Thursday, September 3, 2009

And here's one more documentation post


This is the zip line clearing from the Treehouse to beyond the east bridge. Actually the zip line is in the picture too and you do need to do the double click bit to see the details that are too small to see otherwise. Daniel and one of Alex's friends have both been down the line in beta mode several times and there were some interesting things happening there that resulted in lowering one end of the line and raising the other as well as moving it towards one side. We also found that getting the line too tight can actually slow down the ride and a rider can get stuck up there. Not that good if you're traveling in hanging mode (no seat), but all turned out well. In clearing the area we found that if a tree falls on the line it will hold up the tree - even though it puts a lot of tension on the line. We also found that if you cut the upper portion of the tree off, the zip line can do a good job of picking up and tossing to the side the base of the (pretty big) tree. There are still some small, very high branches that will need to be cleared away from the line by some stud (Daniel) riding slowly down the line with a pair of lopping shears. We will have to build a launch platform in the tree about 7-8 ft above the Treehouse deck and riders departing from there will clear the rail around the Treehouse just fine. We need to improve the stopping method - currently using "drag butt" but that's infinitely better then "tree stop" or "bail and roll". Needless to say, we need to buy a safety harness before any little ones make the trip. (Riders will have to sign waivers as well as prove attendance at church the previous Sunday.) No animals were harmed in the construction or testing of this zip line. One person did experience a "damn" minor skin puncture on their right hand.

2 comments:

Bambi said...

I can't wait until Thanksgiving! This year should be FUN! I wonder if we will remember to eat?? OH how I wish Jacob was here for this year! He would LOVE it!

Deanna Swope said...

Sounds Awesome! I want to see a video of these "test runs" that you guys have been doing...or shall I say, Daniel has been doing!