10-Day Alaskan Cruise - Icy Straight Point
Thrill of a lifetime in the treetops of Alaska.
10-Day Alaskan Cruise - Icy Straight Point
I got another marriage proposal right before I went to Icy Straight Point. It was shortly after he found out I was doing the world's longest zipline, The ZipRider® at Icy Strait Point, Alaska. You see, he wanted to see if I'd leave him all my stuff.
The ZipRider boasts 5,495 feet long, and drops 1,320 feet (taller than the Empire State Building). It also features a 25% grade, which entices thrill seekers.
Once I got off the boat at Icy Straight Point (everything is right there at the dock), I checked in and signed a LONG waiver (that I couldn’t read because the font was too small, and it was up too high). After being greeted by and then weighed by a friendly attendant, I was directed to the red gondola which takes you up the mountain to the ZipRider base camp. Now, this gondola was no joke, and not for the faint of heart. But the views were amazing. 
I met a family traveling together that were having their first zip experience. One had taken a Xanex to help with the nerves.
We walked down a steep hill to get to the launching point. It was wet but not slippery in tennis shoes, and nicely paved. I had little trouble walking the path, but did start walking criss-crossed a little toward the end, because it was getting steeper. I was also told to get my (cold) hands out of my pockets, because how would I brace myself if I fell? This Florida girl doesn’t know how to walk on this terrain, obviously. Thanks, Lance.
We were not in the first batch to go, so we had the pleasure of having anticipation build up, and a couple extra minutes for pictures.
It was time to seat up. You sit in a seat that you put on like a backpack. Then a nice gentleman straps you in, like you would a kid in a car seat. Awkward. But felt very safe at the same time.
Meanwhile, back at base camp, unbeknownst to me because I had left her sleeping, my precious SIL Marcia came and documented my experience! Here's me questioning my life decisions followed by me getting strapped in:
The view is simply amazing, and something you would rarely see anywhere else. You couldn't wipe the grin off my face for an hour afterwards. I wanted to do it again. And again. And again.
The only thing I wish, is that I would have taken advantage of having the goggles. Some material from the zip was coming down and hitting me in the face. As a contacts wearer who has had an ulcerated cornea before, I'm very cautious.
I also learned that even though it was sold out as an excursion from the boat, you could "walk up" and purchase the adventure (and save 50$). Very easy to get to off the boat, no shuttles or transfers, other than the gondola ride up the mountain that's included with the price of the zipline.
I would highly recommend this adventure. They normally video you going down, but the cameras weren't mounted yet that day. If you have cold feet, and "would never" and want to see what it's like - watch the video below. It is a little bumpy. My hands naturally wanted to hold on (not hold the camera!). Yes, I'm the one letting out a good yelp at the beginning:
Listen to our podcast series about Alaska on Apple Podcasts or YouTube
Follow us on Instagram @hittheroadwithmo
Written by :Joy
Joy is an author, developer, and podcaster.
You may also be interested in ....
10-Day Alaskan Cruise - Sitka
Totems, Rain Forests, Spawning, Seagulls, and Squirrels
10-Day Alaskan Cruise - Victoria, BC
Oh Canada! Spending the day in lovely Victoria looking at flowers (and the ones that like to eat the flowers!)
10-Day Alaskan Cruise - Cruising Glacier Bay
The AMAZING Glacier Bay.