Beat the Rush to La Mina Falls

La Mina Falls El Yunque National Forrest

A quick image search of La Mina Falls shows why it is one of Puerto Rico's most popular tourist destinations. It doesn't get much better than a waterfall in the middle of a tropical rainforest that is also safe enough to swim! However, most images also show a crowded pool full of people all waiting to get their picture taken in the falls. My wife and I were not interested in fighting crowds or taking part in the group tours of the falls. Our solution was simple; rent a car and arrive early! 

What to Expect
We left our condo in San Juan at 7am and followed Rt 3 until turning right onto PR-191 to the El Yunque National Forrest. There are signs on Rt 3 and PR-191 clearly marking El Yunque National Forest. The visitors center did not open until 9 am, cost $4, and didn't interest us so we skipped it. We instead drove straight up the steep and curvy mountain road to the La Mina Trail parking lot. The entire drive from San Juan to the La Mina parking lot took about an hour.

The 30 minute walk to La Mina Falls was not overly difficult, but I would recommend wearing sturdy shoes. The .7 mile trail has some steep up and downs and was slick with water. It rained off and on the entire time we were there (which is normal considering it is a rainforest). We arrived at La Mina Falls at 8:30am and had the entire area all to ourselves--our own little tropical hideaway! We spend 30 minutes swimming in the pool, snapping photos, and enjoying the falls without another soul in sight. On the hike back we encountered a couple of tour groups headed toward the falls. We had beat the rush!

Trail to La Mina Falls

Just the Basics 

• Location: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
• Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/elyunque/home
• Cost: Free ($4 if you go to the visitor's center)
• Advice: Arrive early to avoid the crowds. Wear sturdy footwear for the falls to avoid cutting your foot on a rock in the water. 

Is the New York New York Coaster Good?

New York New York Coaster

Las Vegas is filled with thrills for both adults and kids. A popular attraction for kids of all ages is the  roller coaster at the New York New York Hotel and Casino. The coaster is visible to anyone walking by the casino on Las Vegas Boulevard. Like everything in Las Vegas, riding the roller coaster comes at an inflated price. The New York New York roller coaster costs $14 for one ride!  Is it worth the price of admission?

What to Expect
The entrance to the roller coaster is located on the second floor, in the back corner of New York New York. Follow the signs through New York New York's casino, food court, and arcade. Once there, you have to leave bags and loose articles in lockers ($.50) located at the coaster entrance. I shelled out $14 for one ride, but found out later that it is easy to find 2 for 1 roller coaster coupons online. 

The ride itself takes about two minutes and has all the elements of a good roller coaster; steep drops, an upside down loop, and wild curves. The best part of the experience is the view of the Las Vegas Strip from the top of the first drop. I felt safe the entire ride, and unlike some poorly designed coasters, there weren't any turns that left me with a feeling of whiplash. Would I ride the coaster again? Probably not? Is it worth the $14 for one ride? I'd say it's a safer bet for fun than most of the table games.

Just the Basics

• Location: New York New York Casino--access through second floor arcade
• Cost: $14 for one ride (repeat rides cost $7)
• Advice: Look for 2 for 1 coupons online. 

Top 5 Hikes of New Zealand

Stewart Island hike

The best experiences of New Zealand are not found in a museum, restaurant, or anywhere near a city.  New Zealand is best seen and experienced outdoors.  The best way to get out and see the beauty of New Zealand is by hiking (or "tramping" as Kiwi's call it) the countryside.  I have hiked trails across both the North and South Island, in both the summer and winter.  Here are five hikes that every visitor to New Zealand should experience. 

5. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is located off of the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island.  Stewart Island is rugged, isolated, beautiful----and missed by most tourists to New Zealand.  You will feel like you are at the end of the world on Stewart Island (which is sort of true!).  Hiking tracks on the island range from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks.  If you are really lucky, you might even spot an elusive Kiwi bird on Stewart Island.  

4. Franz Joseph Glacier

The Franz Joseph Glacier is not a typical choice for a list of top hikes.  Unlike every other trail on this list, hiking Franz Joseph requires paying for a guide and special equipment.  However, hiking the glacier is a unique experience that should not be missed.  On Franz Joseph Glacier, one will experience a world of ice caves, glacial pools, and ice falls...all in a slow motion flight down the mountain.  

3. Milford Track

Milford Sound Waterfall

Most people (myself included) experience the Milford Sound the easy way; through a boat cruise.  The best way to see the beauty of the Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park is by hiking the the Milford Track.  The trail is 53.5 km long and winds through mountains, rainforests, and along fiords.  The track may only be walked in one direction, and during peek season only 40 people per day are allowed to start on the trail.  If you plan to hike the Milford Track, be sure to plan ahead and make reservations through the Department of Conservation.  

2. Queen Charlotte Track

Queen Charlotte Track bridge

The Queen Charlotte Track is a 71 km walking and bike trail that hugs the shore of the Marlborough Sound on the northern portion of the South Island.  The trail is open to hikers and bikers of all ages abilities.  Unlike most hikes in New Zealand, there are few steep hills or treacherous terrain to tackle.  You will, however, encounter breathtaking views of forests, rivers, coves, inlets, and beaches.  One can choose to travel the entire 71 km trail over several days or travel only a portion of the trail and take a water taxi back to the trail head.  

1. Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is considered by many to be the best one-day hike in the world.  It is a one day hike through the mountains, lakes, and volcanoes of the central portion North Island.  Fans of the Lord of the Rings films will recognize several locations on the hike that are featured prominently in the film.  Weather and volcano eruptions can and will close the trail at any time of the year.  Rough weather closed the Tongariro Crossing for over a week both times I visited, preventing me from being able to take the hike.  Not being able to hike the Tongariro Crossing remains the single biggest travel regret of my life!  

Buck Hill is Great for Beginners

Train on Buck Hill like Lindsey Vonn!

Buck Hill, in Burnsville Minnesota, is not Midwest's largest ski resort.  It does not have the most challenging terrain, nor does it receive any more snow than other area resorts.  So why bother visiting?  Instead of pretending to be an elite ski resort, Buck Hill has focused on what it can do well, which is teach.  They have created a fantastic environment for beginner and novice skiers to get better. Buck Hill is the best place in Minnesota to learn to ski or snowboard.  Don't believe me?  America's best female alpine skier first trained at Buck Hill.  American Alpine bronze medalist Lindsey Vonn grew up in Minnesota and learned to ski at Buck Hill before moving out West to perfect her skills.  Take a lesson from Lindsey Vonn, before heading North to Lutsen or West to the Rockies, hone your skills at Buck Hill.  

What to Expect

Nearly all of the terrain at Buck Hill is geared towards beginning skiers and snowboarders.  However, there are a couple of options for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.  They offer a great terrain park and half pipe for those more adventurous (and younger) than myself.  There is also an Alpine Course set up for both youth and adult racing programs.  For thrill seekers, they have an huge jump where one can safely land on an airbag after trying out flips and tricks.  The airbag is an additional charge and is not open every day, but is certainly fun to watch even if you don't try it yourself.  Buck Hill also has a tubing hill that is popular with groups of kids, teenagers, and adults alike.

Try acrobatic flips onto the Buck Hill airbag

Buck Hill really shines in the runs devoted to less experienced skiers and snowboarders.  In many ways, the beginner run is the showcase run of Buck Hill.  The run is serviced by a cool magic carpet that even has a covered bridge section that brings riders ten feet over the run.  Both the beginner hill and magic carpet are longer than any "bunny hills" in Minnesota.

If you your budget is tight, Buck Hill has budget nights where you can get a lift ticket for as little as $10.  While the ticket is only good for a couple of hours, that might be all your body can handle if you are new to the sport.  They also advertise a beginner special that includes a lift ticket, ski rentals, and a 90 minute lesson--all for $35.  (Please note that the beginner special requires reservations and is not available every day).

Buck Hill does not claim to recreate the mountain ski experience.  They do not claim to be the biggest or best ski resort in Minnesota.  Their slogan is "100% Winter Fun for the Whole Family."  On this promise, they deliver by offering a variety of winter fun options at a reasonable price.  Before heading to the bigger and more expensive ski resorts, hone your skills at Buck Hill.

Just the Basics

"School Yard" beginner run at Buck Hill

• Location:15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville, Minnesota 55306
• Website: http://www.buckhill.com/winter/
• Cost: 
• Weekdays
• Full Day Lift Ticket $27
• Early Bird (10am-2pm) $13
• Night (7:30pm-Close) $15
• Weekends and Holidays
• Full Day Lift Ticket $39
• Early Bird (9am-noon) $20
• Night (7:30pm-close) $15 
• Sunday Night Special $10
• Advice: Hit up Buck Hill for an early bird or night special.  A couple hours on the hill is all you need.  

Is Lutsen the Best Ski Resort in Minnesota?

Lutsen Ski Resort

It's tough to love downhill skiing and snowboarding in Minnesota.  Minnesota gets plenty of cold weather, but lack mountainous terrain or consistent snow.  Lutsen Resort on the North Shore of Lake Superior is the closest thing to a mountain experience that Minnesota has to offer.  Lutsen is Minnesota's biggest ski resort, but is it the best?  Is it worth the cost?  We took a "guys weekend" to Lutsen this January to find out for ourselves. 

What to Expect

Lutsen Mountain has many advantages over other ski resorts in Minnesota. On clear days, Lutsen commands an amazing view over Lake Superior and the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains.  They claim to be "mid-America's biggest and tallest" resort with a ski area of 1,000 acres and a vertical rise over 1,000 feet.  Lutsen also has the state's only gondola to go along with eight other chair lifts.  We were impressed with the snow conditions when we first hit the slopes in the morning.  Because of a recent snowfall, we were even able to cut into some fresh powder on some of the more obscure runs.  Unfortunately, those conditions deteriorated into icy runs by early afternoon.

Lutsen Lodge

Before booking your next ski trip, be aware of the costs and disadvantages of Lutsen Resort.   At $63, a one-day pass at Lutsen is MORE expensive than Montana's Bridger Bowl (my favorite resort) and double the cost of Spirit Mountain in Duluth.  Lutsen closes at 4pm and offers no evening or night skiing.  In other words, you have to pay considerably more to ski fewer hours at Lutsen.  

I have been to most of Minnesota's other ski resorts including Giant's Ridge, Spirit Mountain, Buck Hill, Afton Alps, and Andes Tower Hills.  Lutsen Mountain far exceeds all of Minnesota's other ski resorts in sheer size and terrain.  However, compared to the resorts of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, Lutsen Mountain is a mere molehill. In short, Lutsen Mountain has Rocky Mountain prices, but they are unable to deliver the Rocky Mountain experience.  

Just the Basics

• Location: 445 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, Minnesota
• Website: http://www.lutsen.com
• Hours: 9am-4pm 
• Cost: $63 for a one day lift ticket, discounts available for multi-day lift tickets

Fall from 12,000 Feet

Heights scare me.  But I also don't want to miss out on any adventures, which explains how I got talked into skydiving by friends.  Several years ago, I worked up the courage to go tandem skydiving over Lake Taupo, New Zealand.  This week's photo was taken just I began to fall out of the plane at 12,000 feet.  My tandem master was a total pro, and I ended up enjoying most of the experience.  Unfortunately, the adventure didn't cure me of my fear of heights, and even looking at this photo makes my stomach churn.

12,000 Feet Freefall

Photo of the week is part of "Photo Thursday," started by Nancie at the Budget Travelers Sandbox. Please visit her site to check out other amazing photos!

Best Rides at Nickelodeon Universe

Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America is a theme park that is open year-round and offers rides to suit thrill both thrill seekers and young kids.  But what are the best rides at the Mall of America theme park?  To compile a list of the top rides, I put together a team of experts and conducted extensive research.  The expert team was made up of myself, my wife, and two family friends, aged six and nine.  Our research was conducted over two summer weekdays at the Mall of America (MOA).  Please note: Some rides didn't make the list because the kids would not go on them because they looked too scary.  

5. Fairly Odd Coaster 

Fairly Odd Coaster

On this coaster, riders are sent around dips and curves in an individual four person car that spins while speeding down the track. The Fairly Odd Coaster was actually the favorite ride of my wife and I, but it scared the six year old to death and she refused to ride it again, so it can't be ranked any higher than five.   

4. Pepsi Orange Streak 

The Pepsi Orange Streak is one of original rides from when the Mall of America was opened in 1992 and the theme park was still known as Camp Snoopy.  The ride is a traditional roller coaster that "streaks" around much of the theme park, going fast enough for thrill seekers, but not too fast to scare the younger kids.  

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ride

One of the park's newest attractions, riders can try to flip upside down by using their body weight and momentum.  Though the nine-year old was hesitant to try the ride because it looks intimidating, he declared "it wasn't that scary" afterward and wanted to go again.  The six year old was too small for this ride, but she thought it looked fun.   

2.  Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge

The Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster features a track with fast drops and an upside down loop.  This ride was far-and-away the favorite ride of the nine-year-old.  However, it doesn't top the list because the six-year-old was again too short to ride and it made me feel sick after the four consecutive rides. 

1.  Log Chute

Log Chute

The Log Chute is another classic ride that has been around since the theme park opened.  The ride combines two fast plunges with the thrill of possibly getting splashed with water. This was the one ride that all four of us liked, and as a result, we went nearly twenty times in two days.  

Just the Basics

• Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
• Cost: You can either buy individual ride tickets or purchase an unlimited ride wrist band for $30.  Check their website for for ways to purchase discounted wrist bands.  
• Advice:  If possible, visit the MOA weekends, as mall, theme park, and parking lots are crazy busy.   
• Website:  http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/

Hiking the Kadunce River



Kadunce (Kodonce) River

I have lived in Minnesota my whole life.  I am embarrassed to admit that I had never been to Grand Marais until this past summer.  I had heard how wonderful the area is, surrounded by Lake Superior and rugged hillsides.  However, I thought that my overseas traveling adventures were far superior (no pun intended) to anything that Minnesota could offer.  I was wrong.  Grand Marais and the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota offer as much beauty, culture, and adventure as anyplace else I have been in the world.  One experience that helped open my eyes to the area was a hike my father-in-law led along the Kandounce River.  Though the hike left me wet, cold, and sore, it also opened my eyes to the adventure that could be had close to home. 


What to Expect

Climbing a waterfall on the Kadunce

The Kandunce River (sometimes spelled "Kodonce") trailhead is easy to access from Hwy 61, the main thoroughfare along the north shore of Lake Superior.  Drive northeast of Grand Marais approximately nine miles to reach the Kadunce River Wayside Park.  From the parking area, walk across the highway to access the trailhead.  There are a couple of diffent ways to explore the river.  Most people simply walk the trail that travels along and above the river offering a safe and relatively easy way to see the area.

However, I would suggest a much more adventurous path--travel along the riverbed itself. While doing so will require to get your feet wet and climb a couple of waterfalls, you'll get a chance to see some best landscapes in Minnesota.  To access the riverbed, simply hop off of trail and down the riverbed a hundred yards from the trailhead.  The river and trail will not meet up again until about an hour's hike upriver, so you'll have to be committed!  Also bring shoes and clothes that can be fully submerged in the icy water in case you slip!  What will you see along the way?  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Just the Basics

• Advice: Wear a sturdy pair of shoes that you don't mind getting wet (soaked)!  I would also advice not to hike the river alone for safety purpose.  You don't want to slip on a rock and be left alone along the river! 
• Location: The Kandunce River Trailhead is located nine miles northeast of Grand Marais along Highway 61

Johnstone River Crocodile Farm

Johnstone Crocodile handle with lunch

Where is the best place in Australia to see crocodiles and live to tell about it?  The answer is a no-brainer; the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm in North Queensland, Australia.  Not only will you get a chance to see live crocodiles at Johnstone River, but also wallabies, kangaroos, dingos, cassowaries, and many other critters big and small that are native to Australia.  I visited Johnstone as part of an Oz Experience stop in North Queensland.  We were promised an up-close-and-personal viewing of crocodiles, but ended up getting much more.  If you go during a feeding time like I did, you will witness a crocodile adventure show that you'll never forget!

What to Expect 

Young Crocodile

The Johnstone Crocodile Farm is filled with crocodiles, emus, and cassowaries enclosed in pens made of chain link fence.  Between the enclosures, small wallabees and kangaroos freely roam.  Our tour of the Johnstone complex was led by a young man whose face seemed to bear stress marks of a dangerous job.  The guide told us that the crocodiles often escape from there pens at night and eat the kangaroos.  He also assured us that they account for every crocodile before opening the doors to the public.  The tour was then turned over to an older man dressed in khaki who spoke to us from within the crocodile pens.  For the next 45 minutes the old man poked, prodded, and even sat on the enormous crocodiles as he fed them their lunch.  The crocodiles were not amused, and attempted to attack the old man several times.  Every time the old man placed his body in harm's way, our young guide muttered under his breath  "the old man is crazy," "I can't believe he isn't dead," and even "I can't wait to quit this job.  He's going to get me killed."  Yikes!

Old Man Sitting on a Crocodile

After the show, we got an up-close-and personal look at a cassowary.  The cassowary is a large flightless bird of Australia with a well-earned reputation for being vicious.  As the cassowary paced and us stared down from behind a fence, the guide showed us scars of where the cassowary had attacked him when he got too close to the fence.  Needless to say, none of us dared to get anywhere near the cassowary enclosure.  Our tour of the Johnstone River Crocodile farm ended with us getting a chance to hold snakes and baby crocodiles.  It was a tame ending to a tour in which we got to see some of the world's most dangerous animals.            

Just the Basics

Feeding a Johnstone Farm kangaroo

• Location: Innisfail Township, North Queensland
• Cost: 
• $28AUD Adults
• $14AUD Children (ages 4-14)
• $74AUD Family (2 Adults + 2 Children)
• Website: http://www.crocpark.com.au/
• Feeding Times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
• Advise: Visit during a feed time, bring a camera, and stay away from the cassowary!

Top 5 New Zealand Adventure Activities

I traveled to New Zealand a cautious individual to take in the majestic scenery of the country, but left a thrill-seeker looking for new ways to feed my new-found craving for adrenaline.  I believe the extreme landscapes of the rugged country have led New Zealand to become the world's top adventure activity destination.  Below are my five favorite adventure activities that I have completed so far; please comment and let me know what I have missed!

Franz Josef Glacier H

5. Hike the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
The Franz Joseph and Flox Glaciers are the West Coast of New Zealand's top tourist destinations, for good reason.  The 12km rivers of ice are unpredictable and constantly moving, creating landscapes that look like they belong on icy planet billions of miles from earth.  There are options to see the glacier for just about every level of adventure and cost, including hikes, helicopter tours, and ice climbing!  Touring the glaciers will let you see immensity and power of glaciers that can't be conveyed by pictures of video alone.  If you are really looking for an adventure, ask your tour guide to let you take a "polar plunge" in one of the many glacial pools!  


4. Rock n Ropes in Lake Taupo

Ropes Course New Zealand

Rock'n Ropes is a ropes course with challenges up to 13 meters in the air.  Rock'n Ropes is located five minutes north of Lake Taupo.  The course has a rickety bridge, high wires, a trapeze, and many other challenges.  I was surprised by how simple tasks (like walking) became extremely difficult once I was 13 meters in the air.  For me, the highlight of the course was a giant swing that made my stomach drop more than any roller coaster or amusement park ride.  Completing the course gave me the courage to some of the other NZ adventure activities, like bungee jumping and sky diving!  

3. Spelunking the Waitomo Caves
Located on the North Island an hour from Hamilton, the Waitomo Caves are believed to be over two million years old.  They are home to "glow worms" that line the cave and do just what their name suggests.  I explored the Waitomo Caves with Waitomo Adventures. because they offer the most hands-on, strenuous, and exciting tour.  On the tour, I abseiled (rapelled) into the caves, climbed rock cliffs, crawled through cave tunnels, battled underground waterfalls, and got up close and personal with those famous glow worms.  This adventure is not for those uncomfortable in cramped spaces, scared of the dark, or afraid to get wet (you even wear a wet suit)!  By the end of the tour, I was exhausted, but thrilled that I had seen New Zealand's mystifying underworld. 

2. Skydive Taupo

Skydive over Lake Taupo

It seems like New Zealand has more skydiving locations than any other nation.  You can skydive over Abel Tasman, Lake Taupo, Queenstown, Auckland, Wanaka...the list could go on.  I chose to sky dive over Lake Taupo because it was cheaper than most other locations, but you really can't go wrong with all of the options available in New Zealand.  If you do go, I would suggest paying a little extra to have the entire experience video taped so that your friends and family can relive the adventure with you!

1. Bungee Jump in Queenstown 

Kawarau Bridge Bungee

Queenstown is the adventure and thrill capital of New Zealand.  So much so, that AJ Hackett Bungy has built three separate locations around Queenstown where you can put your life into the hands of an elastic band.  I bungee jumped "The Ledge" locate. d on the mountain above Queenstown.  "The Ledge" is cool because the bungee cord is attached to your waist instead of your feet, allowing for a running start.  "The Nevis," a bungee jump located on a cable car stretched between two cliffs outside of Queenstown, is the highest bungee in New Zealand at a whopping 134 meters!

Ropes Course Taupo, New Zealand

Rock'n Ropes Trapeze Swing

Attention all adrenaline junkies, thrill seekers, and adventurous souls of New Zealand.  Just north of Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand's best adventure activities that will galvanize your sense of courage.  If you are thinking skydiving or bungee jumping, you'd be wrong.  I am talking about the Rock'n Ropes ropes course.  Unlike tandem skydiving or bungee jumping, which anyone can do with their eyes shut, completing a ropes course requires focus and determination.  I decided to try Rock'n Ropes  because I wanted to overcome my own fear of heights.  While I am still a bit leery of of heights, completing Rock'n Ropes did give me the courage to bungee jump and skydive later in my trip to New Zealand. 

What to Expect

There are several options at Rock n Ropes, from a half day of fun to a single nerve rattling swing, to test your comfort with heights.  I chose the half day course which allows you to experience every thrill and challenge of Rock n Ropes.  As part of the high-rise course, I walked across narrow beams and wires, swung on a trapeze, and even balanced on the end of a log 13 meters (40 feet) above the ground!  I was surprised by how difficult even the most simple tasks, such as standing tall, became once I was high in the air.  Rock n Ropes is more a mental challenge than a physical one.  Even though I have a fear of heights, I never felt unsafe.  Safety was clearly the top priority at Rock'n Ropes.  Before trying any of the obstacles, the staff ensured that our safety harnesses and helmets were properly attached.  Though the staff encouraged us to have fun, they never pressured  us to attempt a portion of the course if we felt uncomfortable.

Rickety Bridge Ropes Course

If you are can't commit to the half day ropes course, there are shorter options available.  The Adrenaline combo let's you try the High Beam, Trapeze, and Giant Swing for $40NZ.   If you are on a really tight schedule, you can also try just the Giant Swing for $20NZ.  Be warned; it is intense.  For me, it ranked just short of bungee jumping in terms of thrill factor. 

Just the Basics

• Cost Rock'n Ropes: 
• Half Day: $65NZ
• Adrenaline Combo: $40NZ
• Giant Swing: $20
• Website: http://www.rocknropes.co.nz/ 
• Phone: Freephone- 0800 244508, reservations highly recommended
• Rock'n Rope Location: 5 minutes north of Taupo on State Hwy 1.  They also offer pickup from Taupo accommodations. 
• Advice: Bring sturdy shoes, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure. 

Bungy Jumping New Zealand

The Ledge Bungy, Queenstown

New Zealand is a well-known as a bungy (bungee) jumper's paradise .  Thrill-seekers can throw their body off of bridges, towers, cliffs, and even cable cars.  In Queenstown alone, there are three separate bungy jumping locations (all owned by AJ Hackett).  It is safe to say that bungy jumping is Queenstown's top activity.  Fresh from a successful skydive, I thought that bungy-jumping would be the next extreme sport to try.  Brimming with confidence, I headed to Queenstown to try my luck!

What to Expect
I examined the three bungee jumping options in Queenstown before making my decision on where to do my jump: The Kawarau Bridge, The Ledge, and the Nevis.  Each offered a slightly different take on bungy jumping.  

• "The Kawarau Bridge" is the world's first commercial bungy site.  It features a 43 meter fall with the option of being dunked head-first into the Kawarau River.  It is also the only place to in Queenstown where you can tandem-jump with a friend.  I passed on the Kawarau Bridge, because it seemed to "tame" for my tastes. 

• Next is "The Nevis," which is a 40 minute drive from Queenstown.  The Nevis Bungy is a 134 meter fall over the Nevis Gorge, making it New Zealand's highest bungy.  Jumpers make a leap from a cable car that is suspended between the gorge walls.  A fellow backpacker showed me a video that was shot of her making the leap.  It seemed as though her fall never ended.  Seeing the video made me realize I wasn't ready to test a jump so extreme! 

• The final option in Queenstown is "The Ledge" which is a platform built off the side of a mountain, 400 meters above Queensland.  With 47 meters of free-fall, it was slightly more extreme than the Kawarau Bridge without the excess of the Nevis.  It is also the only site where the bungy is secured around the waist instead of the feet, allowing for a running start to the free-fall. I like the idea of getting a running start, so I chose to jump at The Ledge.

To get to The Ledge, you must first ride to the top of the Skyline Gondola, which costs $25NZ ($20US).   The view of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains from the top is beautiful.   The Ledge platform is a short walk from the gondola.  

View from the top of the Gondola

Once I had paid and signed away my life, it took less that two minutes for the AJ Hackett employees to secure a harness and start the countdown for me to jump.  I tried to stall by asking them if everything was secure with my harness, to which one worker deadpanned "I hope so."  My plan was to jump calmly while holding my arms in triumph over my head.   I took a few steps, leaped....and my plan fell through.  I flapped my wings like a chicken and screamed like a baby.  My body was overwhelmed with a sinking-stomach feeling ten times stronger than that of a roller coaster.   It was a much scarier experience than skydiving.  Adrenaline junkies say it is the best feeling in the world. Bungee jumping is a New Zealand experience that should not be missed. 

The Ledge, Queenstown

Just the Basics

• Location: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
• Cost: $180NZ ($138US)
  
• Website for AJ Hackett Bungy: http://www.bungy.co.nz/
• Advice: Purchase a video of your leap to show to your friends! 

Tandem Skydiving New Zealand

Skydiving over Lake Taupo

I am scared of heights.  So why did I go skydiving over Lake Taupo, New Zealand?  When in Rome...  

Kiwi's love adventure, whether it be surfing, bungy jumping, skydiving, skiing, or countless of other activities geared toward thrill-seekers.  I was talked into skydiving by some fellow backpackers who convinced me to skydive through two reasons: 1) It's not as scary as it seems 2) Lake Taupo is one of the cheapest places to skydive in New Zealand.  Sold. 

What to Expect

I chose to skydive through Freefall, based upon traveler recommendations.  Because it was winter, I actually had to wait a few days until skies were clear enough to skydive, which is not uncommon.  Once the skies cleared, Freefall picked me up at my accommodation at no charge.  At the airport, I paid, signed my life away, and put on a red flight suite, I expected to an intensive training session of "Skydiving 101."  Instead of rigorous training, I felt a tap on the shoulder and heard "hi, my name is Dan.  Let's get on the plane."  Training session over.

Unsuccessfully trying to not look scared

The worst part of the whole experience for me was the plane ride.  Over a dozen skydivers, tandem-masters, and photographers were packed into a tiny plane, straddling to benches arranged parallel to each other in the plane.  The plane was loud, crowded, and shaky.  I felt like I was in a pop can being thrown through the air.  As earth drifted farther and farther away, fear nearly overtook my reason.  I tried to think of an excuse that would allow me to not be thrown out of the plane, but couldn't come up with any that wouldn't immediately identify me as a chicken.  I was stuck.  Just before the fuselage door was opened, Dan again tapped me on the shoulder with some last words of advise as he strapped me to his body.  "Cross your arms when we jump.  Uncross them when I tap you again."

The scariest moment of my life occurred just before we jumped. Hanging 12,000 feet in the air completely at the mercy of another individual is a strange feeling.  I shut my eyes, we tumbled in the air, I opened my eyes and....it was unbelievable.  Though the wind resistance was tremendous, I felt like I was floating.  I expected the stomach-dropping feeling of a roller coaster, but it never appeared.  I knew this once a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I paid extra to have a photographer document the whole experience. 

After 45 seconds of free fall, Dan pulled the chute, creating the only queasy feeling of the whole skydiving experience.  It took us another ten minutes or so land on  solid ground, with great views of Lake Taupo and mountains along the way.  Dan took care of all the details of the landing (I just had to lift my feet). Once back in the hanger, we received our photos and CDs. I drove back to Taupo feeling I had, still feeling like I was on Cloud 9.

Just the Basics

• Location: 7km South of Taupo 
• Cost
• 12,000ft0--45 sec. freefall--$249NZ (approx. $190US)
• 15,000ft--60 sec. freefall--$339NZ (approx. $261US)
• Add CD/DVD Package $179NZ (approx. $138US
• Website: http://www.freefall.net.nz/
• Tips: Dress warmly, especially in the winter.  Also, pay to have your jump video photographed.  If you are like me, you may never go again!

Thanks for a great experience tandem-man Dan!

Treble Cone Resort New Zealand

Slopes of Treble Cone New Zealand

By exploring New Zealand during the American summer, I took part in snow sports.  Compared to my native Minnesota, New Zealand is actually quite temperate, without the extreme temperature swings of Minnesota Winters.  However, the mountains of both the North and South Island of New Zealand offer several ski resorts.  I chose to ski Treble Cone , on the South Island near Wanaka because it offered the most challenging terrain. 

What to Expect

Treble Cone has a reputation as New Zealand's best resort for experienced skiers and snowboarders.  Treble Cone is the training site for the Canadian Ski Team from July to September.  Though there are a few easier slopes, I would not recommend Treble Cone for people new to skiing or snowboarding.

The size of the resort does not compare to the those of the Rocky Mountains.  There are only two chair lifts at Treble Cone.  However, the terrain is just as challenging and snow conditions are excellent.  I spent three days at Treble Cone, and honestly, could have spent a week without getting board.   The longest run is 3km.  Experts have the option of hiking to the summit to add to the adventure. 

Just the Basics 

• Cost: $99NZ for a one-day pass, $365NZ for a three-day pass.  There are discounts for senior, youth, and student passes. 
• Location: 35 minute drive from Wanaka, New Zealand 
• Rentals:$47NZ--save money by renting from a local ski store
• Ski Season: Late June to early October
• Advice: Book accommodation early-Wanaka fills up quickly during the ski season
• Website: http://www.treblecone.com/

Take the time to stay and explore Wanaka if you ski Treble Cone

Original Canopy Zipline Tour

Zipline Original Canopy Tour

The Original Canopy Tour is a zipline adventure through the jungle near San Juan, Puerto Rico.  I took part in the canopy tour as part of a shore excursion from a Celebrity Cruise.  Overall, I would recommend the tour, though please be aware of some of the drawbacks that I encountered before booking.  Our tour was booked through Celebrity Cruises and cost $131 per person.

What to Expect
The tour operators picked our group from the dock in San Juan.  After a thirty minute ride on a charter bus, we were dropped off at an empty lot in the hilly countryside of San Juan.  Confused, we were told that a smaller bus would pick us up in a few minutes to deliver us to the canopy tour site.  Once we boarded the second bus, it was clear that the mountain roads in Puerto Rico were too steep, narrow, and winding for a large charter bus.  In fact, the drive was almost the most thrilling/scary part of the adventure.  In Puerto Rico, everyone speeds through mountain roads while continually honking to warn motorists and pedestrians around the corner.  We had several near accidents.

Once we dropped off at the site, we signed a waiver and climbed a VERY STEEP hill to the canopy site. All participants were fitted with a harness, gloves, and helmet.  Instructions, given in English and Spanish, made it clear that the company took safety very seriously.

Unlike other tours, this tour really took you from tree-to-tree through the rain forest.  Though none of the ziplines were all that long, it was beautiful to see and hear the sounds of the forest.  My only complaint was that, with a large group, we had to wait nearly an hour to travel on our first zipline.  Once we started, however, the tour was completed in about 45 minutes.  

Tips
1. Bring a rain jacket.  It rains often on the mountain, and it rained during my tour.  On the positive side, rain will increase the speed you fly through the jungle!

2. Take motion sickness pills--not for the canopy tour, rather for the bus ride through hills of Puerto Rico.

3. If you are looking a long, fast zip line ride, book another tour.  This tour is fun because it takes you through the rain forest.  However, none of the zipline rides last longer the 15 or 20 seconds.

Hiking and Swimming the Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier New Zealand

One of my favorite (there are many) experiences in New Zealand was hiking the Franz Josef Glacier, on the the country's South Island. It is one of the few glaciers in the world that is advancing, rather than receding.  Visitors can explore the glacier through hiking, ice climbing, or even helicopter tours.  I chose a Franz Josef guided hiking tour to get an up-close-and-personal view of the glacier.

What to Expect
The company that led the tour I took was called Franz Josef Glacier Guides.  They offer both either a half or full day hike.  I elected for the full day tour based upon a tip from a previous hiker who said the half day tour didn't reach what he described as "the good stuff."

Upon arriving the morning of the hike, we were all given boots, waterproof jacket and over-pants, hats and mittens, and crampons.  After a brief introductory meeting, we loaded a bus and headed for the glacier.  I was surprised to discover that once the bus had dropped us off, we had over a kilometer to hike over rocky ground to just to get to the base of the glacier. The glacier is worth the effort.  

Swimming the Franz Josef Glacier

Once at the base of glacier, guides assisted us up a series of ladders until you reach the surface of the glacier.  Walking on the glacier was like being on another planet.  Living in Minnesota, I am accustomed to ice and snow, but this was different.  Never before had I been able to walk through ice tunnels, over deep crevices, and up mini ice mountains.  All through the hike, the Franz Josef guides explained the science and history behind the glacier, which enriched the whole experience. 

Near the end of the day, the guides offered us the option of swimming in a glacier pool.  We were told the plunge is a rite of passage for new glacier guides, and we had a new guide in our group.  I turned the polar plunge down, considering the hour-plus hike we still had back to the bus.  Some young British backpackers joined the guide in testing the icy waters...which helped me snap this great photo!

Just the Basics

• Cost:   Half Day-$123NZ, Full-Day $180NZ
• Website:  http://www.franzjosefglacier.com/
• Advice: Pack a lunch to eat on the hike, you'll need it.  Pack a swimsuit if you are feeling really adventurous!