I've used highlines too, and like them - which is why, once I
get it together, I'm planning on buying a couple of Spring Ties -
same idea, but much easier to set up when you're a shortie
and don't have any trees around.
Jennifer:
> I was wondering how you adjust the tension on this highline.
> I've tried them before, like the idea, but have a hard time
> getting the rope A. High enough
The place I've highlined the most is (Dru Barner) a horse camp
in the woods, so we tie the rope between two trees.
To get it up high, I make a small loop first, feed the rope around
the tree and back through the loop, then poke it up into the tree
with my manure fork. Using the manure fork, I can usually get it
up 8' high or so. You then pull the loop tight and go over to the
other tree.
> and B. tight enough so it doesn't sag lower than the horses
> head over time.
This part is more tricky. Sometimes I've use a stepstool/upturned
bucket to get up and tie it.
If you get it high enough, then even when it sags overnight,
it's still high enough. I use yellow nylon rope, which doesn't
seem to stretch much. I think it stretches more when it gets
damp overnight.
To secure it, I make a lot of knots.The Boy Scouts would not
be proud of my knots... I just keep making them until it seems
tight and secure.
So long as I got the first end high, it usually makes it
high enough that the height of the other end isn't as
critical.
Things to remember - if you use knot eliminators (sort of
metal loopy things that you can attach to the rope to tie to),
make sure you attach them *before* the rope is tight - once
it's tight, you can't loop the rope around them.
And in any case, if you wait until the rope is secured in
place, it'll be 7' up and you won't be able to reach it.
Likewise, thread your lead rope through the knot eliminator
before tightening the highline. That way, at least you can
grab it to pull the highline downward to adjust the lead rope
length. If you don't do this, you'll be reduced to leaping to
try and grab the rope, which is most amusing to your fellow
campers, but annoys the horses who want to get down to the
important business of standing around eating.
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Lucy Chaplin Trumbull
elsie AT foothill DOT net
Repotted english person in Sierra Foothills, California
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