Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Mossman Gorge and Horseback Riding along the Beach

One can only do so much lazing around. Today we needed some adventure.

There were so many things to do. We decided not to do a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef since we had already done that from Hamilton Island a few years before. Besides, trying to go snorkelling with a 1.5 year old is virtually impossible. So we let the girls choose their 'big activity' for this trip and they miraculously agreed on horse riding along the beach.

We scheduled our ride for that afternoon with a local company called Ride the Beach. It was a 2-hour ride along the beach and through rainforest. I would go with the girls while hubby would stay with Mig. Since we needed to head about 25 minutes north of Port Douglas for the horse ride we decided to leave early and explore Mossman Gorge on the way.

Mossman Gorge was beautiful. Crystal clear waters with huge fish. It's quite a popular spot so I felt safe in the company of others. If we had more time it would have been an excellent way to spend a day, just swimming in the Gorge and having a picnic lunch there. The girls decided not to get wet as the water was quite cold. If we ever find ourselves in this region again, this place will definitely get more time in our itinerary.

After our stop at the Gorge we followed the track up to the swinging bridge. Conscious of time, we decided to head back so we could have a quick lunch before our horse ride at 2:30pm.

It was Bee's first time on a horse so I wasn't really sure how she'd cope. I gave her a little pep talk in the car to make sure she wouldn't pike out at the last minute after we had paid! Kat, on the other hand, was very excited. Apparently she had 'horse riding along the beach' as one of her Top 100 Things To Do. I was quite happy to help her tick this experience off her list.

After getting geared up and a quick safety briefing, we were off. We slowly made our way through the fields and forest out to the beach where we picked up the pace to a trot. While she was on her own horse, Bee was under the constant supervision of one of our guides. Surprisingly, they too picked up the pace to a trot. Bee just sat there and bounced up and down with the horse making a funny noise. It was quite cute!

Kat on the other hand held her own and rode independently all the way. Even the guide complimented her and told me she had a "very good riding seat" - I guess that meant riding posture? I joked telling him he had better not tell Kat to ask Daddy for a horse when she got back.

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