So I had been hearing about this place called Go Ape, it is a high ropes course in Thetford Forest, just 20 minutes from where we are living. I had heard from several people who had done it that it was amazing. Unlike in the states you are given a short 10 minute tutorial on how to hook yourself up to the harnesses and zip lines, then they let you go on your own. You get to go from station to station at your own pace and not have a guide or employee to help...but you did have a whistle to blow if you get stuck or need assistance. That type of thing would never fly in the States, people in America are too careless and sue happy that it would never last there. Oh well one point to the UK for allowing more freedom and not taking responsibility for their citizens stupidity!
At the start of each of the 5 stations there was a rope ladder leading up to the platform that led to the rest of the course.
After the ladder climb you would hook yourself up to safety lines so you could complete the next segment of the course. In 2 of the stations you went from the highest platform where you attached yourself to 3 ropes and then swung across the course to a hanging net that you climbed up and across to the next platform. They called this the Tarzan swing, this was Brandon's favorite part, I can't say that for myself I liked the swing part, but the net climb was hard and hurt my hands...I know I sound like a total wimp, at least I was able to complete it without any help.
I have a small confession to make about the above comment about not needing any assistance. On the Tarzan swing that is in this picture I found that my lack or height and weight made it impossible for me to attach myself to the swing. Between the wind and the tension in the rope, if I didn't hold the rope with both hands it would pull me off the platform! Luckily we had decided that Brandon would do this swing second so I could go first, due to this choice he was on the same platform as me, and therefore was able to assist me by holding the rope swing so I could attach myself before swinging to the net. Of course by him helping me I was able to safely attach myself, however as soon as Brandon released the rope I was yanked off the platform, not need for me to jump it just took me! Brandon had a good laugh at my huge eyes as I was flung off the platform! It was fun no matter how I made it across!!!
After the initial climb as I said you either had a swing or you came to a crossing of some sort. There was occasionally 2 ways to go, giving you the option of taking an easier route or the harder one. That's right folks I took the harder way every time (and Brandon too I guess).
Above is a picture of me crossing what I felt was the most difficult of the crossings. The ropes hanging with round wood bars was extremely difficult until you learned the best way to step from one rung to the next. Unfortunately yet again I went first, so I did not have the benefit of watching Brandon's mistakes, and ended up doing the splits with each foot on a separate rope step! Luckily I was able to pull my legs back together and got across without another incident. I was able to figure out how to make the rope step swing just right so I could get one foot onto the next step and swing my other foot to the same step.
Not all the parts were tough footing wise, like this one with Brandon on it, however it was made difficult by not having any sort of rail to hand on to, to help you keep your balance. Also keep in mind you are very high up, and the wind makes the whole thing move on you.
Finally at the end of each station was a zip line that led from to high ropes part, to the ground so you could make your way to the following station. The trainer we saw before starting told us that, although they don't have the longest zip lines, they do have the fastest.
You can't tell from the shot, but Brandon is taking a picture of me going down the zip line from the platform. The trainer told us that there was 2 ways to do the zip line, you can go facing forward and as you approach the ground start running so when you touch ground you can run it out and be done. Brandon had no problem with that and managed to keep on his feet the whole time. Me however, always ended up going backwards, no matter how I tried to stay straight forward. Also I was not able to land quite so gracefully. No, not me, I ended up dragging on my butt across the landing area...EVERY time! I kept getting wood chips down my pants. Of course Brandon didn't get that I just couldn't land on my feet and told me, to just go down forward. Thanks Brandon, I am so glad you told me, I had never thought of that! Grrr men, I tried but I was destined to go backwards and drag butt!
OK so you can't see it very well, but the picture above is Brandon on the zip line, he kinda blends in with the foliage, but I swear he is there!
Welp that is the end of our Go Ape experience, but Brandon is excited to go back again and do a segway tour through the forest. I also wouldn't mind do the ropes course again, it was a blast (well that is if you don't mind heights).
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