Headed back to the Grand Sierra Resort for Special Olympics Nevada Over the Edge Fundraiser. People fundraise to rappel 320ft down the side of the Grand Sierra.

Day 1 was full of local personalities.

Including the very brave cameraman Jeff from Channel 4 who instead of rapelling, was lowered down so he could capture Dina as she repelled.

When I got back that night, I showed my ever faithful travel buddies, Mama Cox and Grandma some of the shots, and reassured my mom that I was only taking pictures of the people rappelling not joining them.

Mind you, when my parents bought me my first digital camera as a graduation present before leaving for Cal, the agreement was I would only take pictures of all the strange people and activities in Bezerkely, and not join in with them...In both instances, I wasn't able to keep up my side of the bargain ;-)

There were some spots left unfilled, and somehow, I was convinced by the Special Olympics and Over the Edge staff that I too should rappel. I don't consider myself an adrenaline junkie or anything, but I do believe that if there's an opportunity to do something you haven't tried, and that opportunity likely won't present itself again... do it!

I decided it would be best to not tell my mom. But since she's more of a shutterbug than myself, she was taking pictures of the strangers rappelling. Then thought "that one looks like Kelley"... Her and my grandma convinced each other that it definitely wasn't me because I wasn't wearing long shorts (in their memory) they couldn't see my hair (which was in a braid) and most importantly that I wouldn't do that (wrong!)

About 10 feet from the ground, I look back and see my mom standing there and I said "uh oh... guess my mom found out" and when I had two feet on the ground, waved to her she came face to face with what she feared, and shouted "That's my daughter!!!"... by the way mom, I ended up rappelling ;-)

Big ups to Special Olympics for coordinating this event, Grand Sierra for hosting, and Over the Edge for keeping everyone safe and being mini-therapists as they had to talk down a few people in that freak out moment when you realize you are held up by two ropes and leaning backwards 320ft in the air =) And thanks to Jonathan Prewitt who borrowed my cameras to get a couple of me rappelling!

It's not too late to sign up for the San Francisco Event here: http://www.sonc.org/events/our-fundraisers/over-edge