If you’ve ever wanted to zipline through a lush tropical rainforest in the Caribbean, then you need to check out “Tree Limin” on the beautiful island of St. Thomas.
Ziplining is something that I had never done before and I almost opted out due to my fear of heights, or better yet my fear of falling from heights. Since I didn’t want to be the only “chicken” in the bunch, I hesitantly went along. I’m so glad I did! It was amazing to say the least.
Getting Ready
Once we arrived at the meeting place, we were given a “zipline info and safety course” by the two awesome guides. One of which was an excellent photobomber. We were fitted into our harnesses and extremely flattering red helmets. I’m totally terrified at this point. I’m smiling but I’m also thinking of ways to escape.
Do we look ready??
Our guides loaded us up into a 6 wheel drive “Pinzgauer”, Swiss Army Vehicle and headed straight up the mountain…Literally. Straight. Up. The. Mountain. Looking back I think the vertical climb to the starting point may have been the scariest part.
Well here we go….too late to back out now!
Upon arriving at the top, the safety tips were recapped and we had the daunting task of deciding who goes first. It definitely wasn’t going to be me. It really was a “no brainer” I guess because Neal will never hesitate to go first. So we volunteered him.
It’s finally my turn. I’m trying to play it cool but my whole body was shaking as I walked up to the edge of the first platform. Talk about a “leap of faith”.
1…2…3 Aaand Go!
After the first jump, my fear disappeared and I couldn’t wait for the next one. I absolutely, without question, loved it. We had so much fun!
At one of the segments you have to get a good running start to make sure you make it to the other side, so I got a little boost. They wanted to be sure I made it across. If you stop before reaching the next point, the guides will have to come and get you and they don’t want to come and get you. Apparently it’s a process. Luckily, I made it. No rescue needed.
That Thing That Happened
The staff are very safety conscious...but…there was that “one thing”.
Neal was ready to make his jump and was planning on a hard running start to gain momentum. He went for it with gusto…only…our guide had forgotten to unhook the safety harness, which very violently snapped Neal back as he started to leap. Nothing like a back injury to finish off your excursion. He survived without serious harm, although he hurt pretty bad for a bit.
Soooo… make sure you are hooked when you’re supposed to be hooked and unhooked when you’re suppose to be unhooked before jumping off of a mountain. Just good advice for jumping off of any mountain…I would assume.
Those Views Though
From the top of St. Peter Mountain, you have incredible views of Magen’s Bay, St. John and some of the British Virgin Islands. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.
You can’t beat the stunning views and neither can Oprah and Michael Jordan. They both own homes somewhere down there. Our guides pointed the houses out to us at one point, although I cant remember which ones they were.
We Did It!
Six ziplines (at speeds up to 35 miles per hour), and two sky bridges later…….
We made it! I had survived, along with the rest of my family, and had found a new fondness for death defying stunts. I may be exaggerating just a little, but I for sure have been a lot more daring since my adventure at “Tree Limin”.
The total tour lasted about 2 1/2 hours, and the fond memories will last forever. I am extremely happy that I didn’t let my fear stop me from participating in this amazing experience.
I recommend visiting “Tree Limin”Extreme Zipline if you plan to visit the gorgeous island of St. Thomas.
Hey There From Here
Any thoughts, tips or questions?