Chasing Heaven

(US Naval Academy, 1890s)

Although there might be more than one way to skin a cat, the pathway to Heaven remains decidedly straight and narrow.

Nevertheless, humans have tried to find upsy-daisy shortcuts throughout the ages.  One such contrivance has been the sport of extreme pole-vaulting.  Not content with simply bouncing about from one ground-zero to another, the Dutch have been leaping skyward for centuries.

They don’t let a little thing like a canal get in the way.  This potential deterrent simply adds to the thrill of defying earthbound forces.  After soaring to “the height of a four-story building,” it’s then time to hope for a smooth landing.  If all goes well, you walk away unscathed.  If all does not, you either walk away wet or not at all.   

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/news/sports/article/dutch-canal-leaping-pole-vaulters-053959922.html