Toto, we’re not in Plano anymore, I giggle to myself as I peer over the Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve from my treetop perch. The shadowy tree coverage comes as an unexpected oasis. As I step up to the first zip line, a soothing stream runs fifty feet or so beneath me. It’s not so soothing as I take the plunge off of the platform.
This is the first of five full obstacles to complete over the course of my three-hour time slot at Go Ape. As soon as I feel the slack tighten, a wave of security washes over me. At the end track, I’m graciously greeted by a pile of mulch to make my landing softer. Have no fear, I found myself buried among the mulch every. single. time. But it’s all good — I gave that pile purpose.
GO APE ZIP LINE & TREETOP ADVENTURE
I set out with one mission: to climb, crawl and swing from the trees at this zip lining and climbing facility plopped in a Plano nature preserve. After signing a quick waiver at my arrival, my sought after adventure slapped me in the face as I was strapped into my harness. Oooo, oh, yep, I’m definitely secured in here. Together with their trained staff, I went through a mandatory safety training. We started slow to help learn the steps. I only almost let the metal trolley slam into my shin once after they told me to be careful. Go, team!
Now, I’m continuing on my treetop journey, inching my way along the trails from above. I can see my fellow athletes (a father son duo and a team building work group) planted on platforms scattered throughout the forest. The wooden structures themselves are carefully constructed, in participation with the nature preserve, to assure conservation – a cool bonus to an already awesome activity.
It doesn’t take long before I fall into a comfortable climb, turning into the treetop performer joking to the staff down below. The true test comes when I bounce from a strip of dangling circular swings (that I successfully fall off of) to another strip of hanging rings. After my first failure, I commit to the cause and calmly make my way across, slipping my hiking boots in and out of the slots. Talk about a jungle gym.
As I slide down the final zip line, I can’t comprehend how three hours came and went so quickly. That thought is interrupted when I come to soft stop in the mulch, followed by a burst of laughter; a move that I immediately regret only because mulch in the mouth isn’t as welcomed as when it’s under you. As I exit, I shrug with satisfaction. Yep, I’m officially an American Ninja Warrior.