X-rails in Cozumel

For our excursion in Cozumel we decided we wanted to try something different mixed with a little excitement so we signed up for a X-rail Off Road adventure. We took a buggy through the island 's inland jungle. Let me warn you, if you have a bad neck, back or heart this excursion is not for you.

Excited, clean, and relaxed

This was one heart pumping, thrilling ride up hills, through mud, dirt, and sand. We took a 45 minute ride through the seldom explored jungle to Jade Gardens Cavern. We had the chance to cool of in the emerald waters of the cave system. I decided to just take in the unique formations and exotic surroundings. Well let me keep it real: I was upset because Nelson drove through a big mud pit and my camera got wet and stopped working. I was worried I lost all of our memories from our vacation so I sat on the sidelines sulking plus I was a little leery of the sulfur scent and bat droppings.

We got so banged up during this ride. You're bound to crash your buggy at least once because of the lack of power steering and Nelson had the battle wounds to prove it.

I like to try new, thrill seeking things and I'm glad I did it, but once was definitely enough for me. Let's face it: I'm too girly to get this dirty.

Dirty, hot, sun burned, and tired

Rollercoaster of life

On this journey called life I've always been fortunate enough to have my brothers by my side and that thought didn't cross my mind until I was sitting in between them on the SheiKra roller-coaster at Busch Gardens. My younger brother David is terrified of coasters but of course my oldest brother forced him on as I teased him for being a punk. For most of his life, that's what Dean's role has been, telling David what to do while I provoke and laugh at him from a safe distance.

As we made our way up the incline slowly, my excitement began to escalate. I started squealing with anticipation and gave David's arm a little squeeze, hoping he was enjoying the build as much as I was. It made me think of times in my life when I just know something good is going to happen, when I get that feeling of this is it and the first person I call is him. I looked over at David and his expression read, "I don't know what you smiling for because I know what's to come." This is normally the same reaction I get when I talk to him of the "good vibe I'm getting". He's there to help me see the big picture, remind me not to get too excited, and to always hope for the best but expect the worst.

As we reached the top of the hill my stomach dropped and panic took over as the coaster made the right turn and dropped to the ground below. I turned to Dean at this point as I would often do in my real life. When things seem out of control, I'm scared and things are moving too fast, he's the one able to give me soothing words of encouragement always ready to protect me, reminding me everything in life is a lesson learned.

I'm able to enjoy every loop, roll, u-turn, flat spin and brake run this SheiKra of life has to offer me. No matter the 90 degree drop, if I'm suspended above air, or come across a surprise twist, I have my brothers by my side and that's what I need in this roller coaster we call life.