Hangin’ Out on a Zipline

“ZIP ON ONE!!” Barked the confident guide standing beside me atop the canopy platform several feet above ground. My heart sank. It was now beating uncontrollably in my stomach. “ZIP ON ONE!!” Came a similar bark from across the way, another guide assuring us the line was clear so I wouldn’t hit a fellow adventurer on my airborne way across the woodland. Carabiners clicked and ratcheted into place above my head. If fleece is the feel of the outdoors, then the hardware clicks are surely its sound. It was go time. I grabbed the rope in front of me, settled into my harness, and commenced a cannonball position. I heard the wind and the sound of pulley on cable. I was off.

I’ve never bungee jumped or skydived. Yet. I have a bucket list as big as my ego and those things are on it. But I have managed to zip-line before. It was in North Carolina ten years ago near Black Mountain. The gap has been for the simple reason it wasn’t an option in Kentucky. Until now. Mammoth Cave Adventures and owner Shane Bull have brought professional zip-lining into the bluegrass. And it shows. I felt like I was in an adventurous environment just by pulling onto the facility parking lot off Park Ridge road east of the Mammoth Cave National Park. Excited staff members scurried to and fro, making sure the crowd on hand was taken care of. And it was another busy day, as usual. Harnesses picked out and fitted. Helmets on. Pictures taken. All part of the experience. And for some reason, the Glen Campbell song about lineman kept playing in my head…

Five lines are set up on site, and a ticket gets you on all of them. Right now, the lines have no nicknames, though they should give them some like hangman, wire fire, and trotline. I thought “number three” was the most fun, as it’s the fastest and takes you over the deepest part of the landscape. By the time you get to five, the butterflies have flown as well, and you are confident for another several lines. They’d be glad to let you buy another ticket. Or come back with your friends!

I’d compare the excitement and rush with whitewater rafting any day. Zip-lining will be something you talk about in conversation about cool things you’ve done. Just another day in the life of the Outdoorsman. For more information on this adventure opportunity, visit www.mammothcave-adventures.com.

For a video account of the day’s adventure, click here.

SIDETRIP: Several large signs beckoned me to Big Mike’s Rock Shop on the way to the adventure. You know me, I can’t resist a roadside. So I delved in for a look and was reminded of Pigeon Forge suddenly and the Three Bears Store there. This place has it all. Literally. They have it all. I got a pair of dog tags for Christmas when I was 10 years old. Twenty years later, I got another pair. How cool is that? They’ve been a fixture in the area since 1970, and I’ll guarantee they have something you want if you stop in for a visit. And tour the Mystery House. Just sayin‘.

Till next trip…

Tags: www.coryramseyoutdoors.com