Thursday, July 28, 2011

Ketchikan, Alaska

We arrived in Ketchikan early this morning to rain, rain and more rain, but we were nothing but excited for today's adventure...

ZIPLINING through the Tongass Rainforest, so rain was perfect!
This awesome vehicle took us on a 4x4 adventure through the forest and up to the equipment station.


We got all geared up with harnesses, helmets and gloves and were given the thumbs up to hit the course!

Allison was all smiles as we hiked to the first platform.

Our guides, Chris and Danny, demonstrated the proper Zipline and we all took our turn showing them we were ready on this mini zip.

Ready for the first real one and just a few nerves.

Taylor, Holden and Allison having the time of their lives. Unfortunately, Tanner didn't meet the weight requirement to join us, so Jenny took him to a Lumberjack show back in town.

Best buddies and a great way to celebrate turning 40!

After the 1st few ziplines, we balanced across this super cool suspension bridge to reach the higher platforms and the longer lines.

Waiting my turn on the platform for the biggest one of the day...90 feet high and 550 feet long!

Taylor landing safely!

Allison mid-ride, the rain making us go extra fast!

After the last of 7 ziplines, we repelled down the final platform and made our way down the mountain via this super fast and steep mountain slide. We each took turn riding down in burlap sacks so we wouldn't burn a hole through our pants as we came to an abrupt stop at the bottom!

Then Danny led us on a short hike back to our 4x4 vehicle. It was such a peaceful spot with a raging creek and overflowing greenery.

I think we all agreed this was the highlight of our week and something we can't wait to do again...maybe next time in Maui!

My only complaint about the day was we didn't have much time to see downtown Ketchikan since we left port at 12:30pm, but I would do this excursion all over again. I can cross one more thing off of my very long Bucket List!