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Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:50 pm
by CatPatrol
After a year from her birthday a promise delivered. Getting everyone there on one date and time proved problematic and knowing that Navitat would be opening this spring 35 minutes from our house, we chose to "buy local". It didn't disappoint. With 9(?) zip lines, two rope walking bridges and 2 rappels from platforms the 2 1/2 hour tour was worth every penny. Not something we can afford weekly but I'll definitely be back.



The Crew





The group consisted of 5 rising 9th graders (one being my daughter and myself). I think of all the days we could of chose this was the absolute hottest in the mountains. Even at the elevation of Navitat my car said it was 87 degrees, throw in 0 mph wind and about 80% humidity, it was hot. After waiting for 20 minutes for our 4pm reservation, we went and got our equipment. Then a 8 minute climb via ATV's to the embarking point. Finally a 5 minute walk to the first platform and we were ready to go. The fun begins:)



Getting harnessed up





The first few lines are short 300'+ and used to practice skills, braking, climbing up the line, and turning (less than 45 degrees please). Few of the first line pics.





click for video









Smiles were prevalent on this day :)













After our fourth line we did our first rappel from about 30'





Once we were done with the shorter lines and the rappel it was time for some 900' to 1100' lines, some crossing over the valleys.



Looking down a 900 footer.





We were told we had to yell here. (click for video)





(click for video)





I don't have a Go Pro, this was taken with a Canon point and shoot. Knowing I wanted to take some video, I had practiced the line before and preceded to turn myself 90 degrees and depend on our guide, Paul to stop me on the next platform. That being said I propped the camera in my harness and let fly. Certainly won't win any awards but gives you an idea of what's going on. (click for video)





A line running above our next platform, we're getting lower:(





The shorter of the 2 rope bridges you cross





After the second rope bridge there's a climb to the final platform





Coming into the final and fastest line (click for video)





The next few pics gives and idea of the descent of the fastest line.













And then it was time to head back to terra firma. The last rappel was longer.









Finally a 3/4 mile hike out to the car. Throughout the guides pointed out plants and provided forest diversity making for a great eco tour. Kudos to Paul and Jenny, our guides.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:07 am
by The Boss
Great TR and a happy crowd.Where exactly is this located, looks like something my crowd would enjoy.Thanks

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:12 am
by CatPatrol
Barnardsville, about 15 mins. highway time and another 10-15 minutes off of 19-23/I 26 north of Asheville.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:15 am
by The Boss
Thanks for the info.Not too far away.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:37 am
by skipink
Great TR. The kids look like they are having a wonderful time.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:42 am
by angel
Cute kids!!!! They look like they had a great time!

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:47 pm
by Ski Bunny
Looks like lots of fun!

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 9:43 pm
by teledave
@CatPatrol 216687 wrote:

The group consisted of 5 rising 9th graders (one being my daughter and myself).



You and your daughter are both rising 9th graders? That is disturbing. Great TR though, may have to try one of those zip line places sometime.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:34 pm
by SKISC
@teledave 216735 wrote:You and your daughter are both rising 9th graders?



LMFAO. Nice TR though.

Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 11:09 pm
by angel
@SKISC 216740 wrote:LMFAO. Nice TR though.





Bahahaha!!! Nice catch, TD!!!!