Branson Zipline Blog

Meet the Guides: Dustin

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:08:35 +0000

We’ve been introducing several people to you over the past few weeks. Today we get to meet Dustin who has been a part of our Branson Zipline Crew since the beginning of our 2010 season. He grew up right here in the beautiful Ozark terrain and has always loved working outside. This passion for the outdoors lead Dustin to become a part of Branson Zipline. I mean, what other job pays you to play in the snow?

Dustin is our all around outdoor guru. With all kinds of relevant outdoor information, you are sure to enjoy yourself on his tour. He doesn’t only use his extra time to camp, backpack & slack line, (Check out the picture above if you don’t know what slack lining is) he also has a degree in electronic media and holds a part time job traveling as the sound engineer and stage manager with Country Music Hall of Famer, Roy Clark. On his many adventures with Roy, Dustin has rubbed shoulders with many country music stars including Jessica Simpson at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He enjoys traveling and going to all types of concerts. Anyone would be so fortunate to have Dustin as their zipline guide!

Best time to zipline? I prefer spring because the weather is perfect and all the dogwoods on the property are in bloom.
You’ve been with us for almost two years now, what is your favorite part of working here? I enjoy helping people overcome their fears. Many people start out really timid but by the end they are having the time of their lives.
Best advice for a new zipliner? Relax and just do it – once you’ve done it you will be fine. By the time you get half way down you will like it!
What is your favorite outdoor activity and why? Backpacking in Arkansas at Horseshoe Canyon – its nice to get away from everything, get in the woods and be self sufficient for a few days.
What did you think the first time you went ziplining? I was like ten so I was pretty scared. It was at Kanakuk summer camp – I remember it being fun but it was so long ago that it is hard to say. The first time I zipped here I was more comfortable with doing stuff like zipping than when I was ten.

Meet the Guide: Jen

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:34:00 +0000

If you are looking for a guide who is all in, we have found her. Jen has been a part of Branson Zipline since April of 2011. She is a fun loving, hard working tour guide, and loves chatting with her guests about everything and anything! Jen grew up in Branson, Mo and always loved going to Silver Dollar City – a must do when visiting Branson. It was only fitting that Jen work as a zipline tour guide at Branson’s best outdoor activity, Branson Zipline Canopy Tours!

When Jen was in middle school she used to love listening to 80’s music. Ever since her childhood she has been adventurous. She loves getting out there and keeps herself busy by working out and spending time with her daughter, Becca. But, she is also all about wearing Pajamas and sitting back as she enjoys her Chicago style pizza and Ben and Jerry’s “Phish Food.” I guess we can say that if you are looking for someone who has the best of both worlds you’ve found her! She has been a great member of our team and we are really excited to showcase her today!

A Few Q & A’s with Jen:

What are your responsibilities as a Tour Guide? Making sure everyone is safe and comfortable.
How do you feel about working at BZL? I enjoy it; it’s fun and keeps me moving. Interacting with new people every day is definitely a highlight. I have had people from different countries and they are so interesting to get to know.
What is the best vacation you’ve ever had? One time I went on a backpacking trip at Glacier National Park in Montana. I loved seeing the scenery, waterfalls, springs and things no one could see unless they hiked up the 20 miles. It took my breath away.
What is your favorite activity? Kayaking
Best tour you’ve ever had? At the beginning of the summer I was privileged to zip with a couple. The gentleman told us that he was planning on proposing to his girlfriend of a year and a half. Sure enough he got down on one knee and a few moments later she said,”Yes!” They then took the plunge of our Freefall Xpress! Best tour ever! Favorite season to zip & why? Spring, because it’s a comfortable season to zip. Not too hot and not too cold. Everything is blooming and green!
Best advice for a new zipliner: Be strong and hang in there because you will love it in the long run

Safari Dan’s Guest Interview

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:57 +0000

We have a lot of fun with our guests here at Branson Zipline, and I thought it would be great if I could share some of our guest experience’s with you. I had the privilege to talk with a couple of our guests. Scott and Tara, From Bois D’ Arc Mo. They were in Branson, celebrating their 12 year Anniversary. Wanting to do something fun to commemorate it, they decided to go Ziplining with us! Neither had been on a zipline before. They chose to do our, Canopy Adventure Combo, which includes the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour and the Blue Streak Fastline and Freefall Xpress. Tara said, “ I was scared of heights, and really liked it”. They said that they were planning on coming back in the near future and really enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Spending a few hours outside in the Ozarks, with there guides, Ryan and Austin, was the perfect way to celebrate such a grand occasion!

Thanks Scott and Tara for coming out to Branson Zipline and sharing your special occasion with us. We are glad we could make your 12 year anniversary a special one. Can’t wait to see you next year!!!!

Preserves on the Preserve?

admin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:00:22 +0000

Hi, I am Safari Dan. I enjoy the delicious flavors of Amish Feast canned goods found only here at Wolfe Creek Station. We’ve got many flavors of jelly and jams that I haven’t had since I was kid. Many of these flavors are sure to bring back fond memories.

Every time I taste Gooseberry jam, I think back to the days when my granny and I would spend many a summer evenings picking goose berries, to make a batch of jelly. Amish Feast canned goods remind me of those wonderful goodies that would come from grandma’s kitchen. She was always cooking up and canning those wonderful old fashioned canned goods. A few of my favorite Amish Feast canned goods, include: Apple Butter, Pumpkin Butter, Pear Jam, and Strawberry Rhubarb. Maybe my sweet tooth comes from my grandma’s side of the family…

I always bring a few Amish Feast canned goods with me to any holiday gathering, they are a tasty treat and sure to compliment any holiday meal. They are also a perfect gift idea! And remember, If you start to run low on Amish Feast canned goods, just contact us and we’ll be happy to ship your favorites to you!

Safari Dan Introduction

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:36:43 +0000

Greetings, my name is Safari Dan. I am the interesting, sometimes funny, but always entertaining Photo Safari guide here at the Wolfe Creek preserve, and a unique part of the Branson Zipline. You might have observed me while you were enjoying one of our many Zipline Canopy Adventures, guiding one of our Photo Safari’s through the Wolfe Creek Preserve. I may have even drove you up Wolfe Mountain, in our Pinzgauer. I more than likely introduced myself, while you were being geared up!

It’s my job to make sure everyone has a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience while here on Wolfe Creek Preserve. Yes, I certainly am a man of many hats, well not really, just one my Safari Hat/ Pith Helmet. You never know where you might see me! But – if you do see me, please be sure to say “Hi.” I enjoy meeting all of our guests, and hearing where they are from, and what brings them to Ozark’s and Branson Zipline.

When I was asked how I felt about blogging I said, “We’re a nature preserve, and I don’t allow logging!” After I found out what “blogging” and not logging was, I decided to join the 21st century. I traded in my telegraph in for a laptop! Which by the way, took a week to get here by Stage Coach. It came all the way from St. Louis. I tend to spend much of my time out on the trail, pointing out the Ecological and Geographical features that make Wolfe Creek Preserve unique and oh so special. I would also like to invite you to check out my Facebook page, Safari Dan at Branson Zipline.

Thanks for reading my blog, and allowing me to introduce myself. I would like to invite you to check back in for biweekly updates on my blog, which will include interesting interviews with some of our fun and intriguing guests. I will also be talking about some of my favorite items from the Wolfe Creek Station gift shop, wildlife sightings, pictures of Missouri native wildflowers, and interesting fun facts that pertain to the diverse Eco system of Wolfe Creek Preserve. These are just a few of the fun and educational things I will be covering on my blog!

Meet the Guides: Kyle B.

admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:04:38 +0000

Kyle is definitely our artistic mind out here at Branson Zipline (see some of his early pieces above). With a wealth of knowledge, Kyle is sure to know the answer to any of your outdoor questions. He grew up in Springfield, MO and was the oldest of three children. Now he is currently living with his family in Billings, MO. This January is going to be quite exciting for Kyle and his family as they are expecting to add two twin girls to the mix! Whether he is sharing stories about his sweetheart & four daughters or talking about his most current artwork he entertains everyone. Kyle is a fantastic storyteller and is always sure to create a great experience for every guest on his tour.

Originally Kyle worked with 11-17 year olds at Camp Arrow Head, a Boy Scouts camp in Marshfield, Mo. There he taught the scouts how to tie knots, belay, repel, climb, and navigate through a challenge course. Kyle enjoyed working with the boy scouts and found it very rewarding, but was excited to take on a full time outdoor job. So he became a member of our team in the Spring of 2010 and is a fantastic leader. He has lots of awesome stories from his time working with the boy scouts but believes that making sure 12 adults are safe and secure while at Wolfe Creek Preserve is easier than keeping track of 30 boys! Kyle has been an intrical part to our team and we are thankful for his ability to mix the perfect amount of adventure with safety. You’ll enjoy you tour with Kyle because he will always be there to make sure your experience is safe and memorable.

Q & A with Kyle:
What do you like about working at Branson Zipline? Being outside, working with people and all the different weather conditions. No day is the same.
Best time to zipline? Anytime is a good time to zip but there are definitely best times. I would have to say right before summer and right after summer. Temp wise it is kind of cooling off or just starting to warm up. Also, the kids are in school!
Best advice for a new ziplier? Enjoy it and have fun, Don’t touch your gear or the cable.
What do you hope to be doing in five years? I’d like to be somewhere in the outdoor industry. Teaching people to climb, kayak, or to simply enjoy being outdoors as much as I do. I could see myself working for a company that builds ziplines/ropes courses/challenge courses. Basically, something that keeps me outdoors and active.
Any last words? If you come on my tour you may be able to see some of my famous magic tricks!

Meet the Guides: Ed

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:52:46 +0000

If you are from Wisconsin or are a Green Bay Packer fan you will love ED! You see, he is our NFL quarterback, Aaron Rogers look alike! Newly engaged Ed has been a part of BZL since spring 2011. He likes to describe himself as exuberant, exciting and excellent; I think he is our all around Mr. Congeniality! Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan his father moved the family to Rogersville, Mo and that is where he spent most of his childhood. Somehow between the mix of states, Ed became a Michigan Wolverines fan and he will never fail to let you know.

Ed plays a huge role here at Branson Zipline. You never know where you’ll find him – cheerfully greeting guests as they check in at Wolfe Creek Station, driving you up the mountain in our Pinzgauer, or as a guide on your tour! In his off time Ed enjoys watching football, spending time with his Fiance, Erica, and taking trips. He loves all kinds of people and insures that each person he meets at Branson Zipline will have the experience of their lives!

Q & A with Ed!
What do you like about working at Branson Zipline? The People are excellent and its fun!
What is the best vacation you’ve ever had? California with my fiance Erica this past year. But, we are going to Vegas in February and that may outdo California!
Do you play a musical instrument? Which ones? No I’m boring… I clap.
What is your favorite season and why? Spring because it is not cold and not hot!
So when is the perfect time to zipline? Anytime!
Best advice for a new zipliner? Just own it and go for it!

If you have any questions that you would like Ed to answer, feel free to ask away!

Something for Everyone!

admin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:34 +0000

After you’ve taken one of our canopy tours, be sure to browse through our gift shop at Wolfe Creek Station. You can find something for everyone whether you’re looking for a new tee-shirt to commemorate your trip to Branson or would like to take home a photograph of yourself flying through the air on one of our ziplines, you can find it here.

We carry a wide variety of Amish goods in our gift shop. They come in an assortment of flavors, from sweet Strawberry Jellies and Apple Butters, to the spicy Salsas and Banana peppers, you’re bound to find something to satisfy any hunger. We also have a few items that you won’t be able to find at your local grocery store, such as Jalapeno Jelly and Hot Pepper Jam. If you can’t decide which flavor you want, then why not try them all? Right now if you purchase 5 jars, you get 1 free. They make great gifts for any occasion and are great for picnics this Spring. Give a jar to a family member or friend and keep the rest for yourself.
Wolfe Creek Station is open seven days a week, so stop by any time to make a reservation, watch our zippers, or shop around. We’re located just north of Branson on Highway 65, a short drive from anywhere in the Ozarks.

Share Your Experience with Us – And the World!

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:28:34 +0000

If you’ve been zipping with us on one of our world class zipline canopy tours, or free-falling on the Blue Streak Fast Line and Freefall Xpress (which is the only one in North America), it’s time to brag about your accomplishment! Please, please, please share your story with the world by visiting one of our social networking pages. We’re looking for pictures, videos and stories from your experience here at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve. We try to explain to our “prospective” guests what the experience is all about. But, its more effective and means more if the story comes from you – so please help! Here are some places you can help us:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BransonZipline - This, of course, is the father of all video sites. Please take a look at OUR videos, leave comments, and even link to them if possible. If you have video, please upload it. There are some videos that show up when you search for us that definitely are not us. We are super proud that we are the one and only authentic Branson Zipline Canopy Tours. So, PLEASE help us by sharing your REAL BRANSON ZIPLINE experience!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BransonZipline or @BransonZipline. Post your TwitPics from your tour and speak with our other guests about your experience. Find out what happens here on a daily basis by following us.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BransonZiplineCanopyTours. Share your pictures, videos and stories on our facebook page. You can ask us questions, leave messages on our wall or view our pictures and videos. It’s a great way to meet others that have zipped with us.

Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/branson-zipline-walnut-shade We especially need your help with this one! There is not much about us yet. Please share your experience so those that are seeking information and input can make their reservation with confidence.

Feedback at BransonZipline.com: http://www.bransonzipline.com/addfeedback.cfm This is the feedback section of our site. Please tell us about your experience and upload a photo or video. We’ll share it with our other guests.

Your reviews are greatly appreciated. If you find something online about us, please take the time to say a few kind words. It will help immensely. And, please keep in mind that there’s always this handy little blog to view all the latest news and events happening here at Branson Zipline Canopy Tours. We would love to hear from you, no matter how long it has been since you were here. Thank you and we hope to see you soon.

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admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:09:03 +0000

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