Report Belle Isle Repel/James River Swim
Robb, Vic, and Dottie met at 7 AM and joined forces with Bruce, Margret J., Mark C. and Jane O., plus the 2 Cindy's from Williamsburg at the New Port News Park. The 3 vehicle group then caravanned to Belle Isle in Richmond. Our exceptional day began by gathering up the repelling equipment, which Robb provided, and hiking over the James River via a concrete suspension bridge to Belle Isle and the cliff.
First Robb gave us very detailed instructions about what we were about to experience plus all the safety checks for a stress free adventure. Getting into the harness was a very tricky but a vital part of the package for half of the group (inside joke). Color coded webbing/runners joined by water knots were strung to trees at the top of the cliff. The repellee secured their harness with a carabener to the runners and thus were assured that a slip on the very dry dirt would not result in an unexpected tumble over the cliff. Lock checked and anchored securely from a chain using a static ropes, a figure eight balay, and our balayer, Robb by tubular balay, it was time to make our repel.
There was no more hanging around only hanging over the cliff: Lean back, knees locked and butt low, down the cliff face one walked/repelled. Yes!!!! I want to try again was the cry at the bottom.
Stomachs began to grumble so it was lunch on the rocks along the James. Although the skies were cloudy and a few droplets of rain threatened it was time for a swim. The lovely river setting inspired enticing calendar shots, some slipping and sliding and a code yellow (inside joke).
Refreshed after our hike back to the vehicles Robb directed us to a place that looked like a rainforest complete with and archeological find. Did the Inca's ever settle in Richmond?
By tradition it was time to eat. CiCi's Pizza was the choice.
Thank You Robb.
What happens on Belle Isle stays on Belle Isle..........
Dottie
We have some great pictures by Dottie: http://picasaweb.google.com/dottieaster/10BelleIsleReppelAndJamesRiverSwim#
Youtube Clips by Vic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xff-0HvJV54, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viSaHnVKbZE, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7_6fNPALDI, http://whttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlUO_K4mEf0, ww.youtube.com/watch?v=r6DvXekns-c, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxnMOsYEPns