There is absolutely no way to hold my feelings in until the end of this post. Quite simply this has been the most incredible thing I have ever done on this trip and perhaps my life. I lack the words to describe the entire time, but I'll do my best.....

           Leaving Huay Xai after dropping off my bag in the offices safe and just taking minimal things, the group of us was off. There were 18 to start and needed two trucks to get there. The hour journey to the trails leading into the mountains was hard and uphill. Then out of nowhere the trucks drive straight through a small river into some seriously muddy paths that would in due time lead us to the start of our time here. A small village is where we get off to start our hike into the forests. The people that are here are mostly guides for the gibbon experience as well as there families, allowing the forest here to be protected through the cost as well as giving work to locals native to the forests. The hike was far more intense than I had imagined and at first thought I was in way over my head. Sweat pouring like buckets of water, step after step going straight uphill for hours. Aside from the occasional pause to catch my breath gasping away, it was non-stop. Fortunately we did stop for some premade sandwiches for lunch halfway.... Never ate something so fast in my life. But then you reach your first zipline, and from here on out the trekking in always replaced by a zip or two to ease the burden. Here for the first time, my breath was taken away for something other than hiking. It was simply wonderful. My first zipline platform.

    Fixing my harness which we picked up during the original hour of trekking at a small cabin where we took a breather for fruit and water, as well as a quick harness lesson. The small set of straps keeping you from plunging hundreds of feet felt rather sturdy, and although extremely nervous there wasn't any time to hesitate. I clamped myself to the cable along with my safety clip,and with a small nudge from my guide I was off.....

      Speeding through the air at speeds of sometimes 30 - 40 mph, there is a feeling that is just indescribable. You look around as much as you can with wind pushing at your face. Too nervous to move much the first time around, I slowly peek to my side as much as I can to catch a glimpse of the passing mountains. A feeling that its fantasy, that this just isn't real is all too present. Miles of lush green mountains pass hundreds of feet below you. Approaching the other side, I try so hard to slow down using the break, but hit hard nontheless. Stepping off, releasing the clamps, I realize what I have just down. Still in utter disbelief I start walking again following the remaining group.

       During the walk to our long awaited treehouses, it finally sunk in what was happening. I just was so happy inside, but to much was going on to be able to show it. A mixture of shock and the utter intensity of the trekking kept it hidden. A hours hike, one more zipline and maybe 15 minutes hiking after that later, we reach our treehouse. There are only five of us now, having split into smaller groups and split up between the four tree houses we'd be staying in. The view of the zipline going into a giant treehouse like nothing any child has even though of is stunning. Breathless, I strap on to the cable again, and make my approach to my new home sitting more than a hundred feet in the air. Beautiful treehouse #7.

     The view is simply stunning from here. Although some of the tree's branches block some views, the others are amazing. I find myself pacing all over diving through everything the treehouse has to offer. So much nicer than expected waaayy out here hours from civilization. I didn't know until arriving, but the treehouse I was in was the newest and was equiped with a fridge, a sink and a bathroom. The bathroom is quite funny since all water from shower and toilets simply falls to the ground below. Sitting for the first time by the balcony in a chair and eating some fruit, for the first time I was able to take it all in.

     After resting a few hours and waiting from lunch to be brought to us by our guide from the nearby makeshift kitchen, I really started to get to know my group of 5. We all bonded so well, and our guide made it all the more fun. While I later found out most other guides speak little english, Bon Mai spoke perfect english and was never short of jokes. He brought us to remote parts of the place with perfect instruction every step of the way, even offering to take photo's of me whenever needed. It needs to be said that over the 3 days here, my guide Bon Mai was simply great and a truly great person. I was lucky to have him there with me.

     The afternoon of day 1 was spent visiting a nearby treehouse, #3, which had amazing views but not nearly the "nice factor" that ours had. Much older and having a very rustic feel, it was by far what I had originally pictured. I was quite glad to be staying were I was. After ziping away from there, we were led guide first as always to the longest line here, over 500m long, which I was brave enough to do single handed in order to take a video of the entire ride.... It was around this time, late in the afternoon that it really hit me and I couldn't get the deep feeling of how amazing it was to go away, nor did I want it to. I was deep in a real rainforest, zooming through the canopy and living in a treehouse. It's just too much.

        Heading back across on another zipline, we headed back to our treehouse for dinner and to end the day. The was great and again far better than expected, with many courses and some great pork. After dinner I watched as my bed was set up with a sleeping mat and blanket, covered by a mosquito net which made it feel much safer. For a few hours we all played various card games while eating fruit and chatting away, watching the night come. I really enjoyed everyones company here. The night was hard, and sleeping with all the noise that comes iwth being canopy level takes getting used to. Morning came fast with maybe 4 hours sleep total.

       Tired, but very excited I was forcing myself up to start another day. Awaking at 6am to trek to possibly see the hard to find gibbon, we trekked for roughly an hour before giving up and turning back for breakfast. After resting awhile we again strapped up our harnesses and were off for more sweating through the jungle, waiting for the cool breeze that comes with every zipline. we visited treehouse #5, which was quite nice and had some new ziplines along the way which made for a refreshing change in pace. By this time I had no nervousness left in me, always the first one to strap on the line and jumping into it to gain more speed. Although there were some scary times when my line started to twist turning my body so I couldn't see where I was going, it never stopped me. I was hooked, and truly loving every minute of it. Watching others go after and before still gives the same rush as doing ti yourself. Just hearing the roar the ziplines make gets your blood going.

      The afternoon was spent looking for monkey's from our balcony after lunch, and becuase of Bon Mai being such a great spotter we eventually saw a group of 4 monkeys swinging tree to tree. Wildlife truly in the wild.......  Day two ended much the same as the first, except for some whisky that our guide brought as a treat before our card game.... Well unless you count me and another girl getting lost because we went off on our own. After an hour of searching for the path home it was getting dark and not looking good. No one was panicing however, and we got flashlights from a nearby treehouse and were of again. A long 30 minutes later, we could hear the voice of Bon Mai, who came in search. I really loved this guy! :-P The night went by all to fast, but at least this night I got some real sleep.

      The morning was bitter sweet, as I was really aching and my body wanted to head back, but my mind was torn. I really loved this place. Strapping on the harness for the last time was hard. Bag's now packed, we all set off into the jungle one last time. Some amazing new ziplines were on the way back, giving us some seriously cool memories to end with. I looked down at Bon Mai on last time for a photo.....

     Almost 1 hours trek later, we reached the point were the harnesses had to be returned, and I parted with it reluctently. This was my lifeline since I've been here. Although a short time, it was still great. I would come back here any time. And as we reached the bottom and the wait for a ride home passed, we boarded our truck and started back to Huay Xai. I already wanted to come back.....

( So much happened here there's no way to remember it all.... So many jokes, so many little things just get lost to time.... Video's will be up soon! Going to bypass Weebly and upload then to youtube to get them on! )