Re: Hobbies... Other than obsessing over everything related to Joe :)
"Wow! That is so cool! Do they cost a lot to use? There is a small, somewhat lame zip line course in Western Maryland that costs quite a bit and doesn't have near the features that you describe ( the platforms are on poles, not trees, and you pass by a few trees every now and then) I guess if we ever go to Germany we will have to check one out."
No need to come to Germany. The business I started with in the UK GoApe is building them in the US now. Here is the link to their Facebook page. My mate started GoApe in the UK in 2001 and I joined his then small team in 2002. Helped him build his 2nd, 3rd and 4th courses. Now he has over 33 courses I think in the UK alone. The US thing started a couple of 3 years ago. I think there are already 2 courses, but more planned.
Entry for my course is 20 Euros for an adult. It take about 2hours, sometimes more to get around. 1 tour of the park, with the energy expended is normally enough for most folks.
GoApe in the Uk is more expensive, entry is over 25 Sterling, I think. I'm not sure of the US prices. Check out the Website/FB page and see.
It's good fun. Not a massive climbing challenge as such, but fun just the same.
Regards
MikeH
http://www.facebook.com/GoApeUSA