Secret Cable

Over the summer, one of the rewards for working was I would build a "secret cable". The kids had no idea what the secret was, it ended up being a cable-swing/zip line.
First we stretch out the cable and get it laying flat. The grown slopes down where we will be 'zipping', for a total of 180 feet of fun!
Anchor the cable to one tree by wrapping a chain around it. On the chain put a turnbuckle or come-a-long. Anchor the other end of the cable to another tree.
I used two large pulleys I got from Lowes and bolted them together in series (the pulleys have actually flipped here in this picture).
Here we go! First to ride is Emily (the lightest).
And away we go!
The seat doesn't stay facing forward, you kinda turn a lot during the ride.
Even so, Emily likes it!
Next up: Ian! I had to tighten up the cable a little so Ian wouldn't hit the ground on one part.
Bring it on!
At the bottom, only one word was said: "Again!"
Keighly's turn. I had to tighten the cable even more for Keighly.
Wahoo! Fun with gravity!
All the kids really seem to love the zipline, and I'm glad. I recall having one that my father constructed for me and my brothers and it was always fun.


Here is a movie of Keighly riding the zipline after her birthday party. Yes, that is a plush skunk she has (she got it for her birthday)! Janet gives her a big push and I follow her as she rides. Whew!