Buoy Swing!!!

Well, there is a buoy swing at the top of the hill near White Sands Beach and the start of the hike to Monashka Mountain. We went right by it on our way to try climbing Monashka Mountain, so we stopped to try it. This time I got pictures (and video!).

Anyway, a buoy swing typically works like this:

A rope is tied to a buoy (round, soft plastic ones, not the metal version), and then tied to a rope that is tied between two trees (you can see this in the pictures). It is typically made over a steep hill, where you can jump off from the top of the dropoff, and then ride the buoy along the arc of its swing. So, to ride it, you hold onto the rope, and then jump out over the edge and onto the buoy, then ride it for a couple oscillations, then hop off again on the top of the hill. It is very easy getting on, but not so easy getting off. Either way, they are tons of fun! Too bad there are no hills in Indiana :( Maybe we can put one up in Shades or Turkey Run state parks...

Here is the buoy swing as seen from ground level.

Here is Curtis riding the buoy swing. You can see one of the Three Sisters in the background.

Here I am riding the buoy swing. I wasn't intending to ride it, but I ended up doing so anyway. I'm definitely glad I did, and I can't wait to try another one somewhere else! There is a really pretty view of the mountains when you are out on the far end of the swing (where the trees don't block your view, and you are about 30 feet above the really steep hillside).

Here I am on the buoy swing again, when I am where I need to get off.

You can view the 2 videos I took on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oAy5me_4Cg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvMBQCsLL3I