A zip line has been set up at City Hall for Grey Cup Week. Once I saw the story on BlogTO, I had to go check it out.
Biking down Elizabeth St., this is the first indication
that there is something unusual going on.
I went on Monday before lunch, and there was no line. You buy your ticket at a tent on the east side of the square and walk up the ramp.
I was amused to see this sign.
The last time I was up here was a few years ago.
I don’t want to be snide, but I am struck by the juxtaposition of the green roof, symbolizing the last administration, and the zip line, emblematic of the current administration in several different ways.
It is early in the week, and so these volunteers were being taught how to put harnesses on all the victims.
No worries since the folks at the top of the tower double check everything. The harness was tight enough that I would not be able to get the camera out very easily. Something they would frown upon anyway.
Here’s the view from the top.
A very kind person took this picture of me approaching the finish. I am the speck on the left. Note that I am facing backwards. You don’t have much control over the way you are facing while you are flying down the line.
Note that I am facing backwards at this point. You don’t have any directional control. This is also evident in this helmet cam video someone has posted.
All in all, about 20 seconds of fun for $20, and the money is for a good cause (something about an anti-bullying charity, from what I was told). If you go before lunch, there is probably not going to be any line.
I find many aspects of Grey Cup week charming, in comparison to all the hype that I’ve experienced about the Super Bowl in the US. The best part is the fact that the teams playing were not determined until just the weekend before. It’s great that the home team will be playing this weekend.
The Nathan Phillips Square rink has been decorated for the occasion.
Well, city hall is, nominally, run by a football bully. Fitting.