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BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON June 5, 2015

Ziplining 101 with Ziptrek Ecotours

Nancy Mueller Ziptrek Ecotours

Ziplining has never been high on my bucket list of travel adventures. While I’m not overly scared of heights, I’m respectful of the distance between heaven and earth with a strong preference for staying grounded unless winging through the air from one exotic destination to another from the comfort of a Boeing jet. Think cushioned seats, seatbelts and a stiff drink.

Still, an invitation from Ziptrek Ecotours to experience “eco-exhilaration™” on their Eagle Tour at Whistler, BC, beckoned, hung in the air, so to speak. When I tweeted before the Big Event, asking readers to remind me why I was doing this, Ziptrek shot back in a nanosecond: “Because it’s FUN!” Ohhhhh. Right. The FUN factor. But for whom, I wondered: for me – or for those watching as I hurl myself like a shell from a loose cannon off into the stratosphere?

Ziptrek Ecotours

Yet here I am, poised on the edge of a platform alongside a hearty group of twelve, a mix of first-timers (thankfully, not our guides) and repeat zippers. We stop our pre-zip nervous chatter long enough to fix our gaze on our hero guide who shows us exactly how it’s done. He smiles before launching off, zipping through the air effortlessly before landing way too far away for my Boomer eyes to follow.

Ziptrek Ecotours Adventurers

Lost in our own private reveries while processing the FUN we had just observed, another guide steps forwards and asks in a cheerful tone: “So who wants to go first?” A long silence follows. Finally one participant speaks up: “I will.”

My fellow zipper whips around to face me: “What!? I can’t believe you just said that!” Wait – why is she looking at me? I said that?? In my lightheaded daze, I must have been reflecting on what my dinner host had shared with me the previous night. “My mother was terrified before she went ziplining the first time,” she said. “If I can offer you one piece of advice, it’s this: volunteer to go first. That way you won’t be standing around getting more nervous than you already feel.” How else to account for my inexplicable moment of madness?

Ziptrek Ecotours Nancy Mueller

So this is how the body of a jellyfish feels from the inside out, I marvel, in my own out-of-body experience. With a smile plastered on my face, heart pounding, I step towards our launching pad. My guide opens the platform gate and closes it behind me, separating me from the supportive womb of the others. My smile fades as I fight the urge to curl into a fetal position, cry “Wah!” and ask for my mommy. He checks my helmet and full-body safety harness as many times as I ask, then says matter-of-factly, “You’re good. Just take one step at a time until you feel the slack between your harness and the zipline tighten. Then go!” Sure. Okay. Just a step at a time. Easy-peasy, right? I mean, hundreds of thousands of real people have been on a Ziptrek tour in the last 10 years. Real people from age 6 – 96 do this all the time – theoretically, at least – since to date, the oldest participants on Ziptrek Ecotours have been only 92 years old.

Of course, stepping down stairs into space with a railing on either side of you is one thing. But stepping down into space with no railing on either side in sight, even when harnessed? Can’t I take the stairway to the stars instead?

Whoa! I remind myself to breathe. Long, slow, deep breaths follow. Just do it, I coax myself, becoming my own best coach in the moment. Don’t think about the fact that you’re about to dangle somewhere over Fitzsimmons Valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains from a height of up to 300 feet. Or that you’re about to zip through old-growth rainforest at speeds that can reach up to 56 mph depending on weight and weather conditions. Never mind that the first zipline on the Eagle Tour is the longest – 2400 feet with a 30-story descent. No, better not to think about any of that now. Better to hum a few notes from Donna Summer’s blockbuster hit, “I Will Survive!” instead. Remember, I tell myself. The actual time on each of the five ziplines (yes, there are five on the Eagle Tour) is only 35 – 40 secs. That’s it! Oh, well, in that case . . .

Nancy Mueller Ziptrek

In one cotton-mouthed gulp, I’m off! Whee! Sure they can hear the screams of my inner Jane all the way down in Whistler Village. No matter. I’m doing it! I’m zipping through the air, well, maybe not with the greatest of ease, but on my own terms, eyes tightly shut until I remember to open them two-thirds of the way through my run, twisting and twirling most of the way, hearing the whoosh of the wind surround me as I zip my way to the landing platform. Yes! Success! One down, only four more to go. Whew.

The Pacific Rim Caesar

And the payoff for accepting Ziptrek’s offer of this thrilling outdoor mountaintop adventure? Besides my personal treat of The Pacific Rim Caesar at Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill (“Make mine a double – stat!”). Besides gaining new-found confidence that comes from working through one’s fears and picking up tidbits of ecological information from knowledgable guides which I would gladly have shared with you here had my focus been on learning rainforest lore rather than on survival, is this text exchange with my 16-year-old daughter afterwards:

DD (for Darling Daughter): ZIPTREKKING? What have they done to you? Looks like a blast!!

Me: Ha, ha – It was totally FUN! First step off into space was the hardest. And I went on 5 different zip lines!

DD: OMG. You’re crazy. That sounds like so much fun. Hahaha. I’m impressed. Becoming an adrenaline junky?

Me: No worries.

There. That’s it right there. Thanks to your showing me how to zip through the trees, Ziptrek Ecotours, you helped this Boomer woman impress my 16-year-old daughter. Not an easy feat – and reason enough for me to sign up for another of your amazing tours again. Great FUN all the way around, just as you promised!

Nancy Mueller Post Ziptrek Ecotours

For more information on how you, too, can soar through the forests at Whistler while dazzling your own children and grandchildren on a ziplining adventure, visit Ziptrek Ecotours.

Rainbow Backdrop

Thanks to host Ziptrek Ecotours for sharing this FUN adventure and to our most amazing guides, Keir, Admir and Kiah, for putting up with the likes of us!

Wander on!

Nancy

What about you, wanderboomers? Have you gone ziplining? What are your travel fears? How have you overcome them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, British Columbia, Fearless Women, Travel Experiences Tagged With: Boomer, bucket list, ziplining, zippers, zipping, Ziptrek

BY Nancy Mueller 8 Comments ON February 4, 2013

2013 Boomer Travel Trends

HanumannBackpackerWalkingontheBeach (450 x 366)

Photo courtesy of Hanumann – Flickr

An article in the Sunday New York Times asserts that Boomers have been travel pacesetters since our student years when we hoisted backbacks and headed to Europe. Not surprisingly then, the writer claims that the travel industry has once again set their sights on our generation in 2013. And why not? Collectively, we’re about 26% of the population and control much of the country’s disposable income.

The NYT’s article cites 5 key ways Boomers are impacting current travel trends:

Shorter Itineraries

Since many Boomers plan to postpone retirement due to lost investments and a sputtering economy, the promise of taking a leisurely 3 week or longer trip has faded to the practical “What can I experience in a week to 10 days?” Consequently, tour operators are designing shorter itineraries to meet the needs of working boomers.

FlowerStudyGeorgiaO'keeffe (450 x 300)

Photo courtesy of  jimmiehomeschoolmom – Flickr

But let’s hope that the trend doesn’t regress to “How many countries can I pack into a week?” I’m reminded of a quote by Georgia O’Keeffe: “Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – we haven’t time – and to see takes time,  like to have a friend takes time.” While it’s good to have tour options, discovering the heart of a locale takes time.

Exotic Locations, Modern Amenities

MyanmarTempledruidabruxuxflickr (450 x 319)

Photo courtesy of druidabruxux- flickr

We Boomers are adventurers. We want to explore exotic locales, visit places previously off-limits that have opened up again for travelers, like Myanmar and Cuba. We want to hike, bike and climb mountains before our knees and hearts give out.

BUT, and this is a very important BUT, we do like our creature comforts. Our days of staying in youth hostels have fled along with the passing of our years. We wonder what’s wrong with a little indulgence, like luxury tents, gourmet food and a gentle massage after a day of hiking.

BUT, and this is another very important BUT, what about the travel trend of asking for Wi-fi connection wherever we go, even if in remote locations? Do we really need to stay connected to friends and family on Facebook 24/7 when traveling? Consciously taking time off-the-grid allows us to discover deeper connection to ourselves, our planet and each other.

Multigenerational Travel

MultigenerationalBackpackers (299 x 450)

Multigenerational travel is not a new trend. Grandparents have been taking their kids and grandkids along on their trips for the last several years. But Boomers have redefined what used to be specialized tours for grandparents and their families. More of us are still parents of children under 18 at what was once considered grandparenting age.

As the WanderBoomer mom of a 14-year-old, I can attest to that, and tour operators are scrambling to meet our changing travel needs.

Emphasis on Local Color

EcuadorianArtisan (450 x 404)

Another trend cited in the NYT’s piece is that Boomers relish having unique, authentic travel experiences, with the emphasis being on “experiences.” Many of us are widely traveled. Plus, deeply connecting with a culture, the local people and places makes up for having spent too many nights in chain hotels whether traveling for business or pleasure. Experiences allow us to become participants in a culture rather than simply voyeurs.

Customized Travel Options

We Boomers are individualists who balk at being stereotyped, herded into groups or labeled “seniors.” Travel companies have taken notice by acknowledging our youthfulness in their marketing copy. And travel operators catering to Boomers are building in more free time so we have the best of both worlds: community and comraderie, along with plenty of opportunities to take personalized side excursions.

What do you think, Wanderboomers? How do your travel plans in 2013 fit with these travel trends?

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations, Travel News Tagged With: Boomer, Boomer travel, business travel, Cuba, culture, customized travel, exotic locations, family travel, friendship, Georgia O'Keeffe, leisure travel, local culture, luxury travel, multigenerational travel, Myanmar, New York Times, travel experiences, travel itineraries, travel trends, travelers, wi-fi

Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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