Flying down the mountain!
Ziplines at Pacific Crest in the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Los Angeles California, is an adventure course through the treetops. Not for the faint of heart, these are some high speed rides over heights that equal a thirty story building and lines that go more than a quarter of a mile in length. This is a great way to spend the day out in nature and enjoying a view you can get no other way. If you feel the need for speed and enjoy a thrill this is the place to be.
They offer a couple of options to enjoy the excitement at Ziplines at Pacific Crest with their Canopy or Mountain View Tours. These half day adventures will take you above the San Andres fault and into the heights of the California mountains. If you can’t make up your mind between the two consider the Ultimate Day Package which includes both options and a provided box lunch and drink.
Mountain View Zipline Tour – this package is made up of 6 ziplines, 2 free-fall rappels, and 3 hikes that take visitors through the countryside in a 2.5 hr. trip.
Canopy Tour – this 3.5 hr. course includes 9 ziplines that reach 306 ft in height and run as long as 1500 ft. Crossing 3 bridges, lowering yourself down 2 rappels, a sky stair, and 3 hikes round out this route.
Either choice or both will give visitors an adrenaline rush. Even the van up to the start point will get you going with a rumbling ride. From there it is a continued climb on foot to the first launch. After the guides run through the basics of braking and safety details you are ready to fly. I felt some butterflies with the anticipation of my first run and before some of the other elements that make up the course, like rappelling.
In between the zipping visitors get a hawk’s eye view from decks in the tree tops. Our Canopy Tour even saw a pair of red tailed hawks checking out the featherless high fliers. Our guides, Ray and Will, pointed out the different trees, wild life, and were very informative about more than just the ziplining.
Reaching speeds of up to 55 MPH while dangling from a line mid air is an experience to remember. Perfecting braking and landing took a bit of work and I happily never failed to make it to the platform. Tours go all year round so be prepared that no matter the weather you can hit the trail. Participants from ages 10 to 80 are said to have completed the course, so as long as you fall between 90-250 lbs. you can join in.
The instructions warn that participants need to be able to walk 1 mile as part of the course, but keep in mind that is a mile at 7,000 ft. So those with altitude issues be prepared for the added challenge. Comfort with heights helps as well since the treetop stops between lines are sunny spires above the arid mountain side. Even the bridges are a heart pounding part of the adventure.
Check the Ziplines at Pacific Coast site for specials like the June “Buy one tour, get the second tour 1/2 off“ with the code BOGOZIP or their newest adventure, a night time Moonlight Tour! For the full moon July 7th & 8th you can fly under the stars after watching the sun set in the mountains. This is an outdoor event that will not disappoint.
Contact Ziplines at Pacific Coast to book a tour on their site, ziplinespc.com or find out more about them on Facebook and Instagram.
It took a little bit of work finding the right level of softness and adjusting the filling, but now that I have it is the pillow I won’t share and travel with.
Beer Enthusiasts Stop Here!
Located in a converted U.S. Navy Port Warehouse that was built during World War II, the brewery gives the area a new life after the building sat abandoned. Visitors can come and get a look at soaring ceiling and brick walls initially intended to house ships, now home to beer barrels and brewing tanks. The tour was a real highlight of the visit for me as I knew very little about beer before.
Brouwerji West has a sense of humor when it comes to their products. Some of the beers carry long and occasionally silly names like “Dog Ate My Homework” and “Smart for Never”, but you can make the intelligent choice and sit down at the bar, one of the indoor picnic tables, or the outdoor beer garden and sample a few of the craft brews. It helps to have a little something in your tummy too. Food for the non-drinkers in the family is another draw to Brouwerij West. There is always a selection of Food Trucks and Pop-up Restaurants like 
Dog Ate My Homework – Blackberries! Just like the fruit themselves this beer has a tart dry flavor and a deep color. Not overly sweet or even overly fruity, the beer is a great balance between the additional blackberry and the beer flavors. The pretty color doesn’t hurt its appeal either!
Food Harmonics
Don’t be fooled by the quick order appearance when you first walk in, this place is quality food made fresh and worth sitting down to savor. There is great seating in the back or on the outdoor patio where you can look out and enjoy nature.
Raw Vegan Pizza – Not the first thing you think to order, but it should be! Not exactly the gooey cheesiness we usually associate with the term, but I would eat this any and every day that it is offered. The crust has a surprising crisp texture, thick and hearty. The toppings are so fresh they make you feel good from the first bite. Pesto, cashew cheese, mushrooms, fresh tomato, and pickled onion give the pizza a unique taste. It couldn’t be better proof that healthy and tasty can go hand in hand especial when added to the long list of dehydrated goodness that make up the crust! Honestly one of the best things I have ever eaten.
Salad Bowls – Complete with Bison Burger and you have one killer salad meal. Greens, tomato, avocado, beets, cabbage, sauerkraut, pickled onion topped with pesto dressing and cashew cheese will have you feeling good and full before you know it. The plate is also pretty in pink since the sauerkraut was made using red cabbage. cashew cheese was a new experience for me, but I have since looked up recipes to start using it at home.
