Meeting bright and early at the OA rental shop, 10 participants joined Outdoor Adventures for a day zip Lining trip in LaRue, Texas. Loading up food and participants into our van Rafiki, we jammed out to great tunes along the short ride out. As we arrived, the flat Dallas landscape suddenly transformed into a small mountain with trees towering over the country roads we drove in on. Climbing up the hill with all of Rafiki’s might, we summited the top to be greeted by the New York, Texas Zip Line Adventures staff and their two adorable dogs. After enjoying the scenery, we were outfitted in harnesses and sent out to conquer the zip lining course!
Ascending the stairway to the first tree, we remained quiet in anticipation for the first send down the zip line. While the first line was only about eighty feet long, it served as the perfect warm-up for heading into the longer runs to come. Staff members of the course showed off by going down the lines upside down and backwards, inspiring the rest of the group to add some flair to our runs. After only a couple runs, participants’ war cries could be heard echoing throughout the forest as they launched themselves off the tree-top platforms. Time flew by quickly as we zoomed down the 400ft zip lining routes and laughed at others who skimmed branches on the way down while attempting tricks. After finishing the normal 6-line course, we embarked on a (surprise) additional 3 lines to wrap up our day. After a final run that took us from atop the hill, to across a pond, and back to the mountain we started on, the group was ready for a quick lunch under the shade of the trees.
Before heading back to SMU, we stopped to snap a few group photos of the surrounding view as well as the beautiful bluebonnets planted by the host. After a quieter car ride home and a van filled with participants taking naps, we returned back to the Hilltop from an exciting day trip in the trees. Big thanks to fellow leader Nathan Welle and leader-in-training Nikhil Kathuria for spreading great vibes throughout the trip and helping to lead a memorable group of undergraduates.
Alex Parachini, SMU Outdoor Adventures Trip Leader
