Day 85 – Queenstown
On the way to Queenstown, stopped at Kawarau Brudge, the birthplace of commercial bungy. I never wanted to do one because frankly I thought it looked stupid. I am not afraid of heights so I could not see the thrill but after watching, it actually looked like fun. The peple on the bus had pre-booked it and another busload came so I never got to try it. It was freezing cold and actually snowing so waiting for 30 minutes was not appealing either. Maybe next time. I was surprised how technical it isn’t. They take a towel, yes literally a bath towel and wrap it around the ankles. Then some webbing ‘until is all gone’, and then hook it to a cable. It was interesting watching the reaction of people before, while on the ledge and then after they finish. Good study point for fear and subsequent conquering!
They had a short film on the history. The two guys who started it were interviewing a tribe who would through themselves off a reed tower as part of a ritual. They worked out some kinks and started throwing themselves bridges as practice. The sport got widespread coverage when one of them AJ Hackett his inside the Eiffel tower in 1987 and bailed off it in the morning – I actually remember that. They continued their stunts and finally lobbied the govt for a temporary permit for a commericial operation off a historic bridge that was due to be closed down. The government granted it figuring it would bomb. 17 years later, it is a million dollar industry operating in Queenstown. With several variations including one built over a canyon some 440 feet up.
Checked into Pinewood in Queenstown. Up on a hill with stunning views of the mountains out of our windows. It was bitter cold when we went to explore the town and meet for a final group dinner as the group split from here.
Tags: Travel
dunlewey
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