We all woke up on the 26th as much looking forward to ziplining that day as to the thought of warm showers, big beds, sofas and a real kitchen at the next house. It was an early start for 9 AM ziplines, but we were there by 8:45.
Like the rappelling, Sky Trek's ziplines and tram are very professionally done and have a corporate feel to them. We arrived and, after bartering and skimming around the truth, managed to get Sam booked in for the zipline (which has an age limit of 8). He had been devastated to find out he probably couldn't go - especially as he'd already been on some very high zipplines with harnesses in Mexico. We didn't feel too bad about telling a few white lies. No one believed us that he was 8, but he was bigger than some of the 8 year olds that were doing the ziplines (and braver no doubt!). In fact, when asked how fun it was at the end, he said 'Not very. It wasn't scary enough' ... bearing in mind, a smile never left his face the whole time!
We were all pretty excited at the start. I attached the GoPro camera to my helmet to capture the flights. We all slipped into our harnesses and were guided out to the trams. But it wasn't until we were on our way up, up, up the mountain on the tram that the reality of what we were in for began to hit. Looking nervously around us as the tops of the trees began to sink lower and lower around us, this was no little adventure park zipline. This was the real deal.
We were given two trial runs on small ziplines as we left the saftey of our tram. These were easy peasy. Look, no hands! sort of thing. We began to get more confident again. Then, we went on our first REAL one.
Looking reassuringy at the numerous saftey devices which were to hold to the thick cable, we leaned back as we were each clipped on - Sam being the first guinea pig, coupled with a guide because he wasn't heavy enough to make it to the other end alone. Then me, on my own.
OK, the platform was just fine. But then the zipline guy swung me forward by the harness and I found myself travelling at what seemed like 200 miles per hour along a 2000 foot long cable hanging 656 feet about the ground. The air whistled past my ears. My stomach clenched and my hands, holding the metal stabiliser bars, trembled. For about 10 seconds I thought - ok, fine, I'm doing this one, but that's it, I'll walk the rest of the way down, thank you! Then I leaned back a little, resting into the harness and looked at the clips holding me on (and, yes, there is enough time for all this mental conversation along the way) and I began to enjoy it. Really. The lake in the background, the cloud topped volcano, the floor of rainforest below me. Then it was time to place my legs out in position for landing. As soon as my feet made contact with the platform I knew I had to do this again.
I watched as the next person came in, just a spot in the distance. Then nearing closer, arms and legs became visible as we strained to make out the image, like staring at a 12 week baby scan. All of a sudden a person emerged and was heading onto the platform in a mad flash. It was Katie. She paused on the platform as she was unclipped from the line and I could see her legs were trembling. Then she came down and joined me and Sam. We were high on adrenaline. Katie was so excited. To be honest, we both were more tremulous and excited than Sam - that crazy daredevil of a little kid, he was all nonchalant!
We watched as Brittany made a similar appearance from what looked like nowhere. She looked scared too, but said she loved the thrill of the ride. Both girls had tears in their eyes, from the wind I was informed. They did seem very brave. Unlike other people not in our group, they never once expressed any doubt about going again or said they were too scared. Proper tough guys, and, erm, girls, in our family!!
Andy and Ben were sent together in a similar fashion as Sam and Rodolfo. They were less scared about the flight than angry and disgusted at having to put their legs around each other to stick together. Blechh! After the guide assured them that there was no other way, they eventually settled down and enjoyed the zips.
Before we wre ready for it, we were at the last line. We all felt we had just warmed up and were really ready for more. That's life for you.
Funnily enough, many people found going down the high circular staircase at the end of the last zipline more scary than the ziplines! I could see why, but wasn't frightened about it at all - a little dizzy maybe, but not frightened.
When we finished we were all famished and went into El Castillo for lunch on our serpentarium balcony. Then we were off to discover the new house.
We fell in love within seconds of leaving the car. Chickens, two miniature dogs, an amazing view of the lake, volcano, mountains (2nd best in El Castillo, Nancy says), two stories with 2 cosy living rooms and open kitchen and dining room... what not to love?!
We checked out the whole house several times over. The huge soft beds with billowy duvets and fresh smelling pillows ... ahhh heaven!
Sam immediately took the more confident miniature dog, called Muneco, as an adored prisoner, refusing to release him, squeezing him tightly to his chest. As I tried to pry the poor creature from his arms, Sam squeezed harder and screeched at decibels that almost left my hearing range. So I backed off and let him eventually return the dog to the ground. We're reaching a mutual understanding about how to hold poor Muneco who just seems to just come back for more, psycho or martyr??
Just down from our house are paths into the jungle. One which we are told goes to a lovely waterfall. Justin and I both have plans to head there - ideally together! Meanwhile, all the kids are so happy here in all this space. I may be falling in love with this little ranch in the volcanic rainforest mountains in this perfect patch of Costa Rica....
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