don’t know how to load the video (much fun), therefore only some pictures

Here is the definition I got from the website: “ Zip-lines are created by stringing a very strong cable between two points, and attaching a pulley to the cable. To use the zip-line, people grab onto or snap onto the pulley and launch themselves, traveling rapidly across the line to the other side. Using a zip-line can be quite exciting, especially if it is long, as people can built up quite a head of steam, traveling very rapidly along the zip-line. Because zip-lines come in an array of lengths and heights, it is possible for people of all ages to enjoy zip-lines, from young children who might prefer a short, low, backyard zip-line to experienced adventurers who want something a bit more exciting.”

When we went to Los Cabos, Mexico in 2009, we definitely knew we wanted to do the Zip line. Since my husband missed out the Zip line in SanYa (it has weight and height restriction, guess which one he does not qualify), he was very excited to try. Nick’s good friend and his mom were with us as well. Comparing with the zip line in Sanya, the zip line in Cabo is a very well designed and organized 4.5 hours (including transportation), ten zip lines program. We had three tour guides and a camera man. They did a prep course with us before we started. The first line we tried is a baby line, no longer then 50 yards, just give everyone an idea about what a zip line is. Then we climb a little bit up the mountain to get to the next one. The higher you climb, the longer the zip line is; the longer the zip line, the faster you slide across the valley; the faster you slide across; the scarier/more beautiful the Costa Azul Canyon is (depend on how you enjoy it). Jen, our friend, was very scared since it was her first time. She complained about her fast heart beat, shaking legs, and short of breathe while climbing up. Everyone in the group started to cheer and encourage her to get her through to higher yet another longer zipline. The Mexican tour guide made it very enjoyable, they taught the ladies in the group to call “daddy, come get me” in Spanish (sorry I forgot the Spanish already) and told the guys in the group to manage by themselves if we get stuck in the middle of the zip line, since it is possible due to the strong wind and the manner each person manages the speed. We went higher and higher up in the mountain. The kids enjoyed the last line called “Tarzan swing”. It is basically a zip line plus a fast swirling motion down. It swirled so much that my scream voice escape from me. The last surprise and highlight for us was that we had to do rappel down the mountain.

Rappel is defined as a descent of a vertical surface, as a cliff or wall, by sliding down a belayed rope that is passed under one thigh and over the opposite shoulder or through a device that provides friction, typically while facing the surface and performing a series of short backward leaps to control the descent. According to our friend, this is the most memorable and exciting trip they had ever had since her husband seldom does the crazy thing as our family does.

The most recent zip line we did was when we went to Kauai for 2010 Spring break. The kids did snorkel, boogie board every time we were in Kauai, they literally got tired of the activities; therefore, we decided to do something different, such as hiking, bicycling, and zip line. Most members of our group were the first timers, they were amazed to hear that we had done the zip line a few times. The Kauai zip line course is a thrilling combination of 9 zip lines and a suspension bridge spanning a waterfall. The last and the longest is a race side-by-side, 1,200-foot line called “King Kong” , which is an adventure all on its own. First you walk up a ramp to a 26-foot high tower, next you are zip lining 1,200 feet, racing your partner side-by-side, of course, we did not dare to hold hands, which is an option for us.   However, the tour guides were not as good as the ones in the Cabo. The tour guides in Cabo made the whole trip like a party, we constantly hear the cheers, laughs, and encouraging words, yet the tour guides in Kauai made are very businesslike.