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Adrenaline Junkies Zipline Canopy Adventure |
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Monday, 18 February 2008 |
Scaling a 50 foot wooden tower I have reached the top and have a wonderful view of the stream crossing the property and a clear view of the rolling hill on the other side. I intentionally stood at the end of the line to allow myself a chance to come to term with the adventure I am undertaking. I have watched those ahead of me step to the opening in the railing, step on the platform and step off into the air plunging at 40 mph down a cable that at this moment is inches above my head. It seems much to small to hold me, and the pulley I clip to the cable seems much too small as well. Still, I have one crab claw anchored to the tower and I now remove it and clipped it to my belt. A rope attached to the pulley is carrying my weight. There is no turning back, everyone else has taken the leap. I step off the platform into thin air.
Now you may think I'm part of some strange cult, and perhaps you are right. I am joining the ranks of the Georgia adrenaline junkies. I am trusting myself to equipment that is used by mountain climbers and accelerating down a cable called a zipline to get to the hill across the stream. The adventure has started and in the first 35 seconds I have covered 1000 or more feet to the other side. My pulse quickens and I pass inches above the top of trees in the gorge below me. My landing is smooth and I quickly follow those who went before me, and I am hooked.
I have been invited to "Historic Banning Mills ", about 45 minutes west of Atlanta, to try out this unique and exciting zipline canopy tour. My first zipline landing marks the last time my feet touch the ground over the next two hours. On this side of the stream I go vertical and travel through the top of the trees 30 feet up in the canopy. I cross from one tree to another along cable bridges that blend into the tree tops as well as two more ziplines, tree to tree. During that time I get a feeling of accomplishment as the strangers I started out the tour with became trusted friends reaching out to help me overcome the obstacles along the adventure. Our group instructor of this adventure moved here from Tennessee 5 months ago and was trained to patiently and safely assist us in experiencing the maximum effect of the tour.
 Other than a willingness to try something new, the only other requirement was weight, at least 90 pounds. Gender or age does not seem to have a preference. The women were as good at this as the men.
Seeing the world from a bird's vantage point is a point of view I have never considered before today. My initial fear is gone, and I now trust the equipment as well as the friends around me. We overcome obstacles, and achieve the goal of returning to the main building in one piece. We have all become adrenaline junkies today!
Reference:
Historic Banning Mills Lodge
205 Horseshoe Dam Road
Whitesburg,Georgia 30185
770-834-9149
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 March 2008 )
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