It's different, all right, and a bit exciting when you're strapped into a harness and suspended from a heavy steel cable 30 to 60 feet (at least) above terra firma so that you can "fly" to the next tree platform. You might start out wondering if you need your head examined, but chances are very good that you're going to have a blast doing the Tree Top Zip Tour by Empower at Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg — and leave there wanting more.

On the other hand, you might want to reduce the items on your "bucket list" and/or get a grip on your fear of heights. That's what Peter Murphy did in September when he and his wife visited the US to attend his sister's wedding.

"Every time we've been to US, we've spent time in cities, so we wanted to find a hotel or resort outside the city," said Murphy. "My wife spent a lot of time googling, and we came to Salamander Resort for a few days to get over the jet lag, sort ourselves out and get into the mood and in the space before we go to Washington for the wedding. As for the zip line tour — it's that wonderful expression, Bucket List, and I'm a great person for ticking off boxes. I have a fear of heights and I wanted to take it on and address it. It was my 54th birthday in August. My wife asked me what I wanted. I told her two experiences: to walk the Millennium Dome in London, and it was her idea for the zip line. She bought both of those experiences for my birthday."

Salamander Resort launched the Tree Top Tour by Empower on July 4. The new adventure program is under the able and experienced leadership of Joe DeRing, former US Army Captain and Ranger who served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. DeRing is also founder and CEO of Empower Leadership Sports & Adventure Center (Middletown, CT).

"The Zip Line Tree Top Tour at Salamander Resort & Spa has been in the making since 2012," said DeRing. "It took a lot of effort and years between plotting it out, giving it elevations, making sure that the trees are healthy, the roots are healthy, that we have the right wind directions and making sure that all the information is correct. The zip lines have to be strong and at the perfect distance and angle so that they're safe. You're trying to put the ramps in pre-existing trees at exactly the right heights so you're not zipping in too fast or with not enough momentum. You're figuring all that out with the trees, with the trees' health, with the elevation from the ground. Essentially, we put together the most complicated, most difficult puzzle you can imagine."

DeRing's "puzzle" is a piece of eco-techno craftsmanship with built-in fun, and Empower guides are trained for much more than the five zip lines and two sky bridges. They have eco-knowledge about the trees involved in your Canopy Tour. They're also totally into zip lining. They "get" that you might be hesitant and they do everything they can to set guests at ease, both on the ground and on the ramps.

The two-hour program accommodates groups up to 12 people. Children must be at least 75 pounds and 8 years old to participate. Guests 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at registration; 18 and under must have waiver signed by parent. Guests may weigh a maximum of 250 pounds. All guests must have average mobility and strength and be able to walk up the 3-story tower.

"I've been looking forward to the Zip Line Tour ever since we booked our stay, but I was a little bit nervous, a little bit excited," admitted Murphy. "The highlight was definitely Run 4 – that was definitely the fastest. I found myself with no fear of the zip line whatsoever. It was the two sky bridges, for me: although your head's telling you that you're safe, because you're attached in three different places, your heart's telling you you're in danger because there's no visible means of safety. You're walking on a platform that's moving — it's a head over heart thing. I thought it was all brilliant."

It begins with a quick walk through Salamander's main lobby, out the other side and across the Grand Lawn to a bench near the big oak tree where the Canopy Tour Shuttle stops. You meet your Empower guides (two per group). In the 20-acre woodland allocated to the Salamander Tree Top Zip Tour is a three-story tower next to a pavilion where harnesses are laid out so that guests can step into the webbing, shrug it into place and get help with the various straps; ditto, safety helmets. Waivers are signed, the safety orientation begins and each guest has an introductory ride on the Bunny Zip.

"I liked the way Joe and Catherine (Heishman) set us at ease from the very beginning, telling a bit about themselves and the training they went through to be zip line guides," Murphy stated. "It made me feel comfortable that it demands a professional. There was no time when I didn't feel attended to in a safe way. Their methodology was excellent, very structured in the way they offer the service. The zip lines were pitched about right. You went quick enough, but I never felt in danger. I don't know what speed I was doing, but it was enough to be exhilarating. It was great fun, but it was over too soon!"

For information about school and church groups, special rates, and corporate team building activities, please call 540-422-1102. For information about Salamander Resort & Spa and special packages, please call 866-938-7370 or visit: www.salamanderresort.com