Monday, June 15, 2009

Zip line platform suspended over canyon


This is a photo of the platform at the end of the zip line shown in yesterday's photo.  What is remarkable about it is that the platform on which to land is suspended in mid air over the canyon, attached only by cables to the two canyon walls.  

If you are worried what might happen if a rider approaches this platform at too high a speed, there is no need to worry.  When riding the zip lines, it is possible to slow down by applying the brakes.  The brakes consist of thick leather gloves on which you can pull down on the cable from which your pulley and cable are hanging.  It is critical, of course, to keep your hand behind the pulley so your pulley does not run over  your hand.

At the Hacienda Guachipelin zip line tour, the platforms have blocks on the wires that catch the incoming riders so it is possible to approach the platforms at a higher speed without braking, and the blocks will stop you automatically.

The automatic brakes are a benefit because it is a mistake on the zip lines to brake to the extent that you stop before reaching the platform.  If you stop too soon, you will have to spin around and reach up to the cable with each and and pull yourself along the wire to the platform.

This photo shows one of my sons as he is about to leave the platform suspended over the canyon and head to the next stop, which I will show tomorrow. 

7 comments:

magiceye said...

wow! must be so thrilling!

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Janet said...

Looks like fun as long as you know what you're doing! The forest is really enchanting!

brattcat said...

This is a fabulous shot, Dave. You've got your son in 'flight' and the beauty of the rock walls with the water below. Great.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

this looks quite amazing. such photos you have captured of the experience. it is like an obstacle course with so many interesting challenges and beautiful scenery. I don't know if I could stop at a platform in the middle of the sky and cliffs. It looks more like a trapeze bar.

Sharon said...

Now I know for sure I could never try this zip line tour. That platform makes me queasy just looking at the photo.

Unknown said...

Amazing shot...I can feel vertigo setting in though:-)

Eki said...

Wow! What a view! And what an adventure!

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