Tree Top Soaring
Stepping off that first platform into nothing but air, in
the midst of the highest branches of a Ponderosa Pine far above the floor of a
remote forest in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, would be an act of
faith.
Yes, the Sky Rangers had assured us that soaring from tree
to tree was perfectly safe. Our
industrial-strength harnesses would be attached in two different places to the stainless
steel cables that ran between the platforms. There was no way we could possibly fall, we’d been told.
As I stepped off, the wheels that straddled the cable line
above where my harness was clipped made a metallic whooshing sound. In a flash
I was flying through the trees.
Moments later, the Sky Ranger at the next platform helped me to land
safely. Now I was ready for the
next jump: maybe I’d let my arms
hang free, or even soar upside-down.
I wasn’t worried at all.
People of all ages, from children to seniors and weighing
between 50 and 280 pounds, can enjoy soaring. At the Tall Timber depot, Sky
Rangers will custom-fit you into a state-of-the-art harness, which will be
checked for safety at each span.
Next is the Soaring Learning Center for a course
overview. It takes about 4 1/2
hours to soar between 32 platforms, with spans ranging from 50 to 560 feet
apart—this summer a new 1,400-foot span was added.
Soaring Treetop Adventures. One of the most unique parts of
this adventure might be how you get there and back. There are no roads to the
site, so your day begins in Durango with a ride on the Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad. Round-trip tickets on the train are included in the
price, as is lunch. 970-769-2357. Soaringcolorado.com
this month's magazine
Gift Guide
Check out our list of gift items that could satisfy any need or desire of your beloved athlete.
Keep on Rolling
An indoor trainer is an excellent way to stay in shape.
Free REI Snow Report Now Available
There is a new free application that lets iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Mobile users get instant information about conditions at ski resorts and mountains in the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere.
Journeys of Peace: Running with Reza Baluchi
He is a man of peace. And since 1996, Reza Baluchi has taken his love of athletics to spread the word of peace around the world.
other features
Map Your Workout
Looking for great places to run, ride or hike? We’ll help you find the way with the help of MapMyFitness.com.
Mondays with Marty
Award winning author of Chasing Lance, Martin Dugard shares his weekly musings exclusively online.
also on competitor
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Cycling training logs for the Macintosh
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:44:22 -0600
