“I’m very, very nervous. It’s like going on stage, you just want to get it over with.”

“I’m a little nervous too, but excited at the same time.”

These were the words of Sounder editor Colleen Armstrong and Ken Law, a local resident, as we headed towards YMCA Camp Orkila for a ‘Community Zip’ day on the longest zip line in the state of Washington, and at 68 feet it’s the tallest building in San Juan County, and from tower to landing pad the drop is 110 feet.

The ‘Community Zip’ days offer locals a free ride on the 1,000-foot line. And it’s a good opportunity for Orkila staff to interact with the community.

So after getting our harnesses on, donning helmets and grabbing a heavy device that “literally stood for life or death,” we made our way to the tower, ready for adventure.

“It was worth it, I’d do it again,” said Armstrong after the ride.

If you want to take a ride on the line, Orkila will be holding, by-appointment only, a “Community Zip” on Friday, May 4, 2 to 5 p.m.

If interested, call the camp at 376-2678 to sign up for a time assignment. Know the number of people in your party at the time of calling. Maximum weight capacity for a single rider is 285-pounds (subject to change depending on conditions) and children must be entering third grade or older to participate.