Sunday, August 21 Nelson, BC
Well today is the day. Donna & I are booked on the 12:45 Kokanee Mountain Zipline tour. Neither of us have done this sort of 'adventure' before so it should be interesting.
We left Jen at the park just after 9:00 a.m. Our plan was to show Donna a bit of Nelson, grab a coffee, walk along the waterfront park before driving the 30-minute distance to Kokanee Mountain zipline.
Here's the trolley that runs the entire length of Nelson's waterfront park.
Just before noon, we drove out to the turnoff to Kokanee Mountain Zipline, then up 2 kms along a dusty, windy, washboard logging road to our destination.
While we waited to be called for our tour, we watched another tour finish their exciting zipline adventure. BTW, as we were told later, the final zip - #6 - is the steepest one and the braking is quite dramatic, for want of a better word. The braking system (the almost vertical cable from the top line to the zip line) is connected to a resistance pulley that acts like an aircraft arresting cable.
Our harnesses were laid out and we were invited to step into them. Then the two guides secured each of us in turn.
And stepping onto the landing platform.
Here's Donna, about midway, waving at us.
After a short 10-minute walk through the forest, we arrived at zipline #4 - the longest at 2,400'. From the starting point, we zipped through a narrow cut through the trees, then, BLAM, we were again 300' up looking down at the trees and Kokanee Creek. Here's a shot looking back from whence we came.
Here's the some of the group watching the arrival of Kacey. That's Derek and his two kids.
While waiting for my turn, I concentrated on the tree. As you can see each of us was firmly connected to a cable around the tree. Along with the railings, there was no concern about falling off the platform.
BUT...every time I looked out at the cable stretching into infinity, my heart skipped a beat (I wasn't the only one!). My new friend Derek, as well as the young lady behind me, were both feeling the same fear and trepidation. So long as I didn't look at the cable, I felt comfortable. At one point, I rested my head on my forearm resting against the tree trunk and wondered what the heck I was doing.
All too soon, it was my turn.
Now, can you see the 'steps' on the platform in the picture above. My plan was to go far enough forward on the platform so that I could sit in my harness and then push myself off the platform - no more falling into the harness. Well I sat into my harness but I wasn't far enough forward - my derriere was firmly planted on the platform - Oops!
Pushing forward, I launched myself off the platform.
Soaring 300' above the trees and Kokanee Creek below was exhilarating if not slightly tense., but soon enough I was at the end of the 1150' cable.
Here's Kacey, the young lady I mentioned before, heading into the landing platform
I was not the only one that found it a little stressful stepping off the platform and then "falling" into my harness. On zipline #2, it was the same, almost "terrifying" feeling, but by zipline #3, I had it figured out. Here's the illustrious duo at the start of zipline #3.
We all hope into the van for the short drive to the takeoff point. Here's one of our guides explaining what is going to happen. Notice that at this point we only have to walk up a few steps to zipline #1.
If you notice one more person in the picture above, that's Nicole, Derek's wife. She did zipline #1 but was too apprehensive about continuing on the tour. Even though she only did the first zipline, we all figured she deserved to be in the group shot.
Would I zipline again? Probably not. Today's adventure was certainly exciting, if not a bit stressful, but both Donna & I figured there are other 'challenges' out there that we should try.
We drove back to KRRV and talked about going out to dinner - Donna said she wanted to treat us. We decided on the golf club, so I called and made a reservation.
On a walk this morning, I noticed a class C RV with Rotary International signage and Polio Awareness on it. I suggested to Jen that while Donna & I were gone, she should investigate.
Jennie had spoken to Linda's husband this morning. Linda, a District Governor, stopped by and
gave Jennie a Rotary International pin. This pin is for the 2023 convention to be held in
Melbourne, AU. Linda explained the meanings of the items on the pin.
Being a District Governor, Linda is touring her district and meeting with local chapters.
We invited Linda to join us for drinks when she had time as we were just heading out for dinner.
Zipline #5 was the "trick" line. At 830' I didn't think it was long enough to consider doing any tricks - like going upside down! Some of our group, mainly the younguns did. Good on 'em!
So finally, here we are at zipline #6. I think by this time those of us who were stressing out at the beginning were feeling more comfortable. But #6 had a new challenge - a more aggressive braking system - due mainly to this line being the steepest.
At the Golf Club, we enjoyed some fine wine, beer,
and food on the patio overlooking the golf course and the mountains.
I was especially curious about the Los Mueurtos Cerveza Negra from Bad Tattoo Brewing in Penticton, BC.That is a pretty impressive design. And the dark lager was excellent!
