Climbing in the high ropes course - a tough test of courage and skill.
But also an extremely cool community experience with my friends that I'll remember for a long time.
Almost every time I came to swim and cool off at Flachauwinkl lake and saw people clambering around the high ropes course, I told myself that I would do it too one day. My friends Susi, Luki and Gerald then turned "one day" into "now or never": their birthday present to me was us all hitting the ropes course together.
An adventure with a certain thrill.
I was a bit thrown, but excitement soon won out over fear... But I was a little nervous when my friends picked me up one beautiful day and we headed out together on our e-bikes to Flachauwinkl lake.
However, I relaxed slightly when I saw Wolfgang, our guide for the course, who simply radiated calm. We got our harnesses and helmets, were given a short briefing, and off we went.
A huge ladder took us up to the first platform. My heart was pounding and even Gerald, who usually has a snappy comment at the ready, got a little quiet.
When endorphins bubbling
The first obstacles were ahead – and amazingly, I got over them no problem and got braver and more sure-footed as I went on. I could tell my fellow climbers felt the same, because the banter was soon back. Together, we experienced that ultimate feeling of freedom at the top of the course – 12 metres in the air! The view was absolutely amazing. Definitely worth facing my fears for.
It was a bit uncomfortable at a height of 12 meters without a floor under our feet. But Wolfgang's tip was: "Don't look down!".
The course saves the very best to last: the only way to return to solid ground is a spectacular ride on the 150-metre flying fox over the lake. Amazing!
We ended this perfect summer day with a relaxing evening at the lake. The high ropes course is a definite must.
