I have this one memory of our trip to Maui with the kids nearly two decades ago. Art told the kids he wanted them to see the sunrise from Haleakala. They refused to get up that early, but Art got them up soon afterward.We drove up to the top of the volcano and the kids enjoyed seeing the very rare Silversword plant that is supposed to be found only on "the island of Maui in Haleakalā National Park at an elevation of 2,100 to 3,000 m on the Haleakalā summit depression, the rim summits, and surrounding slopes of the dormant Haleakalā volcano."
On the way down, the kids kept falling asleep so we told them that they should stay awake to see the beautiful scenery. They still kept dozing so we told them we'd give them 10 cents for every Silversword they could spot. There weren't any so they started to fall asleep. "50 cents!" I upped the ante. That worked for perhaps five minutes. I realized then that we were well below the elevation where you could find Silverswords so I said, "$1.00 for each and every Silversword you can spot!"That did keep them up. We spotted a turn-off to a Visitor Center so I told Art we should stop, walk around and learn something. The kids weren't excited. We got out of the car and walked to the Center. And that's where we saw it. A huge display FULL of baby Silverswords!!!
The kids ran toward the display and started laughing and furiously counting, refusing to leave the display. We had to agree to give the kids $200.00 a piece! We put $190.00 into each of their accounts and gave them $10.00 to spend.
That's the last time I made that sort of bargain with the kids.
That is very very funny!
ReplyDeleteAnd it is so beautiful up there. So high, really? That's a big mountain.
Hey Kay, happy day! ;)
Good thing you didn't tell them to count the nene goose.
ReplyDeleteOh no! What a story -- I was laughing out loud.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love it, Kay! And you do have me laughing! What a beautiful area! Would love to see it! Your photos are the next best thing to being there! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
wow, sometimes bribery works...lol!
ReplyDeleteI thin bribery is under-rated with children! But this time it certainly backfired didn't it.
ReplyDeletelike yea, most kids aren't gonna be overly excited about seeing a silver sword.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh;
ReplyDeleteTurned out very well for Jon and Tif !
Beautiful photos. I couldn't help but chuckle over the "deal"! I can certainly understand why that was the first and last time!
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of silverswords in the crater. You have to take that hike, though, not a good idea with kids. I did it six years ago and probably won't do it again. Glad I had that chance.
ReplyDeleteOh dear! The silver swords are very unusual - are the swords sharp? They look it.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that you kept your word even when it became $200!!! Good for you...and the kids,too!
ReplyDeleteWoah! That one really backfired on you. Very funny looking back, though.
ReplyDelete