Hawaii Day 4: Kualoa Ranch

Annika's second Make-a-Wish experience was horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch.  This trip really was an animal lover's paradise!

Just tall enough to ride!

Meeting our mounts.

Setting off on the trail.  I was the only one who opted for the big yellow rainjacket.  In the end, it turned out to be a wise choice.  The others were soaked through by the time our ride was finished.

Annika and our trail guide.  Before this job, he corralled cattle for a rodeo, so this gig is definitely slower paced, but he says he really enjoys it.  Given the scenery, it's easy to understand why.

Brooklyn looks happy!  Eli and Talia too.  Brooklyn was extremely chivalrous and gave Annika her jacket to wear.

A girl and her horse.  Living the dream!

Heading into this ride, we had no idea that Kualoa Ranch is quite famous.  Spanning over 4000 acres, more than 70 movies have been filmed at the ranch, including Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and Godzilla.  Unfortunately most of Jurassic valley was hidden in fog when we arrived.  Still, it's fun to picture all of the action that has happened here.

This 2 hour horseback riding adventure was about all our unaccustomed bottoms could handle.  Besides, we needed to towel off and warm up!

Rain and all, Annika couldn't have felt more delighted.  Kualoa Ranch spoiled her with a special bag of goodies to remember our day together.

A Jurassic Park T-shirt, dinosaur gummies, and best of all, photos of everyone in the family!

They even made her a beautiful personalized pin with her name.  We didn't think about the fact that it was held on by magnets until it made her ICD beep.  Oops!  We switched it to the other side and all was well.

Kualoa Ranch, thank you for making our Wish Kid's experience so very special.  Mahalo!