So, okay, I was not expecting to attempt the ropes course and zip lines on the NCL Escape, but when you have a passing thought of life passing you by, something inside you takes over and you accept the challenge. I must say that at the moment you are being "suited up" in your harness, there is excitement and dread at the same time. It was like being part of the movie,
Inside Out, which, is a great animated film you should consider seeing. All types of emotions all at once and those little head characters all fighting within me to get the leading role.
And, with a 7 year old standing in front of me telling me she has been on the ropes and zip line course several times and how fun it is, well, could you back out? So, staring at me first was a two by four that went on for a mile, well, okay, about 12 feet... but it felt like a mile. At the end of the course when I crossed another one, it felt like a piece of cake to me... perspective can change in a few minutes of time :).
After crossing the two by four and feeling like I had already accomplished something medal worthy, I faced the first zip line experience. Okay, by the time I got there my 7 year old expert in the course was already at a distance from me... how did she get so far ahead of me?? This is when the horror of what you are about to do sets in... and the line behind you grows and begins to be in a hurry... so with some nudging and encouragement, I stare out as I take a small running start into space and hold on for dear life as I pass the camera taking what turns out to be my face showing every emotion it could express in one second of time.
By then, I must admit I began to feel a little wobbly, but looking at the 7 year old from a distance, I accepted my fate and went on through the course of ropes, walking on two lines of rope, walking on a square mesh of ropes and reaching the next zip line that takes you over the sea...yes, I said over the sea. Now that I was a seasoned zip liner (in my head, at least), I was surprised to feel those same emotions rising up inside me. At this spot in the course, there was a crew member to help me calm down enough to let me know I could begin in a sitting position - much easier to do - (so where was this advice at the first zip line?) and then I was off zipping over the sea at Deck 20 on the NCL Escape... so you can imagine that the camera shot of me this time was actually worth purchasing :).
I would say that the kind gentleman who was at first behind me in the ropes section and then way in front of me should be given a medal of honor for his sticking it out with me after my pleas of "this is my first time, so please don't leave me" - what kindness there is in the world of ropes course.
After completing the rest of the ropes in this course, this kind gentleman went on to the higher level and well, I finished at the lower level, as you were probably expecting. At the end of the course you can start over again, and to the surprise of the crew member, I turned down the offer to start again...
I imagine he has done this course every day since the NCL Escape began its maiden voyage, so I did not let his puzzled look drag me back in.
However, after finishing and sharing my experience with Larry, my hubby, I found myself wanting to harness up and start the course again... okay, it may have something to do with endorphins and an adrenaline rush inside me that had taken over, but I did experience an exhilaration and feeling of accomplishment that must be considered a "natural high". So yes, I still want to try the ropes course and zip line 20 decks aboard the NCL Escape... maybe next year or so :). Want to join me? I can help you plan your bucket list checked off in zip lining!
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-US/DeniseHile/home
Here are some photos of the course... one with me zipping over the sea.
