Giant City SP, IL May 21 - 28, 2016

[mitch5252]

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Here's something VERY interesting...

https://www.shawneezip.com/

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[havingfunnow]

How strong do you heed to be to enjoy three hours on a zipline? Sounds like so much fun . . . I'd better go have dinner with son #2 and pick his brains.

[IrishIroamed]

Louise,
Looks like at this zip place you have to do the entire course. I went to a zip place near home and you could do the full course (also about 3 hrs) or a short course (1 hr / 2 zips / 1 bridge). Further along in the course you had to do some climbing to get up to the next zip line.

Basically (to me), strength isn't needed, but balance for the bridges (an no vertigo) is needed and being able to do some climbs.

[havingfunnow]

I think I need a beginner's short course. I'm slowly regaining muscle, but not much yet -- and balance to go with it. Darn!

[IrishIroamed]

Well if you're ever on I-80 in IL near Marseilles, let me know. I'd do the short course with you!

[bluepinecones]

Just checked for site but their web site is down for maintenance. Thinking of booking either #13 or #15
Maybe you can answer a couple of questions:
Is there no water connection available at the sites?
What is the star symbol?
Is there a bath house in that loop?

[IrishIroamed]

Sarah,

The map of the loop we are on is not the full campground. There is a shower house just up the road in the next loop.

The map is from Reserve America site.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/giant-city-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IL&parkId=452621

I pointed to a star and it says recycling station. I don't think any of the sites have water hook-up. Illinois SPs aren't known for water hookups from what I've heard from others. There is a dump station, so I'm hoping there is at minimum non-potable water. BJ - do you know?

Hope you get a site!

[gingerK]

There's usually a water pump that you can use to fill up your tanks but no water to each site. See the pump icon on Cheryl's map? That's it.

[Redetotry]

I see on the campground map there is water in the loop we are on between sites 19 & 17.

A friend of mine did the zip line with her kids and said it was great. I'll check with her to see if you need to do climbing at any point and just how much upper body strength is needed. She stacks bales of hay after they mow though so her perspective might not be accurate!

[mitch5252]

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I've been to Giant City SP before, and I believe there are just centrally located water spigots.
Sometimes, some goofball will hook up his rig to the spigot (and other CGs I've been to) and other campers be damned.
The generous side of my personality says he didn't realize it was not his personal water supply.
I won't tell you what the other side says...

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[IrishIroamed]

Mitch,
The guy next to me at Lowden on Halloween did that. Is it OK to put water from spigots into your tank? I though it was a bad idea.

I half thought about hauling water. Figured 300 extra pounds could be the missing husband lol.

[gingerK]

I've seen campers do it to fill their fresh water tanks. Then they move back to their site, of course. I don't know if I'd fill my tanks without having a filter on my water line, but if you full time, how else would you be able to fill your tanks then?

[mitch5252]

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Sure you can stop by the water source, hook up your hose and fill up your tank.
Then move the short ways to your site.
Sometimes, you might have enough hose to reach the spigot to fill up.
Just that these people I've run into a couple of time never disconnected, which made it so no one else could get water.

I personally never drink the water from either the city water or the fresh water tank - just prefer bottled water. (for Abby, too)
I'll use trailer water to wash up and do dishes.

ON EDIT: I'd be puttin' that 300# husband on a diet and exercise program!!

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[Redetotry]

I always travel with bottled water too, I think it is a good idea not to change water, especially for dogs. I don't know where the water from Giant City comes from but Carbondale water is very good .
If someone who is supposed to share the water supply keeps hooked up, doesn't one just unhook him and fill? Then maybe just forget to hook him back up

[Redetotry]

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Here's something VERY interesting...

https://www.shawneezip.com/

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Ok, here is the scoop on the zip line from my friend. "No one should have any problem with the zip line. It would be fun with a group. It is eight zips that move around the forest so you do have to complete. It is very fun and they really are over safety minded. There are maybe three short walks but no problem for old me. They have had people in their 80s and maybe one 90 year old. So you should feel comfortable recommending it. You should go too. They may have to sign up ahead of time. Not sure. But if they had a group I know Dr Miles would fit them in somewhere. SIL has done them around the world and he said this one was the best. World class."

That said....I am not sure I will be in the line-up.