Zip lining

Today, zip lining is primarily an adventure thrill ride, but it wasn’t always that way.  Originally created out of necessity, zip lining was invented as a method of fast transportation across canyons, rivers and other impassable areas. To create a zipline, cables and pulleys are threaded between two points at a slight angle; gravity then provides the momentum to pull the rider from one point to the next……!

Hélène and fell in love with the sport during our trip to South Africa in 2013, along our trip we stayed at a B&B in Tsitsikamma, Stormsriver where we did the ziplining tour with Tsitsikamma Canopy tour.

Storms River…the very name conjures up images of mystery and suspense, adventure drama and romance. Of primal forests where the ghosts of woodcutters and long gone elephants roam. Where, on a moonlit, star filled night, one may hear the ring of a pick on rock in salute to long dead road builders. Of ladies in Victorian dress and men in hunting jackets preparing for the buffalo hunt.

It is a little village set in the heart of the forests and in the foothills of the majestic Tsitsikamma mountain range. Centuries ago, long before the Village was ever dreamt of, herds of elephants traversed the land on which it now stands. Every year, for thousands of years, they would migrate across this area en route to the drier lands north east of the now Port Elizabeth to return at the turn of the following season to the cool tranquillity of the coastal forests. Living in total harmony with these gentle giants were the San, hunter‐gatherers who periodically lived in this area and at the coast, migrating, like the elephants back and forth as the seasons dictated.

In april 2016 we flew to Hawaii, USA, island hopping Maui, Kauai and the big island Kona. Kapalua Zipline in Maui has been featured as one of USA Today’s favorite zip lines for the one-of-a-kind way to experience West Maui’s native rainforest. Your tour features top notch gear and equipment, not to mention trained and experienced guides known for safety, customer service and enthusiasm.  The 3.75 7 hour tour will start as you are taken by a 4-wheel drive vehicle to the 1,400 foot elevation of West Maui Mountains, where you will be fitted with state-of-the-art zip line gear.

Our adventure began as we crossed the valley on a 360-feet suspension bridge in order to get to the first of seven zip lines. Kapalua’s 7-line course features line #3, the longest zip line on the course over 2,000 feet in length and 243 feet in elevation change. Half way through your ride you will be treated to a small meal as you enjoy the 360 degree views of the West Maui surroundings. If you want to have a thrilling activity then you have to book this you will have a memorable day. If we could give more than 5 stars we definitely would. Our only advise is to make sure you have durable non skid shoes if its rainy; it can get a little slippery in the mud. Aloha!”

Humans have been obsessed with flight since the beginning of time. From Orville and Wilbur Wright piloting the first powered airplane to modern day base jumpers in those bizarre squirrel suits, there’s something in our DNA that makes us want to experience the sensation of flight.

And seeing as we haven’t figured out a way to grow feathers yet, a trip through an aerial park on a zipline is a terrific way to get that fix.