Never too old......................

..........for a new adventure!

Who is this crazy man getting ready to fly?  Does it beat rocking on the front porch?

Ziplining, like bungee jumping and sky diving, was never on our bucket lists. Knowing several of you have plucked up the courage and survived flying high above the trees and earth hanging from a cable, we decided to give it a go! On Maui, Paula signed us all up for the zipline experience........she, Kim and Rob having been before.

Here we are suited up in harness and helmet and carrying the trolley which attaches to the cable. This contraption almost broke my shoulder with its weight, but knowing it was the safest type of equipment for flying high above the trees, with full seat harness and comfortable bar to hold, made it all worthwhile.

Have to admit, the most strenuous part of ziplining is climbing up the swinging bridges to the towers - looks easy but really is a workout. Rob and Kim (above), being much younger than us, managed it well - whereas Bob's occasional shove from behind helped propel me to the top.

Rob, Bob, Kim and Paula - note Rob's awesome video camera mounted on his helmet.

We did five lines, starting on a low run to get the feel of flying. I tell you, standing on that first platform and looking down made my stomach turn over, however there was no turning back and I had to fly. Coming in for the landing when the trolley hits the block to slow you down, the force is pretty hard and scary the first time..............that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the remaining four lines, each one higher and longer than the last.

'The Famous Flying Five' on the hills of Maui.

Our 'teacher' was such a delightful guy, in fact all the staff were amazing and boosted our confidence from the very beginning of this flying experience. 

 Paula flying high

This was the final line, almost a mile long and we 'flew' 700-800 feet above the gorge - on this one we reached a speed of about 60 mph..........................

.................and here's me getting ready to follow Paula.  At the end we all agreed we wished it wasn't over and wanted more. If you ever have the chance to zipline, and are not afraid of heights, I say go for it.

Perhaps you've already done it..........let me know.