Zip-line Archives - Jen is on a Journey

I love the feeling of the wind in my hair. I think it all started from owning my first car, a 1984 VW Rabbit Convertible, and driving with the top down. Now, among my travels I’ve had the amazing experience of the wind in my hair and soaring like a bird at the same time while zip lining! If you’ve never done it, yes it’s scary at first, but once you take that step of faith off a platform you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it every day of your life!

My husband and I took a road trip from Portland to Astoria last month on Oregon’s coast and we had the chance to zip line together in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. We watched the weather report and it had rained off and on for the days we were there, but rain or shine, the zip must go on! Just about 10-15 miles from Astoria, Oregon, High Life Adventures was created by David and Lancey Larson around their 30 acre property which is set in a beautiful natural setting, complete with seasoned timber, ponds, and a seven-acre lake. The Larson’s home can be seen from many of the zip lines.

The High Life Adventures zipline experience takes you on eight zip lines for a total of a mile of zipping! The guides are truly amazing on every ride I’ve ever been on and at High Life it was no exception. SJ kept me feeling safe and confident while his partner provided comic relief to keep everyone smiling and laughing! There’s always a scared newbie in the group and we can all support eachother by cheering them on or allowing them time to talk it out even it may slow the tour down.

Zipline Oregon, Zip line adventure, High Life Adventures, Warrenton Oregon, Astoria Oregon, #zipline #oregon #astoria The “Maple” zip line even offers a chance to take a dunk in the water, so to speak. Lengthening the lanyard can allow you to dip low enough for a hand or foot drag in the water. If the guides bounce you a bit, your bottom and bounce through the water too! My husband did a hand drag, but I liked to keep both hands holding tight at all times! My bottom got so close to touching the water…scary but I stayed dry!

At the tallest tower, you and your partner can hook up together for the twin 1200 foot cables “Spruce” and “Willow.” Side by side, you get a chance to “race” to the to the end of the course for bragging rights. My husband won only because he’s heavier and even with my legs pulled into cannonball, I couldn’t go faster than him!

We were introduced to their newest attraction which is the SWING where you can jump off that tall tower at Spruce and Willow and literally swing back and forth over the dual line! I wanted to take video of the guide showing us how but I stared in awe (and fear) and only had enough time to catch a quick picture. This location is being set up with a camera so pictures (and video I believe) can be taken of you to purchase. I’m confident zipping, but that I will not do anytime soon!

To zip line you need to be between 60-300 pounds and not have back or neck issues. Taking a phone or camera is at your own risk and should be able to be tucked away in a pocket (preferably zipped) between zips. I took a chance and had my phone with me, there are so many beautiful views to capture, but be forewarned no one wants there tech at the bottom of one of the lake!

Plan for the tour to be about 3 hours, with some light hiking. Closed toe shoes are required. There are a few spots where you can get water and even a cookie break but bathrooms are only available at the beginning and end of the tour! Prices are $69 for ages 15-under and $99 for 16-older. For more information and to book, visit http://www.highlife-adventures.com/.

All opinions and gratuities offered were 100% our own, adventure was hosted as part of our media tour.

So last weekend was my birthday. Monday is Valentine’s Day. My gift for both, came in between.

This year my husband and I celebrate 15 years married. 19 year together. That is half our lives. We want to celebrate big this year with a big vacation, just the two of us. My in-laws own a timeshare and gifted us points to use toward our special trip. What a blessing. We could go anywhere (within our point range) in the US, or Mexico, or Canada, or New Zealand for that matter. When we realized that we could spend 1.5 days in New Zealand, we decided on something closer and practical.

Hawaii. We’ve been once before, to the island of Kauai, the garden isle. We stayed at the gorgeous Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu and it was extraordinary. We had young children at that time, 8, 5, and almost-1. We spent the majority of the time at the pool with awesome waterslides, and at the beach. Not too shabby. We did get away on a sunset cruise that left us in awe of the whales we watched.

This time, my husband and I are heading to the big island, Kailua-Kona to be specific. Looking forward to more relaxation and beach and poolside cocktails, but also more adventure! We’re ready to explore the island, take in all that is the amazing Volcanoes National Park, there is even a volcano bike/wine tasting excursion that we must do! I want to properly snorkle with the rainbow of sealife below the surface of the Pacific, cruise the Kealakekua Bay, and hopefully zip-line in North Kohala.