A Long Weekend in Ann Arbor
Didn't quite mean to disappear so abruptly, but there wasn't much of significance to talk about last week. Unless you want to hear about our exciting attempts to book hotels in Maui or make plans for a weekend visit to Cedar Point. If you know of something excellent that we can't leave Maui without doing, please let me know. We're going to be there for 10 days, so we have a lot of time to explore the island.
After a long weekend of family and roller coasters, you'd think that there would be pictures. But, actually, this blogger left her camera at home and just went along with the ride. Literally and figuratively. I watched my husband ride every crazy ride in the park, got to see some very cute little boys who are the sons of one of my brother's good friends, and realized that I don't do very well with heights. I broke through a new roller coaster barrier -- I went on one that rotated me upside-down (the Raptor) but didn't quite convince myself to be brave enough to try either the Magnum XL-200 or the Millenium Force.
And I finished my goals for last weekend, finally. I have a completed scarf and a fully spun single. But the scarf isn't blocked and the single isn't plied, so no pictures have been taken. Monday should be a better day for progress on those fronts.
If you need a little thrill, click on the link for the Raptor and check out the video. You can get a first-car's eye view of the ride without having to head to Sandusky!
You can do the Magnum! My sister dragged me on it a few years ago, and made my first ride be in the front seat. After I stopped hyperventilating, I realized that it was fun!
Maui? Sunrise on Haleakala! You have to leave for it at 3:30AM, so do it the first night you're there, because you'll be up anyways from the time change. Take warm clothes, it's cold on top of the mountain before dawn.
Cedar Point is one of the most fun places in the world! I agree with Jenn, the Magnum is not bad. The Millenium Force however, I had issues with. I nearly hurled while waiting in line for it! What bothered me most about it is that the sides of the car gradually fall away the farther back in the car you are. And that there are no shoulder restraints, just lap. Will I ever ride it again?
I usually ride the Raptor first, and it always turns my legs to jelly that first time. It's really a wonderfully smooth ride. :) You might enjoy the Mantis also... :)
My son make an annual summer trek to Cedar Point to ride the coasters. He is definitely an adreniline junkie.
Me--I stay on the ground. The last coaster I rode was The Hulk at Univeral Studios Park in Florida. I rode and then spent 2 hours in first aid nursing nausea and a migraine.
Have a great trip to Maui. My hubby, 2 sons and I went 3 years ago to the big island. We want to see Maui next.
Traci
I went to Maui last January! You must go on a Whale Watching Tour. The Road to Havana is good too. My favorite town was Pai'a. That's were we stayed. If you go to Pai'a eat at Charley's Restaurant. It is WIllie Nelson's local hangout. I loved Maui! Have fun.
My dad's family is generations deep on Maui, so I love it there. Old Wailuku town is small & pedestrian friendly. There are still many original storefronts, so you get a taste of local architecture from the early 20th c., the bakery, farmer's market, and Buddhist temple are favorites. Be sure see the Bailey House, which is *the* best historical museum on Maui & has several outstanding examples of Hawaiian-style quilting ... if you'd like to learn more about Maui's history and culture, the museum gift shohp is an amazing resource. Iao Valley is a sacred spot that is very important in native Hawaiian history. The archeological sites are off limits, but you can go wading/swimming (depending on the water level) in the cold mountain stream. The lower part of the park, featuring a bamboo grove and miniature houses representing the Islands' major cultural groups, is a prime picnicking spot. Finally, the hot saimin (noodle soup) at Sam Sato's is the best glimpse of life among the locals you could ask for ... get the smaller size so you have room for dessert, 'cause the crisp manju are awesome. Feel free to email me if you want addresses or have other questions.
Maui is my second favorite island (Hawaii being the favorite), but a fine, fun, friendly place to visit. I'd suggest visiting the Surfing Goat Dairy - great goat cheeses and the owner is very entertaining - as are the goats and other assorted family pets! Can't leave without a snorkeling trip to Molokini - you usually have the added bonus of seeing the whales as well. We took a fun drive north, past Lahaina, and around the top of the island - the road narrows to one lane - you must yield (that means back up to the last turn out) to any uphill traffic. No trip to Maui is complete without a trip out to Hana and around the south tip of the island. The road isn't always passable - check ahead. I found a tour book from Moon Publications, Hawaii, to be full of fun, off-the-beaten path suggestions. Have fun!
We lived on Maui for a year in Kula which is upcountry. I think it's the prettiest area of Maui after the beaches! You might want to take the drive out to Ulupalakua after a drive up Haleakala. There is a winery there which is interesting to visit and they have tours. Also, Makawao is a wonderful little cowboy (paniolo) town upcountry. There are lots of great little galleries and gift shops, a yummy bakery and the Italian restaurant, Casanova's, has a delicious deli for lunch and a sit down dinner restaurant. Hope you have a great time!