Hawaii page 5
The Paynes took a helicopter tour also.
Bill looks at a fabulous view.
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Roxanne, Rachael, and Thomas have a great ride.
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Bill, Roxann, Rachael, and Thomas at the pad.
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The tour bus that picked Brandi and I up at the ship drove
us about half-way up the road to Haleakala Crater to
the small office hut where the Haleakala Zip
Line Adventure began.
DESCRIPTION
Imagine soaring over gulches and through the trees
along the slopes of one of the world's largest volcanoes.
The Haleakala Zipline Adventure blends a short hike
experience with a series of picturesque zip line
crossings for an incredible experience. It's perfect
for anyone 10 years of age or older, and even more
fun when the whole family takes part! Your tour starts
with a van ride through the heart of Maui to mid-way
up the Haleakala Volcano where you will see spectacular
views from 4,000 feet. Upon arrival you will be greeted
by your experienced and highly trained guides, who will
provide a safety briefing and outfit you with a
customized seat harness and equipment before leading you
into the woods of the beautiful upcountry Maui. Then get
your heart pumping as you sail across each of the zip
lines, and a get bird's eye view of the seasonal
waterfalls and lush vegetation below. Take part in
this one-of-a-kind adventure and bring home memories
that you'll talk about for years to come.
Skyline Eco-Adventures office.
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At the higher elevation, the temperature was much
cooler and a comfortable breeze was blowing. This was
a relief because, to date, the humidity after the rains
made breathing difficult for me in the heat. And my cold
didn't help. We were instructed on the safety features of
the equipment and strapped into it before taking a short
hike to the first of four zip line platforms.
Waiting in line while others take their turns.
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All the time I had been anticipating this adventure, I'd
thought I might pee my pants! So, being the always prepared
Girl Scout that I am, I wore my pant pee protection! I was
extremely pleased to learn I didn't need it!
So you may ask why I would even want to do this. Well, I'm
not getting any younger, or healthier, or prettier, so why
not do it now while I can?
The first zip line started with a short distance of about
100 feet over a wide gully through the eucalyptus trees.
Did you know eucalyptus trees in Australia in the southern
hemisphere grow strong and straight, but those imported to
Hawaii in the northern hemisphere grow twisted counter-clockwise,
making the lumber virtually unusable? So there are now unusable
aggressive forests of these trees taking over the native wildlife.
The guide gets ready to hook me up at the second zip.
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The second zip line was about twice as long as the first. They
tell us this cable is strong enough to hold a semi tractor
trailer of 14,400 pounds. Now I wonder who put that first
truck on one to test it!
And way I go.
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Brand gets ready for the final zip line thrill.
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The third zip line was about twice as long as the second. As the
distance lengthened, the excitement increased.
The last zip line was very long, going past the small
platform in the foreground of the photo, back to the lone
tree at the top of the hill before the forest. We zipped
past the platform to a post with a stopper, bounced half
way back this side of the platform, then coasted swiftly
to the platform where the guide caught us and put our feet
on a ladder. We climbed the ladder to release tension
from the line so they could unhook us.
The final zip line.
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The last bounce back.
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The body catcher helps the last guide down.
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This adventure was so thrilling, I'd love to do it again!
CONTINUE saga...
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