It was a refreshing and dream-like feeling waking up to the sound of pouring rain in my beachfront cabin on Cama Beach State Park. A peace and calm came over me as I realized the sound also meant my zip lining tour would surely be canceled. Calm because I’m terrified of heights. I’m talking, the second story of a building scared. Not even after climbing Machu Picchu has it subsided either. It’s all still as terrifying.
I strolled confidently to meet our host because I was positive she was going to inform me of the alternate activity we would be doing since it was raining. Dena Marie, our tour guide and a woman who exudes happiness and positive energy approached me. With a big smile on her face, she asked “ready for ziplining?” Cringing inside, I uttered, “yes.” As she walked away, I immediately thought of a way out. In reality, I could have said no but this was something I wanted to do. No better way to find bravery than through adventure, right? I could feel the nervous sweat forming on my brow. It was still wet outside so no one would be the wiser.
Let the Adventure Begin
Still sweating and shaking with fear, we arrived at Canopy Tours Northwest. At first look, the amount of tall, beaming and beautiful, green trees would make anyone forget about their fear of heights. The grounds were stunning. It had stopped raining by then and everything looked so fresh and cleansed.
Located on Camano Island’s Kristoferson Farm, ziplining tours take place on a sustainably managed, lush, forest. Owned and operated by a local family with roots on the island since 1912, the Kristoferson family prides themselves on the commitment to sustainable forest stewardship and agricultural practices. This property showcases the best of these practices meeting on beautiful spaces. An extraordinary space it is indeed.
Canopy Tours NW. Photo courtesy of Josh Russo
Running the tour was knowledgeable and fun guides, Ty and Adrian. Excited to show us the ropes (literally), they both took the time to give me words of encouragement and assured me there was no danger, weather or otherwise. These are the type of guys you want when you’re deathly afraid of heights. Kind, thorough and, assuring me that this would be a really enjoyable day. With a half-smile and slightly trembling lip, I nodded in agreement. Ready or not, I was doing this.
Adrian from Canopy Tours NW. Photo Courtesy of Josh Russo
Ty from Canopy Tours NW. Photo courtesy of Josh Russo
Stepping Up and Stepping Out
Our ride began in a 1963 Unimog off-road vehicle. The picturesque drive was a great way to get my mind off all of the silly things it was telling me. There were a total of 6 zip lines, one log bridge, and two short trail walks. Each platform featured fir or cedar and 1/2 inch steel cables.
The first platform wasn’t as intimidating as I had initially pictured but I still kept my focus straight ahead. I had made the decision to not go first, but not go last either. The placement order made it harder for my brain to realize what was happening and therefore less time for it to shout terrible things at me. Ty and Adrian walked me through every step and before I knew it, I was off. Flying through the trees like a bird. Albeit a very frightened bird, but a flying bird nonetheless. Once I got going, it was so incredibly lovely, and the breeze felt so good on my face. I landed safely and realized, I survived.
Beauty Abound
Following the first line, every platform after that got higher and higher. The others on the tour were kind enough to let me keep my place in line and I started to get a rhythm going. Ty and Adrian were very patient with me. They repeated every instruction I asked, as many times as I asked which made me feel more at ease.
After a few trail walks between platforms, I was finally able to let go a little enjoy the scenery around me. Even though we were going higher, I became a little less afraid with every line. Still terrified sure, but less than when I began and that feeling was a relief. After a while, I just stopped listening to all of the things my brain was telling me not to do and surrendered to the beauty around me. My eyes were wide open now. It was in a word, breathtaking. To be surrounded by nature in the trees with wildlife like bald eagles flying about, was a rare experience. One I’m happy I was able to let myself become present in.
Falling into Freedom
As we neared the end of our adventure, there was a final 47-foot descent. I, afraid once again couldn’t stand next to the open area where you drop down because I was sure I’d fall right through the hole. Ty and Adrian both came to the rescue again by assuring me that I would simply be floating down, there would be no real work on my part. I went first this time. My feet hit the ground and I suddenly felt triumphant. I had just faced something that I was afraid of and was able to overcome it. It was freeing. I realized I didn’t even cry this time.
So why would I continue to do things that frighten me, you might ask? It’s pretty simple actually. It’s growth. I may always be scared, but I’m learning to not let it stop me from doing things that interest me. As you get older, I believe, you find you just care less. My mind shouts things at me all the time about everything. “You can’t do that, it’s dangerous. You’re going to fall. You’re definitely going to die.”
As I compare it to my professional life, I take risks all the time. It is dangerous, I do fall, but I definitely haven’t died….yet. I’ve come to realize, for the most part, you’ll always be ok. With ziplining, or life in general. Everything will always work out.
When I look back, I’m in awe that I ziplined through a forest encircled by nature. Although it might not have been apparent on my face, I couldn’t have been more proud of myself. Everything from our guides to the landscape made this an experience to remember.
While you won’t catch me doing skydiving or rock climbing anytime soon, I can officially add zip lining at Canopy Tours to the list of things I will absolutely do again.
Feel the Fear
Even though I would do it again, I’ll probably still be scared because I realize I’m actually not fearless. I think we go around boasting how we should be but I disagree with that. Fear is a totally natural response to the unknown but it’s important to feel the fear and do it anyway.
If there is something you’ve wanted to do ziplining or otherwise, it’s ok to be afraid but go for it. After my experience, I highly recommend you start finding your bravery through adventure and book ziplining with Canopy Tours.
You can hear more about my zip lining experience, our wonderful guides, and Camano Island on Lift Your Spirits with Dena Marie here. You can also learn more about Dena Marie and her positive disposition on her site.
This experience definitely taught me that life is full of adventure, you just gotta hang tight and zip on!
Note: As a travel writer, I was hosted by the tourism board for Camano Island. All opinions are my own
