Zip Lines - Day 4

We decided to go zip lining this evening with Climb Works in Gatlinburg.  We weren't sure what to expect other than we would not touch the ground for 2.5 hrs.  The advertising said children 7 years and up could zip but our kids didn't quite make the weight minimums.  Some of the lines were 1000 ft long!  And being so high, I wasn't sure if the kids would be too scared to do it.

We were joined by a family of 5 from Indiana and our two guides.  Sammy was the youngest rider, and Ray was the oldest at 85!  I hope I'm still zip-lining at 85!

We started off with a very exciting ride up the mountain.  Our driver was great... He sang, he swerved, everything to make the ride fun!

(Sammy was laughing the whole way... Despite how it looks in the picture)

Once we got to the top, we climbed across a rope bridge and were ready to go.  We asked if the kids could each ride tandem with a guide for the first line.  So Tyler was up first.  Once they were tied in, Branden told him to walk off the edge of the platform.  He did immediately.  Seriously, didn't bat an eye!  

Sammy rode with Kylee on that first line.  Both kids LOVED it and begged to go alone.  So we agreed.  

There were nine lines total.  Each had different challenges but all had the gorgeous views as we worked our way down the mountain. 

On one line, they taught us to hang upside down as we zipped.  Both kiddos and mom and dad did it well!  I have videos to prove it!

When we reached the longest line (over 1000 feet), there was some concern that the kids didn't weigh enough and would not make it across, so they went together... They screamed and giggled the whole way.  I think it was almost more fun than apart!

Sammy did get stuck in the middle of the line at one point.  She came so close to making it but came to a stop 20 feet from the platform, and slowly slid back away.  The look in her eyes was heart-breaking!  But we reassured her that help was coming and Brandon got to her in no time.  "She's still smiling" he shouted back!  She got quite a kick out of it as he towed her back hand over hand.  Later another rider got stuck and Sammy jumped into action "I know what to do!"  It was so funny!

The sun was setting as we finished the course, changing the shadows and views of the mountain... just so beautiful! 

To finish, we climbed across a bridge to do a vertical 50' drop.  All in the dark!

What an awesome experience!  So proud of both these kids and their willingness to try new things.  

Today we've explored caves deep underground and flew above the mountain trees.  Absolutely Amazing!