Thursday's Child: Zip Lining for the Terrified

Thursday, April 21, 2011

I don’t like heights.

I don’t like speed.

So what was I doing zip lining in Costa Rica?

From the time we booked our trip, my husband talked about how important it was that we go zip lining.  I was surprised, because he doesn’t like heights or speed either.  But I thought if Andrew could overcome his fears, so could I.

En route to the expedition, he overheard our daughters chatting about what an adventure it was going to be.  He frowned.  “Do these things go really fast?” he asked.

“I think that’s why they call it a zip line.”

And a few minutes later, upon seeing our destination, “We don’t actually go all the way to the top, do we?”

Oops.

Many of our fears were allayed when we arrived at the zip line centre.  A full set of safety instructions was followed by a lovely gondola ride to the top of the canopy.  A local naturalist guide explained everything we were seeing, and kept us relaxed with his friendly banter.

And then we got to the top.  It was really, really high.  Our path back down would be via ten zip lines.  The first run was short and shallow, perfectly designed to boost a zipper’s confidence.  But they grew longer and deeper, and by the time we reached the fourth run, I looked into a chasm that was seemingly as deep and as wide as the Grand Canyon.  (With a few more trees to break a fall, if necessary.)

I took a breath, turtled into position, and stepped off the platform.

Probably the most relaxing part of zip lining is the zipping itself.  Flying through the air is a pleasant, breezy sensation.  And for anyone who has the nerve to look into the chasm below while in mid-air, I’m sure it’s a lovely view.

On our tenth and final run, a photographer stood at the opposite end taking photos.  My youngest daughter was sufficiently poised to spot the photographer and make faces for the camera.  My oldest daughter floated down as gracefully as a ballerina in mid-pirouette.  My photo shows me grimly clutching the lines as if I was defeating gravity single-handedly.

You've probably noticed that there are no pictures of zip-lining here.  That's because Andrew and I were too nervous to do anything but hold on for our lives.  These photos are of the beautiful Alma del Pacifico where we had a very relaxing vacation when we weren't scaring ourselves to death zip-lining.

31 comments:

Joanne said...

I am so impressed that you did this! I would never have had the guts but it sounds like an awesome experience nonetheless!

Belinda said...

You are so funny. I'm so impressed that you did it!!

Anonymous said...

Wooo! You are SUPER brave, I have the same fears and idk if I could do that !!

shaz said...

Good on you! Ten zip-lines in a row is a lot. But it does sound like fun :)

Valerie Gamine said...

Congratulations on facing your fears! Zip-lining sounds like a blast. :D

Miss Good on Paper said...

I've always wanted to do this. These are the kinds of experiences that make the best stories, too! So glad you did it and shared it with us. =)

Mehjabeen Arif said...

oh gal ! i would have never done this.. bravo !! sounds like thrilling fun ..

Carol said...

WOW you are one brave soul! Nothing would get me on that! Your pictures are breathtaking!

art is in the kitchen said...

I admire brave souls like you! I know of a lot of people go to Costa Rica for these adventures and come away with a lot of pleasant experiences too. Glad to hear you had a grand time with the children. I'm sure they'll remember this for a long time. Cheers!

Ann said...

Wow, that looks like such a fun thing to do. I'd love to do something like that. Talk about stepping out of the box!

Bkloss said...

I was JUST going to ask where your zip-lining photos were! :)

I loved this: "And for anyone who has the nerve to look into the chasm below while in mid-air, I’m sure it’s a lovely view."

Glad you had fun despite. I've always wanted to zip-line.

Velva said...

First, my hat is off to you. Although, I love an adventure my fear of heights and speed are the same of yours. Photos are top of my list but, would have taken a major backseat to holding onto dear life too (laugh).

The walk off onto the beach with your family more than suffices. Awesome trip.

Velva

MTeacress said...

I road a zip line once - at Snowbird ski resort in the Wasatch mountains of Utah. It was wonderful. But I don't know if I'd have the courage to do it over and over. What a neat experience you had!

Have a lovely weekend. :)

Anonymous said...

Seriously, I don't know if the Universe is trying to send me a message or what the deal is, really, but I have seen so much stuff about hang gliding/bungee jumping/ziplining over the past few days that I think maybe I'm meant to be doing something extreme. Go figure.

As per the usual, your pictures (especially that last one!!!) are killing me :)

Jude said...

Wowee, that was really brave of you! It doesn't matter if you were afraid--it still took a lot of courage!

Anonymous said...

Oh. My. Good for you for having the nerve to zip line in the first place. One, I could probably talk myself into, but TEN different zip lines?! I'm not so sure about that...

Rita said...

Brave girl Beth! I admire someone who can conquer their fears and go for it!
Happy Easter.
Rita

Angela said...

I'm with you. Zip lining would terrify me. Don't get me wrong, I'd probably get used to it if I did it enough, but that first trip . . . wow.

Unknown said...

You are brave to try zip lining! I just read your post to my husband and we don't think we would like to try flying through the air and definitely would not look down;-)

Jess said...

My parents went to Costa Rica a few years ago and considered taking a zip line trip. They decided against it :) The photos you did include are gorgeous, as usual. I especially love the beach shot with three people (you and your daughters?).

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

You are one impressive dudette. No, I don't know what a dudette is.

I give you lots of credit for facing your fears. I love the way you described the event.

You are awesome.

Mary said...

Zip-lining sounds absolutely amazing to me, but then I'm a Friday child.
:)
I am a bit disappointed that I won't be able to watch the royal wedding, though. Maybe I'll make some scones when I get home.

Kristen said...

I think zip-lining sounds like so much fun, especially through a jungle setting. I am glad you were able to do it.

Anonymous said...

Hooray for going through with it! Love that your daughters have no fear too - and I love that last picture :D

Sounds like a great vacation!

Victoria said...

oooh, I've always wanted to go zip-lining! I bet it's scary but super fun too. I'm glad you faced your fears and went through with it. Would have been a shame not to!

Emma said...

Wow good for you! I'm not a very adventurous person and wish I was.

Lovely images too.

Fresh Local and Best said...

I've seen people zip lining and it always looked like so much fun!

Heather S-G said...

Oh how FUN! I have ALWAYS wanted to zipline! So jealous :D

Lynne Daley said...

I've only been zip-lining in the mountains of North Carolina, but like you, was in a state of dread until I tried it-Wow, what an experience! I even bought a camera attachment for the helmut-haven't been back yet, but will definitely rig up my little point and shoot or Flip video.

Anonymous said...

This confirms that my husband and I are the only two people who have gone to Costa Rica and NOT zip lined!

Ruth said...

Me? Zip lining? Not. A. Chance.

Post a Comment