We were directed to the area where we would be informed by our guide of all the do’s and don’ts necessary to know. Our group consisted of six people, with a maximum of eight people per group allowed. Luckily, we stuck to the rules and made reservations so that we could be on time (30 minutes ahead of schedule) and we made sure we wore the correct clothing. (Trust me, a dress and slip-on sandals are out, and definitely no shorts for the men!)
With great enthusiasm and armed with only our cameras, we climbed into the truck that started our unique experience. After a short drive, we walked for a bit and all of a sudden the rock faces of the spectacular Ysterhout Kloof were in front of us. The view was breathtaking, but the cables over the Kloof made me wonder if I should really be going over this open expanse, suspended by nothing but a cable!
Our guide fastened my harness and I went back in a sitting position, pressed with my foot on the platform to push me away… and off I went. I felt like screaming, but it felt I had no breath. One, two, three and in no time, I was on the other side where the first guide waited for me and helped me to land on the platform correctly!
Wow! It was fantastic. After everybody in the group slid across the first cable, survived and landed on the platform, we all started laughing and talking. The ice was broken and we were all on a first name basis. We were then looking forward to the next 10 platforms up ahead.
We slid from platform to platform; each platform with its own name. The 30m height and 140m lengths still lay ahead and I was no longer terrified, only exited. Gone was the lameness in my legs, gone was the sweat in the thick glove that was provided to hand brake and instead I had to control the feeling of being a child again.
I nearly forgot to tell you, besides the two guides, another surprise awaited us… the man with the camera! He was taking video of the adventure the whole time. When we were finished and enjoying a lovely breakfast provided by Canopy Tours, we watched the DVD and we of course had one made to show our children that we are not as old as they think we are.
www.magaliescanopytour.co.za
