Adventure awaits every traveler, and often, magical moments come in the strangest and most unexpected of packages. Whether it’s a missed train or a mistaken detour, the stories of close calls and crazy adventures make some of the most unique and cherished reminisces of our journeys. Here we present a collection of incredibly close shaves, from near-miss plane rides to magical mishaps in far off lands. With each story told, we hope to capture the spirit of exploration and the wilder side of travel – revel in the adventures of a lifetime!
1. Edging Closer to Disaster: Tales of Near Misses
The stories of near misses are often harrowing reminders of how a single near encounter can have serious consequences. Here are some eye-opening stories of disasters that could have happened but narrowly missed hitting us full force.
Oil fires
Oil refineries are a potential disaster just waiting to spark. In 2014, disaster almost struck when a massive oil fire started in a refinery in Louisiana. Reports say that a welding torch sparked a fire in one of the tanks filled with oil, triggering a domino affect that spread throughout the plant. Locals reported that flames were shooting up to 70 feet high. Fortunately, firefighters managed to contain the fire before it could spread and cause further damage.
Train collisions
- In 2011, a magnetometer train in Japan was somehow able to avoid a head-on collision with a passenger jet. By the time the train driver realized what was happening it was too late to hit the brakes, so the driver rocked the train back and forth, miraculously and unintentionally avoiding the approaching jet.
- This wasn’t the only time a train was able to narrowly avoid an aircraft collision. In 2007, a train in Philadelphia was going 95 mph when the traffic controller suddenly realized it was on the same track as an incoming aircraft. With only seconds to spare, he rerouted the train to a nearby track, avoiding an unimaginable disaster.
Flooding
In 1990, the state of Texas was almost engulfed by the overflowing Brazos river. After weeks of rain, the river projected to breach its banks if something drastic wasn’t done. Engineers scrambled and managed to build a makeshift levee before the river could flood the area, stopping what could have been one of the worst floods in American history.
2. Experiencing the Thrills and Chills of Close Calls
A close call separates a great experience from a dangerous one. The thrill you feel when just inches of difference determine whether you make it or not is a huge part of the adventure. Here are some of the greatest close calls you can experience:
- Motorcycle races: Feel the wind swoosh by and the ground tremble, as you race around winding corners and pass opponents within inches of distance. The sense of adrenaline you get is undeniably thrilling.
- Snowboarding: Taking on a steep mountainside with nothing but a board and your guts is an experience of a lifetime. Unfortunately, one wrong move could result in a close call, but if you remain confident, you just might succeed.
- Skydiving: When you see the ground rushing towards you, it’s like time stands still. The closer you get to the ground, the faster you’ll feel the endorphins in your body. It’s an intense rush of emotions you’re sure to remember forever.
- Mountain Climbing: There’s no fear stronger than the fear of heights. But when you conquer a tall peak and safety is just mere feet away, it’s a moment of grandeur that you won’t soon forget.
Close calls are not only exciting, but they can also be life-saving. Take the time to prepare properly and have the right attitude to make sure you are aware of the risks and are prepared if your close call ends differently than you hope.
Every close call is unique, so don’t think twice about making the jump and facing a thrilling adventure. Live life on the edge and you’re sure to come out with an amazing story to tell.
3. Skirting Danger: How I Avoided Catastrophe
My tale of averting disaster began with a sudden but powerful craving for wild adventure. I usually don’t think twice when it comes to acting upon these urges, so I began packing the essentials. Little did I know that my seemingly harmless decision would take me to the brink of catastrophe!
- I had ventured off the beaten path, entirely unprepared for the troubles that awaited me.
- I quickly realized that I was lost and the sun had already begun to set.
As I scrambled to find my way out through the dense woods, I encountered hazards that posed a real threat to my safety. I was unaware of the presence of a saber tooth tiger that walked right by, leaving me unharmed.
Finally, I stumbled upon a stream that I had coincidentally visited on the day I had decided to take this risk. My heart was filled with relief as I followed the stream back to a familiar clearing and made it back home safe and sound.
4. Taking a Risk: When Adventure Almost Turned Lethal
Reaching New Heights
When the group of four travelers decided to go on an adventure to climb a remote mountain, they knew they were taking a risk. But with the right training and equipment, they felt confident they could reach their goal, while ensuring everyone’s safety.
Facing Unexpected Challenges
The climb began just as they had anticipated, with a steady ascent up the rocky terrain. Despite the bright sunshine and clear blue skies, the beautiful view of the valley below started to blur from exhaustion as they kept going higher. As the conditions changed, so did their challenge:
- Boulders that were easy to scale became sticky with treacherous mud.
- The weather went from sunny to blustery and cold.
- More treacherous terrain and thicker layers of snow.
The unexpectedly difficult climb took its toll on the travelers and they were now in a race against the clock to make it back down safely before nightfall.
Acting in the Moment
The urgency of the situation revved up their hearts, and the group ran around leaps and bounds, barely resting in between. After a few hours, they realized the conditions were not improving and if anything seemed to be getting worse. Finally, in a moment of spontaneous decision-making, the group decided to make a dangerous, calculated risk.
They strapped their safety harnesses together and docked securely onto the side of the mountain. The calculated risk paid off – with the help of the climbers’ skills and trust in one another, they made it down and back to base without any injuries.
The Power of Experience
The experience with the near-lethal climb was a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and teamwork. It was an intense situation that could have gone very wrong, but with the right skills and care, the group was able to make it out safe and sound. They left knowing that if they ever decided to take a risk again, they would have the experience and confidence to do the job well.
Everyone has a memorable travel story to tell–especially when it’s a story of a close call or a wild adventure. Whether it’s a hair-raising near miss or a life-changing escapade, these experiences can be joyous, thrilling, and unforgettable. Share your stories with us, and let us be a part of your crazy adventure!
