Throwback adventure: roller disco

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Activity: Rollerskating or blading to disco music in a former church

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Website: http://www.churchof8wheels.com/ 

Cost: $10 to skate + rental

Description:  This is a former church that is converted into a small roller skating arena. There is a DJ that plays oldies and new music upon request. 

Pros: It is conveniently located in SF. It is a relatively inexpensive activity. The decor was interesting and on theme. There were pews to put on your skates and old stained glass.

Cons: the building is small and not well maintained. During the day there are lots of children so you must feel comfortable as a novice or avoid the children

The last image is a picture of Dolores Park during Pride weekend. There was a lot of celebration after the federal decision to uphold gay marriage. This added to the fun atmosphere that weekend.

Recommended: Families with children 8-14 during the day. At night only adults are allowed which makes for an interesting dynamic

 

Zip-lining: Puerto Rico adventures continued

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Zip-lining coming out of the rainforest

Zip-lining  to the next stop!

Activity: Zip-lining in Puerto Rico Rainforest & Butterfly/Bird Habitat

Rating: 4.3 of 5 stars

Website: http://canopytourpr.com/

Cost: $125/pp via website for three hours including pick up. Discounted tickets available through hotel booking

Details: The tour started in the animal habitat. We saw a variety of colorful parrots (white, green, red, etc.) that were friendly, but not enough to touch. There was also a butterfly room before entering the bird sanctuary which was larger than expected.

From the animal habitat we took a short trip in a cable car to the top of the jungle. We had already put on the equipment including harness and helmut so we were ready to go from as soon as we arrived at the top. 

There were a total of 10-12 zip lines with the last one being the fastest. Some were rather short and others were slower and longer. Based on your body weight and how well you listen to directions you could go faster or slower. 

There was no real trick except to know when to slow yourself down as you approached the platform. If you stopped too early you had to pull yourself to the platform (annoying, but not too challenging). If you did not slow down then the assistant on the other end would catch you or pull down the rope to slow you down (see video). 

This experience felt very safe, actually much safer than my first attempt in Costa Rica where they let customers fly upside down. I missed that part, but I guess not everyone is a thrill seeker. 

Recommended for: All ages that are not afraid of heights.