In 2010, when Joy and I went to Maui, the only thing she wanted to do that we did not, was go on a zip line.  Now why she wanted to do that, I do not know.  We were raised in the same home, with the same parents, and I have sense enough to know that feet are designed to be on the floor or the ground.  I know, as well, that we were not meant to fly.  If we were so intended, we would have wings.  Furthermore, when you try to do something that the good Lord did not intend for you to do…things happen…and the results are not always pleasant.  Obviously, the lessons did not stick with her!

So, when we made our plans to return this year, and to bring our friend, Patty, along…she immediately hit Patty up to go zip lining with her.  I think it sounded something like this, “We’d love to invite you on our trip and all you have to do is agree to go on a little ride with me.”  To which Patty replied, “Well, that sounds like a good deal, if I ever heard one…so, I’m in!”  As soon as we got to Maui, I called the lady I like to work with there for tickets and such, and told her we needed 2 tickets for the best zip line on Maui.  She called me back a little later and said due to our other scheduled events, the only time that was available that they could go…was the next morning!  So, I took the tickets and relayed the good news.  Patty, upon hearing that she was going on not one, but three zip lines way high above Maui, turned a little green.  But, since Joy had already gone on the bus adventure to Pearl Harbor while we were on Oahu, Patty knew she was going zipping in the morning.  And, they did!  I, remembering the lessons of my childhood, knew that a day spent shopping in an outdoor mall next to the ocean beats dangling from a line high above the earth and flying through the air any old day!  And, so I did!  Joy said her prayers before they left.

They had their orientation, and learned all about what they were going to do, and how to be safe.  ( ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ZIP LINING IN 30 MINUTES  OR LESS just doesn’t seem like quite enough time to instill a  feeling of confidence…I’m just  saying…)  And, then they began getting all their gear on.  Packs front and back and a seat sling and helmets.  They were really cute…don’t ya think?

And, then it was time…time for the first line.  (By the way…waaaaaaaay down there is where they are going)

To be sure, they have beautiful scenery to look at while travelling!

Two trips down and then across the HUGE suspension bridge to get as high as possible for the last zip.

AND……THEY’RE OFF !!!

“WOW!  That was fun! ”

“I did it!  I did it!  I did it! ”

And, after removing all the gear, they boarded the truck and headed back to the hotel.  I was resting peacefully, after a glorious morning perusing all the boutiques in the Whaler’s Village.  When I heard such a racket…you can’t even imagine!  Banging on the door…yelling…laughing…more banging!  It was the two zippers back from their adventure!  Oh, they were pumped!  Neither one could stop talking.  Oh, how their children would have laughed to see them so excited.  And, they should be very proud of their sense of adventure!  I loved it when Joy said, “I feel like I can do anything!  There’s not anything I wouldn’t tackle!  I feel just that good!  I can do anything!”   Funny thing, though, she didn’t seem that excited when I asked her to prove it and carry the extra suitcase I had to buy !  🙂

And so, a wonderful Maui adventure, zipping through the air,  comes to a close.  This beautiful island is like a huge playground to those of us who love to spend precious hours and days here.  It continues to capture our hearts with each new experience.  We are blessed by the time we are able to spend within its shores.

More adventures coming up…..