Zip Lines and More!

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: Saturday, June 17 2017

That morning, Craig and I walked the few steps to our local bakery where, as usual, we chose some delightful pastries to begin the day. I bought a beautiful pastry called a fraisier, which is made with delicate layers of sponge cake, creamy mousse filling, and fresh strawberries. 

As it was Saturday, the plan was to visit Acrobranche for an adventure in the trees. Janey had heard stories and seen photos from the previous year and she was eager for the experience. We were a bit concerned about whether our non-athletic granddaughter could handle herself in an aerial obstacle course. We explained just what she was letting herself in for, but she was determined. 

Craig helps his granddaughter prepare for
the adventure in the trees

We rode the bus to Ile de Charlemange. A friend of Desmond's accompanied the three of us. Melody had never attempted the course there, but had experienced the one near Paris, which we were not familiar with. I would act as photographer, following my little group of adventurers through the forest. After being fitted for their harnesses, everyone watched a safety video and then they were off! 

It starts with a mini training course.

Janey attacked the first obstacle
with determination.

Desmond and Craig, high in the trees.

Janey surprised us all with her enthusiasm and we were amazed at how quickly she picked up on the techniques of navigating the different obstacles. She was soon offering encouragement to others along the way. Melody, Craig, Des, and Janey completed the first course, after which Craig decided to stop. His hands were beginning to give out. We rested in the shade over a cold drink and were all surprised when Janey announced that she was ready to go again.

It takes a lot of concentration.

Janey navigates the rollers.

Just grab the cage and throw yourself in!

Des climbs a net to the next obstacle.

Melody, Janey, and Desmond set off once more, and when they had completed the next set of zip lines and other obstacles, Craig told them we would treat everyone to ice cream. It wasn't long after that when the trio enthusiastically set off for a third adventure on a more difficult course. The day had grown warm, though a cool breeze and lots of shade made it bearable. On one of the zip lines, Janey injured her finger. It hurt terribly, as she had nearly lost the fingernail, but she soldiered on. Craig and I weren't even aware of the injury until she had completed the entire course. We were very proud of her. It was a hot walk in full sun to the bus stop, where we had a long wait, but everyone agreed it had been a good day. 

Janey rode a kayak through the treetops!

Janey injured her hand on the zip line.

Des crosses on the wooden skulls. 

For dinner that evening, Des and Janey picked up kebab sandwiches and fries from a little shop on the square. We relaxed a while, and then began packing for our little mini-vacation to Amboise the next day. 

TRAVEL TIP: Don't forget your gloves if you are going zip-lining. 

Adventure in the Trees

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: Wednesday, May 25 2016

I was glad we had awakened to beautiful weather. This was the day for the adventure in the trees, which everyone had been looking forward to. We woke up over coffee and then walked to the bakery for pastries with which to fortify ourselves. After that delightful breakfast and more coffee, we were on our way to Ile Charlemange.

What a wonderful way to begin the day!

The Léo Parc Aventure is an amazing place for zip lining, climbing, and other activities carried out high in the trees. There were many courses to choose from for every age and ability. They even offer a small course for the little ones, who were simply adorable in their tiny helmets. After a short orientation film, Craig, Desmond, and Mathieu were clad in their harnesses and ready to climb! They selected a moderately difficult course. I was to remain on the ground and act as photographer. 

It was cool and shady on the forest floor, as I followed the progress of the adventurers. The first obstacle looked very difficult to me. Even Craig was a bit worried as he watched Des ascend a vertical rope tunnel. The course became a bit less strenuous after that first hard climb.

Des negotiates the vertical rope tunnel.

I was amazed at the planning and ingenuity that had gone into the creation of this incredible obstacle course. It was cleverly designed so that the climbers were quite safe, strapped into their harnesses and always attached to a cable by a heavy-duty carabiner. 

Craig and Mathieu, high in the trees. Those boards didn't remain
 still as they were walked upon, but instead popped up at an angle!

I was enjoying my job as photographer in the woods filled with birdsong. A pleasant breeze eddied through the trees and was just enough to cool us off. I got a kick out of watching a few groups of high-school students as they laughed and screamed their way around an adjacent course.

Des rides a kayak through the trees!

Desmond and Craig in the trees.

After Craig, Desmond, and Mathieu had completed their fun but strenuous activity, we all took a break at the little concession area where we enjoyed ice cream or a cold drink. Craig and I encouraged Des and Mathieu to go on another activity while we waited for them. They chose a zip line course which would have them zig-zag through the trees and even over the lake. We enjoyed watching them. 

L'île Charlemagne - More Than a Park

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: April 20, 2015

Springtime in France! Is there anything better? Desmond and I had most of that lovely day to spend together. We breakfasted at home on some tasty marbled brioche, and then popped into the little neighborhood bakery. We purchased a couple of sandwiches and cans of Orangina, and walked a few yards to the bus stop near the Loire. Soon, we were on our way to Ile de Charlemagne, a wonderful lake and park nearby. 

What a pretty view! You'd never know we were at a bus stop.

I was very impressed with Ile Charlemagne. There is a trail that circles the lake, so Desmond and I began walking along, enjoying the fresh, sweet air and lovely views of the lake. As we walked, my son pointed out the many activities which abound in the park. There are kayaks and small sailboats for rent and there is a waterpark on a beach where one can rent a giant plastic ball in which to roll along on the water. There is a paintball forest, and another forest full of treetop activities such as rope bridges, nets to climb, and even scooters to ride in the air. On ground level were trampolines, basketball courts, ping pong tables, and many playgrounds for children of all ages. We walked most of the way around the sparkling lake before seating ourselves upon a shady bench to eat lunch. We could easily have spent the entire day there!

 You can play in the trees at Parc Ile de Charlemagne!

 It looks like fun, but perhaps is not the thing for me.

A lovely scene at the lake at Ile de Charlemagne,Orléans, France.

We returned home via the bus, where we simply lazed around for a bit before Des had to leave for class. Before he left, we received some disappointing news. We had been planning a day trip to Yonne, Burgundy in order to view Guédelon, a castle which is being constructed with the same techniques and materials as were used in the Middle Ages. Due to a clerical error, our driver and friend, Mathieu had been scheduled to work on the day we had chosen to visit Guédelon. We were all a bit dejected, but it just couldn't be helped. We would simply have to put that little trip on the back burner and count on it next year. That castle isn't going anywhere.

For our evening meal, Des had planned a Korean dish called bulgogi. While he was still at the University, I started the rice cooking while I prepared the broccoli for roasting. At the last minute, I was pleased to learn that our friend, Arno, would be joining us for dinner. He and Desmond arrived within seconds of each other and we all sat down for apéro. Just as Des was about to begin grilling the marinated pork strips for the bulgogi, he realized that Arno would not have been able to eat it, because of a severe allergy to ginger. That required a quick change of plan - we ate the tasty roasted broccoli as an appetizer, and then strolled over to the Rue de Bourgogne to find a restaurant. We ended up at a Cambodian restaurant called Angkor and seated ourselves outside to take full advantage of the balmy evening. I chose the sweet and sour chicken, and was not disappointed. The dish was attractively presented in a fresh pineapple half with a tiny umbrella stuck into it. The ingredients were obviously of high quality and the dish was very well prepared. We were all quite pleased with our meals and had a lovely time. It was wonderful to catch up with Arno, as I had not seen him for a year. The three of us lingered over the meal, enjoying one another's conversation and another beautiful night in the heart of France.

Dinner at Angkor Cambodian Restaurant in Orléans, France.