Getting Across the River
In the summer, when the river was low, Louie could drive across in his four-wheel-drive Tacoma. But when the river was high in winter, he got across on two 500-foot zip lines.
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These cables span about 500 feet. The first time I climbed up the tower and looked down (photo at lower left), I said, “No way.” “ No,” he said, “just let go.” And I did, and it was incredible — exciting, but I somehow felt safe — and I came into his landing platform on the other side. Click on these photos — if you have clicked on the headline to get this on your browser — to get full size.
Here’s a video I shot one day crossing the river. Louie and I had a duck dinner in his cabin:
I was going to have to go back across the river (my bedroom was in his shop), in the dark and it was foggy, so he rigged me up with a plastic bag so I wouldn’t get wet.
I tell ya, climbing up to the platform on the cabin side of the river, and not being able to see more than 5 feet in front of me, had my heart in my throat. I hooked up, trusted Louie, and launched into the blackness. Zoom, over the raging river and safely onto the landing platform.I was stoked, and going to live another day.
Ever since I first saw this video years ago I have wanted to visit Louie! What a unique and beautiful person! A very rare soul like yourself Lloyd.
I appointed you as my role model years ago when I took up longboard skating towed at high speed by my best dog ever in my late 50s, now I am turning 70 in a few months. Sadly my dog is gone but I am still stoked with kite surfing and mountain biking. Muchas gracias amigo!
My son has a farm across the road from Louie's house and was fortunate to get to know him. What a wonderful way to access your house - I bet it kept him young.