Navitat Zip Line Canpoy Tour on Halloween 2010

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by Asheville Now
on Sunday, November 07, 2010

I drove into Navitat's 265-acre facility not knowing what to anticipate. Having played the last several years fairly close to the vest, (read: never saw a zip line, never base jumped, rappelled or climbed anything besides a tree, and that eons ago) I admit I was a bit anxious about my tour that gorgeous Halloween morning. After being warmly greeted and briefed on elements of safety, I tried to forget my unease. My group and I prepared to head out. As I stepped tentatively into the loops of my harness, the anxiety shot up full force and I thought, "What have I done?! Well, there's no backing out now..." (In fact, there were opportunities to opt out after that point, should I have felt the need, but thankfully I didn't know that at the time!). I felt some concern melt away as I was deftly and expertly strapped into my safety gear by a staff member dressed as a scarecrow.

Our competent and friendly guides, appropriately attired I later realized, as super heroes, lead the way to base camp, our first zip. I must say the urge to bolt was present. More safety tips and guidance were given in the treetops before our first jump, and I wondered how fast, Patrick, our guide, could run in those Captain Planet leotards should I decide to make a dash for it. Instead, I listened to the instruction and watched Patrick demonstrate, making it seem almost easy. In fact, once I set my resolve and jumped, it was. I had such a positive feeling from that small victory that I felt excitement in anticipation of the next zip. After the second, moderately longer traverse, my tension eased and I began to truly have fun. The well-placed zips through the trees were exhilarating; the vistas absolutely stunning. The breathtaking views were long and unspoiled, the mountains ablaze with color. I actually forgot that I was hundreds of feet off the ground...or perhaps I just didn't mind. Our expert team had me feeling safe and well cared for while maintaining a sense of freedom I hadn't heretofore experienced. With ease and good humor, we were guided through canopies, across bridges and rappelled down huge trees, all with a sense of fun and appreciation of nature. Our guides were even so kind as to point out the various types of trees and medicinal plants along our tour.

I must say that Navitat blew away any expectations I may have had. From the moment I stepped onto the land I could see that expert care had been taken in all aspects of the creation of the facility. Minimal trees were removed in order to place the zip lines and their wood was used to create the zipping platforms, bridges and even mulch around the grounds. The trees used to suspend the lines are cared for such that they remain relatively unharmed by the presence of the course. Even the types of zip lines used were chosen for their minimal ecological impact.

I truly enjoyed my experience at Navitat. The friendly, expert staff helped me feel completely at ease with a brand new experience and I even got a hug at the end of our tour (not guaranteed). I certainly was glad I didn't bolt. In fact, I'm still smiling. Once my unease dissipated, I realized something about myself that I never knew: I absolutely love the sound of zipping through the trees. Life is good.

Article by Anna G.
Video by Justin Belleme and
Photos by Nathan Kempner for AshevilleNow.com.

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