/tags/zip-line.rss en-us Set deep in the Bokeo Nature Reserve in Northern Laos, The Gibbon Experience uses its funding to help protect the region's wildlife and jungle. What this means for participants is three days living with nature, trekking and zip-lining through the jungle, and two nights sleeping in a tree house at canopy-level, some 50 metres above ground. On day one of the Gibbon Experience, seven of us packed into the back of a truck and were taken one hour north of the border city of Houei Xai. We then bounced around for another hour, along winding dirt roads deep into the jungle of the Bokeo Nature Reserve, before we began our trek in a small Laos village. After going further up the mountain and deeper into the jungle, we were fitted with our harnesses and ushered (zipped) into our tree house home. Our guides (two teenagers from the local village) gave us a quick tutorial and made it look so easy: just clip in, step off the platform... and soar! My nerves were a mess as I stepped out for my takeoff, and I needed confirmation from the guides, many times, that I was indeed secured correctly. I received a quick nod of the head, and a "yup, good," which only slightly eased my insecurities. I had come this far, so there was no turning back. My heart was racing a mile a minute, but I forced myself to take the jump—wind in my hair and sweat on my palms—off I went through the sky and into the tree house. Our tree house (one of six) was a truly extraordinary construction: three floors, running water, a full shower that allowed for a breathtaking view of the jungle, and a “squatter” toilet with a hole straight down to the jungle floor. After a quick view of home, we set out with our guides who showed us around the immediate trails and zips. Each takeoff evoked some fear as zips were up to around 600 metres long and 200 metres above the ground. But each zip provided great thrills and stunning, breathtaking views of the Bokeo Nature Reserve. With luck on your side, the zips applied the brakes and allowed you to land directly on the platform—although, the chances were greater that you’d fall short and be left dangling hundreds of metres above the jungle floor, forced to pull yourself the remaining 10 feet or so until you hit a solid foundation. Our guides were hilarious and very entertaining. They loved what they were doing, and had a vast knowledgeable of the sights and sounds of the jungle. They had a sixth sense for finding gibbons, and on our first day out on the Gibbon Experience, we did just that. Quietly, our group ventured deeper into the jungle of the Bokeo Nature Reserve and off the beaten track, following the keen senses of our guides. It was here that we witnessed about four gibbons, far in the distance, soaring through the trees. It was truly an amazing sight. That night, dinner was zipped into us, and the sunset occurred shortly thereafter, bringing us into complete darkness. Candlelight afforded us a couple of hours of card playing before calling it a night on an exhilarating day. Day two started at 5:45 a.m. and we awoke to the sound of the zip-line as our guides entered our tree house to begin another full day of exploring. The early morning zips were stunning—zipping through the fog, unsure of what lay ahead, while still witnessing more breathtaking views of the jungle. After breakfast, we took a long hike, which included exciting new zip-lines that led us to another tree house even deeper in the jungle. The trek was intense, but the outcome was rewarding, and each zip eased my nerves a little more. On day three of the Gibbon Experience, after a few final zips, we said goodbye to our jungle lives and headed back into town. Three phenomenal days: intense heights, breathtaking views, gruelling hikes, thrilling zips, and an experience of a lifetime. Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:43:00 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/gibbon-experience-laos http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/gibbon-experience-laos As I stood on a tiny wooden platform, staring down into the impossible depths of the lush Costa Rican Rainforest, I began to reconsider my decision to try zip lining for the first time. After the first leap into the forest-abyss, overwhelmed and exhilarated from my jungle flight, I was hooked on Costa Rica zip lining. The small town of Montezuma, located on the southern tip of Costa Rica’s beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, is famous for it scenic waterfalls and coastline. A canopy tour in Montezuma is an unrivaled means of exploration, simply put, it is Costa Rica zip lining at its best. The Canopy Tour takes visitors across 9 cables and 11 platforms situated 1200 meters above the forest at different points along the Montezuma River and Waterfalls. Gliding alongside the Montezuma River visitors are able to enjoy not only the views but also the local conveniences. If a swift breeze from soaring along the cables isn't enough to cool you down, you can stop and take a plunge into one of the waterfalls along the way. Partway through the circuit, stop at the fantastic Montezuma Waterfalls for a dip to cool off in natural stone pools, and enjoy the scenery from a different vantage point before attempting two final breathtaking zip lines which are the longest and highest on the tour Experienced English-speaking guides instruct you on all aspects of zip lining and safety measures before the tour so that everything runs smoothly. They equip you with a harness, helmet and gloves for braking, and continue to monitor and coach you throughout each step of the excursion so that all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride. This Costa Rica zip lining experience is a swift way to immerse yourself into the beautiful rainforest and get up close and personal with howler monkeys, parrots and white face capuchin. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:13:52 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/zip-line-costa-rica http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/zip-line-costa-rica