If the dog has a bad experience on her first crossing, her lack of confidence would impact our hiking future.
The Savage Day Loop in South Cumberland State Park is a 4.9 heavily trafficked, moderate to trail. Take a map as it is easy to get turned get on the wrong trail.
Jolene and I twice crossed two suspended bridges, so that was a win. She earned her FIRST ice cream.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
Wow memories!
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Very brave of you two.
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I’m not a fan of suspended bridges, either. It takes every bit of courage I have to cross one. The first time I crossed one was when I’d just turned 50. I love the title of this post because it’s similar to what I tell myself when I come to a section of hiking trail that makes me jittery.
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I’ll never be comfortable, but I do it anyway. I also am not good with rock climbing, but when I have to…
I find I worry about my dog more than me in these situations.
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Pineapple milkshakes? Never had one and feel that is a shame. I’d walk across a suspended bridge for one.
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NO SHAME! Whatever gets you across that is not illegal works. And a pineapple milkshake is amazing.
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Good for you both, and for pup cups and milkshakes!
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I agree with you on facing one’s fears. This year I told myself to do everything that scared me or that I thought I couldn’t. I performed at poetry slams (pre COVID-19), wrote and published 3 books of poetry, studied and became a master shaman. I fear heights and am not a fan of bridges but I would cross that one like you did if it meant real homemade ice cream!! Yum 😋
Even though dairy doesn’t agree with me anymore and I stick to plant based non-dairy treats on occasion😉 Great post, wonderful pictures. Tennessee is do lovely💚🌳🌱
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Thank you. I have also faced fears and made changes.
Dairy is not my friend, but sometimes it is worth it.
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We are warrior sisters🙌 and I agree, sometimes it’s definitely worth it 😉
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Oh wow. Congratulations on facing your fears. The view is amazing. I am glad that you did it with your dog. Good day😇
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A beautiful hike and a wonderful topping to the day. Yum. Cheers to your courage for conquering those bridge challenges!
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Kudos both to you and your dog for facing your fear!
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I don’t like iit either! Good for you!! I remember ending up on a bridge in Bali and not a clue o how I ended up on a bridge on a motorcycle with a friend of my son’s to Chenagon and 3 min later it collapsed. 7 died. I haven’t been on once since. 🙃
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This is why they scare me! But Tennessee State Parks are not Bali.
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Yes indeed Sarah!! You got that right, thank goodness! Such beauty. Enjoy hiking this weekend! 💕 Cindy
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I love the picture of your shadows in the water from the suspended bridge. The woods look so inviting, definitely worth crossing the dubious bridge for.
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Thank you! The shadow photo was a challenge as I had a very scared pup attached to me by a waist leash. She got better with each crossing.
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Oh dear. Not sure I could get across a suspended bridge, even if ice cream was on the other side as a reward! And for sure, being suspended over water would have been a deal breaker, ha! Congrats to you though, both for facing your fears and for not inflicting them on your dog!
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The secret is just like yoga balance poses, keep your eyes forward!
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And don’t look down, right?!!
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You’ve got it.
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Now I want to go on a hike, minus the suspension bridge. 😅
Congrats on facing your fears. And I adore little restaurants like that! We have one called Tasty Dip near us and it’s a treasure.
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I like it, the Tasty Dip!!! With Waze I may be able to make a pitstop next time I drive to the beach!
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One of my earliest memories, maybe at age 4, involved trying to cross a suspended bridge and quaking in fear. My brother ran over it without hesitation. I froze. I love that you consider it a challenge to meet your fear head-on and cross the bridges when you find them. Not sure if I’d have that much courage…maybe…after reading of yours.
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I refuse to minimize my life because it’s too hot, too cold, I’m too old, or the bridge to a beautiful hiking trail is too scary. While safety counts, fear does not mean unsafe.
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When I was in grade school and went to Camp Fire Girls camp, there was a swinging bridge. The bridge itself wasn’t very long, and it wasn’t very scary — until I gave it my first go, and discovered the trick the older campers loved was jumping up and down on one end, getting the bridge to ‘ripple.’ I’d forgotten about that–or repressed it! It’s fun to remember, but I think I’ll pass on a repeat of the experience.
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There is a special level of hell for people who jump up and down on suspended bridges. 😉
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