Ziplining adrenaline rush in Ceres
2013-03-01 14:55
As a writer, I’ve learned to take risks. Taking a hike on Skurweberg Mountains out in Ceres has turned out to be the most challenging to date and will absolutely remain as a most treasured memory in my life.
This all began when I allowed the Ceres Ziplining and Adventures tour guides to tie me up. Their harnesses and belts were all very necessary for my safety apparently.
Did I mention I’m afraid of heights?
Being the only guy in my team I was a bit worried as my colleagues expected me to be brave and believe you me, I pretended to be. But I wasn’t really sure about doing this...
”Welcome to my office,” said the tour guide
Faced with the starting point, I looked down. The slides vary in lengths from 110 metres to 290 metres! The highest point above the ground is 40 metres. My knees felt packed with jelly and I was literally shaking. All the ladies said, “The man of the house must go first.”
My response was, “If not today, why not!”
All tied up and no backing out now (Claudia Hodkinson)
“Are you ready to go?” asked the tour guide. I didn’t respond as I wanted to see myself on the other end of the line.
He gave me a quick run through the safety and braking options – which was literally weighing down on the slide handle my hands. From there I was assured everything was under control and to just enjoy myself.
Easier said than done.
As he let me go, I closed my eyes until halfway. The most distinct feeling was the breeze. Being a sunny day and from that high up it certainly was revitalising. Without wasting a second, I reached for my water bottle as I managed to hang in there until the end.
Leaving my fear behind and finding a new perspective (Claudia Hodkinson)
The tour guide asked me, “How was it?” I didn’t hesitate to remind him about my fear of heights. But I felt much braver and was ready for any battle from now on. It was with a sigh of relief that I watched the rest of my team also shaking with adrenalin as they met me at the second point.
The next rope was a bit more challenging. “Always put your brakes on, it’s fast and long,” said the tour guide. I was still shaking but put aside my disbelief at being on the top of this mountain. This was going to mark a huge change in my life after all. Even today, when I look at the pictures I still can’t believe that I managed to overcome my fear of heights.
To me, I’ve made history. It was risky, filled with fun and along with the incredible views it has changed my perspective on life.
Do the same by taking this “foefieslide” adventure - a mere hour-and-a-half from Cape Town.
My fellow adventurers (Claudia Hodkinson)
If you decide to go:
They operate in all weather conditions, don’t’ have any group size limit, and children from 3-years-old can take part under parent supervision.
You can find their offices in the Natuurtuin at the foot of the Mitchell’s Pass at the entrance of Ceres town from Cape Town side. They operate from 8:00 to 17:00 and tours depart every half hour, the last departure is at 17:00.
