We’re not currently active “thrill seekers.” There was a time when we were. Perhaps we will be again in future, when David’s hips are fully recovered and my equilibrium isn’t playing games with me. But for now, we’re content with not actively seeking thrills for ourselves.
When thrill seeking opportunites do present themselves, we enthusiastically encourage others, and especially the grandkids, to “go for it!” Ha!
Such an opportunity happened recently while we were attending a family reunion at El Capitan Canyon Resort, located along the California Coast. Nature loging at its finest! It was truly a remarkable stay. And the memories will last a lifetime! Our thrill seeking 11-year-old granddaughter literally jumped at the chance to experience the Santa Barbara Adventure Company High Ropes Course. This ropes course, with three different stations/challenges, is permanently set up on a hill just a short walk/hike overlooking El Capitan Canyon resort.
The Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers a variety of team building programs. Our experience was with the High Ropes Course. We do, however, look forward to experiencing some of their other offerings like the Adventure Sea Cave Kayak Tour. I can only imagine how beautiful it must be to experience the glory of the sea and explore caves of the Channel Islands National Park.
Fifteen family members, from ages eight to sixty-six, participated in the High Ropes Adventure. Yes! Eight to sixty-six! I have minor regrets about not giving it a go. But maybe there’ll be a next time. And maybe next time I’ll go for it! Next time …. maybe!
Kennedy was beyond excited about this adventure. After she watched a few others go before her, and received her one-on-one instructions and training from Matt, she was ready to go!
Kennedy quickly learned the High Ropes Course wasn’t as easy as it had looked to her. There’s good reason it’s not only called an adventure, but also called an adventure in team building. A video captured quite a bit of encouragement from everyone for her to let go of the pole and to start walking across what must have seemed like infinity from her vantage point. She’s definitely not a quiter, and doesn’t give up easily.
Just as soon as her second turn came around, she went right back up and made that walk yet again. And the second time was, get this, handsfree!
Everyone in our group was very impressed with The Santa Barbara Adventure Company and their highly trained personnel. Matt and Nick were awesome guides! Because High Ropes is about team building, the participants were given the opportunity to assist with different tasks helping each other. Kennedy is not one to stand around, so she was all over it. We have to wonder if she was really wanting to help or just wanting to be by Nick, her guide. No doubt both.
Before we knew it, it was Kennedy’s turn for the vertical climb.
Kennedy’s been a climber since she could walk. We had the most difficult time keeping her from climbing onto the roof of our backyard jungle gym. She has always been fearless.
On her first verticle climb this is as far as she got. She wasn’t comfortable reaching up to the next place. So from here she glided down to earth on the safety line.
But then…
… she did again! She’s a mighty little girl and doesn’t let a challenging situation deter her. Up she climbed, all the while getting braver and braver.
She even met up with Cousin Jesse for a high five!
At the very tip-top she proudly gave us all a little wave!
But her bravery didn’t stop there. And not for anyone in our group. I’m here to tell you, I cannot wait to give the high ropes course a go. But, I’ll admit right here and now: this next obstacle terrifies me!
The Eagle’s Nest did NOT terrify Kennedy, though. She was up that 30 foot pole and standing up before we knew it. It still slays me. I simply do not understand how anyone can stand up on that dang pole without having anything to hang on to. David did it in years ago while attending a corporate team building seminar. Our daughter Britt did it while attending Outdoor Especially For Youth (EFY) at BYU Idaho.
Now Kennedy has joined the ranks. She was one of the youngest to participate with our group and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Her tenacity was not about to let the course get the better of her.
Then there were those participants at the other end of the age spectrum. Diane and Frank are our contemporaries agewise. I’m still amazed they were able to climb up on that pole. They deserve an award for being the mightiest grandparents on the planet!
~ The Nitty Gritty
What: Santa Barbara Adventure Company High Ropes
Why: Family Reunion
When: June 9, 2017
Who: Kennedy
Where: El Capitan Canyon Nature Lodging
Phone: (877) 352-2729
Website: Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Phone: (877) 885-WAVE – (877) 885-9283
Lisa Joy Thompson says
Oh my word! What a brave granddaughter you have! I did a high ropes course once and nearly had a heart attack. I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to do it again, but I think my family would thoroughly enjoy this one.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Oh wow! That is SO high! The views from up there must be amazing!
Vera Sweeney says
My family would love this! We love to have exciting adventures – as long as they involve safety gear! LOL
Randi says
That ropes course looks so fun … my family would love to do something like that!
Tara says
Oh my gosh, look at her go. Wow. I am impressed. I don’t know if I would be able to do that course.
Jamie says
My 2 older kids have done high ropes courses before and really enjoyed it. I don’t know if I would have the guts to try or not, but it sure does look fun!
Jeni Hawkins says
You are so brave! I don’t think I could do that! Looks like you and the family had a lot of fun, though!
Jeanette says
Now that would be awesome! I would love to take my kiddos there and have a fun day! It looks like it was a lot of fun for you all!
Vanessa Delia says
I am absolutely terrible with heights! It looks so fun but so scary all at once!
Connie says
This is something my family could totally get in to. It looks like you all had a blast.
Katrina Gehman says
i’m petrified of heights but this looks like a blast.
Sadie says
That looks terrifying. NOPE!
LOL Just kidding. My kids would LOVE to try this.
Sarah says
Wow, this looks like a ton of fun! You’re brave as I”m not sure I would be able to do it, as fun as it does look.