Seniors gear up for zip-line adventure
A group of 21 pensioners were treated to an afternoon of zip-lining through the canopies in Karkloof recently.
A GROUP of 21 residents from the Westville Homes proved that age is merely a number as they took on the Karkloof Canopy Tours recently.
Hyla Claassens, who runs the Gospel Express Children’s Club Outreach (GECCO ) working with physically challenged and visually impaired children, saw a need to treat a few of the pensioners at the local retirement home.
“My husband, Richard, and I moved to Dawncliffe and we saw the need for these dear old souls who have nothing to do and all day to do it in. We liaised with management at Karkloof Canopy Tours for these dear senior citizens. We got such an amazing deal and are so grateful to them,”” said Hyla.
On arrival at Karkloof Canopy Tours, the group were escorted to the Mthunzi deck, treated like VIPs and enjoyed tea or coffee and freshly-baked muffins. Once the indemnity forms were signed and the safety debriefing was complete, the room was divided into two groups and kitted up for an afternoon adventure of a lifetime.
“The first group were helped onto the cruiser and driven up a winding road to the first platform. We were told to look out for the different birds and animals but the oldies were giggling so much that they missed the birdlife and the spectacular view,” said Hyla.
Twelve platforms and 10 zip lines later, both teams were on an adrenaline high. A group of six oldies chose to do the wellness walk instead of the zip-line.
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One of the zip-liners, Joyce Evans, is 96 years old and currently holds the record for the oldest person to complete the zip-line at Karkloof Canopy Tours.
“We found out that one is never too old to have fun,” smiled Hyla.
“We were treated to specially cooked chicken curry and rice. GECCO supplied the ingredients and the Karkloof ladies cooked the most delicious meal for us. The Karkloof staff are absolutely awesome, so patient, helpful and kind,” said Hyla.
Happy residents have their say:
“I might forget my birthday but I will NEVER forget today,” Jack Johnson.
“I just want to say a big thank you for organising this outing for us today, it was exciting, awesome and we were spoilt rotten and it was a once in a lifetime experience for me,” Mabel Marchant.
“Thank you very much for the most memorable day of my life,” Alla Balsdon.
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