We survived!!

Although the Penrhyn slate quarry in Bethesda is no longer active, as the location of the world’s fastest zip line it attracts its fair share of tourists. After a practice run on a shorter “taster zip line”, we were driven by Dave in an orange ex-army lorry up a very steep and windy track to the top.
Precisely weighed, we were led out in restrictive clothing to an elevated platform - as if to the gallows - perched high up the mountain, nerves tingling with apprehension. Through the haze, we could see over the deep blue lake to “the other side” a mile away and 470ft below. Tethered to the cable and trussed in a canvas sling, we heard the count down: “tri! …. dau! …. un! “ …. then snap - the lever was pulled - and Whoosh - we were away, wind rushing past our ears forcing our cheeks into our skulls. About 90 seconds of serenity contemplating the deep blue lake way below came to an abrupt halt as the landing site approaches at an alarming rate of knots - at just over 100mph in fact. Efficient if rather harsh braking brings us safely to a stop and, with the help of ground staff, we dismount. Quite an experience.
The picture is from the taster zip line- I didn’t have the wherewithal to take a picture just before the big drop!!