Pics & Video: O&A Zipline Safari

intrepid o&a adventurists climbed to the tree tops and zoomed the ziplines out in the florida wilderness for this “pride in the sky” event!

after caravanning to central florida forestland beyond st. cloud, we checked in for our noon expedition and were loaded on a huge open-air safari jeep.  we bounced along past bucolic pastureland where cows and horses grazed, then through the trees, past gator-inhabited swamps, and to the heart of the wilderness where the ziplining would begin.

our first stop was for ziplining gear and safety instruction, where guides ana and matt got us in our harnesses, locked in our caribiners, tightened our “brain buckets” (helmets), and gave us important tips.  then we took a short walk to the first tower, a rigging of metal scaffolding over 6 stories high.  carefully climbing to the top with the tower swaying was our first test of courage.  with trembling knees, we gathered at the top to get our first view of the landscape below, which was absolutely spectacular!   pine flatwoods and forested wetlands, home to gators, black bears, white tail deer, and the endangered florida panther.  we were safe at all times, of course, secured by our harnesses to posts at the top, but nonetheless our hearts were thumping and hands were shaking as we anticipated jumping off the platform, into thin air, suspended only by a small cable.

ricky led the way on the first zip.  overcoming all fear, he sailed off the platform into the great unknown, skimming his way across the treetops and landing safely on the next platform where our guide ana waited.  hooray!  he made it!  with that show of courage, the rest of us were inspired to follow.  and we did, each stepping off that impossibly high platform, hanging by our posteriors while zipping on the cable 25 mph, seeing scenery blur by, then dismounting safely on the tall tower at the other side.  what a thrill!  and what a team effort – cheers went up after each successful dismount.

after that first zip, we had six more, with the longest traveling 750 feet, two others that included very narrow (and bouncy) sky-bridges, and yet another over a pool with resident 14-foot gator “george” waiting patiently below us!  with every new run, each of us gained more control over our movements and direction.  and throughout all, the whole group was charged with excitement, marveling over the experience, cracking jokes, whooping during the zips, and eager for the next run.

after the final zip, we unloaded our gear then headed back to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some cool beverages.  it also gave us all the chance to share laughs while rehashing the highlights, this time with feet firmly planted on the ground!

big thanks to all the o&a explorers on this safari – cheryl, darren, jim, john, john, mike, ricky, russell, and tim! congratulations!  and big thanks to the guides that kept us safe – ana and matt – and the whole wonderful florida ecosafari crew!