Zip Line Fun 2009

This year, Dad and I decided to put some effort into building a zip line on the 20 Acres... it was a great project.

We brainstormed and scouted out the best route.

Researched what cable, hardware, etc we would need to purchase, we were on our way.

After a fair amount of trial and error, and understanding how come-alongs, cable clamps, turnbuckles, etc operate, we were close to making the zip line a reality. 

We were hoping to have the zip line up and running for the Lapchis Bash, but ran out of time.  That, and we "saddled a dead horse", which is a term used when the cable clamps aren't properly tightened on the cable.  A special thanks to Woody Haizlip who worked as a "cable guy" his entire career, and knows "zip lines" better than anyone, was able to point out a couple spots we needed to fix in order to eliminate potential risk... thanks Woody!






We had a high point in the path that we had to overcome... tightening the cable did the trick.  It wasn't an issue for those less than 125 lbs... but those closer to 200 would "bottom" out.



One thought... there is no way you will be able to pull the cable tight enough without using some type of come-along tool.  We tried manually to do it... no way will you have enough muscles to get the cable tight!

After some final adjustments, Grandpa Doug made one of the first runs...





It was eventually safe enough to let the kids take a try.