Still imagining of what to do this summer? Well, think no further, just pack your bags, some cash and lot of courage then head to the island of Guimaras for some adrenaline rush frolic under the sun.
Commune with nature
Camp Alfredo is a 4.4 hectare property of lush greens and gentle slopes in Brgy. Ravina in Sibunag and envisioned to be a family-friendly nature-adventure park. It has amenities for a really enjoyable and thrilling experience that includes a restaurant and bar, a hanging bridge and canopy walk. Future facilities will include a camping ground (where tents can be set up), a chlorine-free infinity swimming pool, stations of the cross along a walking trail, an obstacle course, cottages and a prayer deck on the highest point of the property.
But the most exhilarating of them all is the 300+ meter zip line which had its blessing and soft opening last Friday, March 11, 2011. Officiated by Father of Parish, it was graced by no less than the Governor of Guimaras, Hon. Felipe H. Nava and first lady, Lally Golez-Nava..
What’s a zip line?
A zip-line (also known as a flying fox, foefie slide, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial ropeslide, death slide or tyrolean crossing) consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley.
Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds. Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas, such as a rainforest canopy. Zip-line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts, where they may be an element on a larger challenge or ropes course. (from Wikipedia)
Zipping 101
The Zip ride at Camp Alfredo takes about 50 seconds, depending on body weight. Gearing up even takes more time – about 5 minutes and another five in getting “hooked up”. Then comes the hardest thing to do – the jump off. This could take from a few seconds to “eternity”.
But once you’ve overcome fear, thrill comes in. The “zipper” then gets a bird’s eye view of the entire property along the way. As the shouts of the onlookers below and behind your back start to disappear, all you’ll hear is the sound of the pulleys against the wires. But what you see makes you commune with nature - shades of green and brown from a variety of trees from all angles. A look down reveals the remnants of what used to be a creek - dry since its summer time. Come the rainy days and the gush of the waters surely adds melody to one’s slide.
The flight of stairs leading down becomes visible then seconds after the restaurant comes to view from the top. So suddenly the “welcoming” party at the end of the line signals that the journey is about to come to an end. The steps (carved on the hillside) become visible but a quick look to the left reveals the hanging bridge and down below the camping grounds. Then you’ll feel the decrease in speed and congratulatory words become more audible – signs that its really the end of the line.
More! more!
But the fun continues, should you choose to maintain the adrenaline rush. Take a walk along the hanging bridge amidst the canopy of mahogany trees -it may seem shaky but you’ll get the hang of it. At the midstop the trees start to disappear as the restaurant comes to view so as the ground below. Another walk brings you almost to the end of a trip up high. A final zip, though shorter yet offers a far more challenge as three quarters along the way the “zipper” is brought to a halt and has to propel himself the remainder of the line. And finally climb down the ladder completes the whole zip-walk adventure!
Now it’s your turn to experience this thrill the next time you cross the strait. For aside from the usual beach-combing, island hopping and all the mango appreciation, now there’s something new and exciting in the island of Guimaras!
Camp Alfredo is located along the highway - a few minutes after the OLP Trappist Monastery. Check out Camp Alfredo in Guimaras on Facebook for more details and information.
This article appeared on The News Today last March 18, 2011 in the Travel Section (Lifestyle) . Read the Original article.
