Zip Lining at Salta Rafting - Monday April 23

Salta Rafting was an experience not to be missed! We were originally on our way to Salta Rafting however a rock slide across the road on Sunday prevented us from going there to camp and we had to go on to Salta directly & be transported back on Monday for the zip lining. The zip lining was between two mountains and consisted of nine lines or cables the largest being around 300 meters long and about 150 to 175 meters above the surface.

We arived at Salta Rafting around 10.30 a.m. and were fitted out, signed the waiver, etc. and were then driven in an old ricketty bus about 5 kms from the base. At a point on the road the bus stopped and we all got out. I jokingly said to John in our group that we had to climb straight up the mountain side. Well, surprise, because that was exactly what was required. We climbed up the face for about 500 to 600 meters to the first line. This was a relatively short one which followed the side of the mountain we had just climbed. Before we were able to depart, Frank who was a German & I believe the owner, spelled out very clearly what we could & should not do when on the zip lines. Our group, consisting of 14 with Frank & three other guides, started across about 50 meters to an outcropping of rock one at a time, lead by two guides. Line 2 took us across the valley about 200 meters and 100 to 150 meters bove the river. You sit, or should I say lay, in the harness with your legs crossed and one thick leather glove on top of the line for control with the other hand on the shackle which suspends you below the wire. Once at the end of line two, you then proceed to climb for about 400 or 500 meters to the start of line 3. Line 3 then takes you back across the valley for about 200 plus or minus meters, about 100 to 150 meters up once again above the river. For the start of Line 4, you again have to climb to about 200 plus or minus meters then off you go about 200 plus meters across a control dam in the river maybe 150 to 200 meters up. Up to this point, the lines haven't been too steep so you are not travelling too fast. Your lower hand which is behind your shackle at all times is your speed control and brake but if necessary both gloved hands may be required if you have too fast a speed for landing at the end. Lines 5 and 6 stayed on the opposite side of the valley to the base with short climbs in between they are the steep lines, shorter than across the valley, but are much faster if you wish. Line 7 is the longest and highest probably 300 to 400 meters long and maybe 200 - 250 meters up above the river-valley floor. Line 8 is slightly shorter with little climbing and back across the valley. Line 9 takes you once again back across the valley to the base and back safely on the ground.

We arrived back from the zip lining at around 2:30 p.m. for a barbequeue and some cold beers or wine (very much required!). I must admit that Frank and his guides were incredibly safety aware. We were never allowed to attach our own shakles or safety harness to the lines. The day certainly was a rush & it was amazing to glide across a valley between two mountains at those heights. I was wondering how deep the river was and how much of a splash you would make from 300 meters up, one heck of a cannon ball splash, I'd say!

Elizabeth chose to miss this activity as she was nervous about the height without being able to see it first. In hind sight, it was a good decision for her. I think she would have struggled with the strength to slow herself on the line with the leather gloves. But for me, this was definitely a high!