Zipping here, zipping there...

Our last grand adventure was on Thursday, when we went zip lining with Princeville Ranch Adventures. This is a working ranch, with cows and everything. They farm sustainably and supply grass finished beef to North Shore markets and cafes. It would seem to be a brilliant combination of revenue sources.

The tour we did took over four hours, had nine zip lines, lunch, and some time in a swimming hole. The tours are limited to twelve people.

The gear is intimidating.

After we geared up, we took a wild drive in an old Austrian army vehicle to the beginning of the lines.

My heart was in my throat.

Figuratively. 

Not literally.

The first line was less than 400 feet, but I was petrified. After the guide finished explaining all the do's and don'ts, he asked who was still scared.
I, in my ignorance, said "Me."
And I was up first.
Ack!

It took a few seconds to make that leap off the platform, but the pressure of all those people waiting behind me was a good motivator.

I clung so tightly to the strap that my wrists were traumatised by the time I reached the second platform.

I may have screamed, just a little.

Jeff had no such qualms.

Just having the time of his life.

Again.

Things got a little easier as the day went on, but I never quite lost the trepidation of that leap into nothingness.

At one point, we had to cross this bridge, which I think they made scary on purpose.

It was harder than it looks, and the drop beneath was maybe a hundred feet.

I was clipped on with my carabiner, but, honestly, who wants to dangle in space from a mere carabiner?

And why does Blogger think that "carabiner" is not a word?

The lines got progressively longer and higher off the ground.

The gear was heavy and awkward, especially the carabiners, which dangled uncomfortably in front of our thighs and, I swear, left bruises. 

Our slightly crazy guides, who made sure that they earned every last penny of their gratuity.

This was a little worrying.

After a break for a delicious lunch and some refreshing swimming by a small waterfall (what else), it was time for the Big Casino.

King Kong.

1,200 feet long and starting 26 feet off the ground.

Let me tell you, it was no small feat just getting up that ramp.

You can barely even see the other platform.

And, to make things even trickier (and more scary), this was the place they took photos of you and your partner holding hands as you left the platform, so you had to jump off together (no girding of the loins on this one!) and hold hands and smile. And then pay a small fortune for the photo at the office, which may have been the scariest part, come to think of it.

I do not look as relaxed as I would have liked.

And that is because I WASN'T!

It was a fun, hot, and tiring day, and I would have enjoyed probably an hour less.

And Jeff would have liked more.

Sound familiar?

And, back at the office, there were actual MONEY TREES for the gratuities. 

No subtlety there. 

I think it encouraged generosity competition among the participants.

I will zip line again some day. 

As soon as I lose the bruises on my legs from this one.