Stilt Walking

     Since the temperature was about 50ish I decided it was time to try some stilt walking again. I convinced Jeremy to come out with me (I'm not allowed to unicycle or stilt walk alone. Apparently it's dangerous...). He grabbed a ladder and I grabbed my stilts and we headed out to the driveway.
I use the ladder to get on the stilts, and I keep one foot on the ladder until I'm ready to step off. I have to make sure my first foot is centered on the stilt just right and try to focus on my center of balance. Once I feel ready I move my second foot (always my left foot) onto the other stilt. I only have that one chance to make sure my foot is on the stilt correctly; if I put my foot on wrong there's no way to adjust it, I just have to fall. I'm sure I'll be able to adjust it as my balance gets better, it's just difficult now.
I think what makes it hard (besides the whole balance and gravity thing) is that I can't step with just my foot, I have to coordinate my arm to lift the stilt as I take a step. There's been several times where I've done that wrong and end up with my foot coming off the stilt (which usually results in a fall). I could put straps on for my feet, but then if I fell I wouldn't be able to land on my feet. I suppose the straps could go over the top of my feet and therefore my feet could easily slide out, but I don't want to risk it just yet.
And falling hurts! I always land on my feet, but falling from a couple of feet in the air onto the hard driveway is pretty painful to my feet. I think I need shock absorbers!

So, my best for today was probably about 4 or 5 steps. I might try again tomorrow, but there's a chance of rain, so we'll see.