Australia - Day 17 - Horseback Riding and Go Karts

5th January, 2009

While looking through the tourist brochures, we came across a pamphlet for horseback riding.  This got David really excited.  And while looking at the same brochures, we saw an advertisement for Go Karts.  This got Lowell (and David) really excited.  Therefore, today's entry is dedicated to Devin, for putting up with us boys with a smile and some ibuprofen.

The horse ranch we found wasn't too far out, so we booked a 10:00 AM ride for one hour.  We figured we'd be out of there by around 11:15, ride completed, and find some lunch.  Well, we didn't get onto the trail until around 11:15 after waiting around for lost horses to be found, horses to be fitted with saddles, etc.  We all got a few mosquito and horsefly bites while standing around...  The price we pay for fun and games!  But the horseback ride ended up being fun for all of us.  (Except Lowell's horse, of course.)  David got to ride a pony called Rosie.  Or Rhubarb.  Or Ruby. (Depending on which person was talking to the horse.)  Devin got the stubborn mare named Ned Kelly.  And Lowell, still mad at horses in general since being kicked in the head at the age of five, got to ride his new trusty steed Queen Latifah.  No kidding, the name of the horse was Queen Latifah.  On the trail, the scenery was quite beautiful.  David did a pretty good job of hanging onto his pony and not falling off.  Lowell did a good job of not being scared.  And Devin wowed us all with her knowledge of ranch terminology and protocol.  Yes, our legs and butts were a bit sore after the ride.  But I will say this:  Horses are more comfortable to ride than elephants!

David couldn't contain his excitement at being able to drive his own Go Kart!  So we stopped at Big Karts race track and David got to drive first so I could get some video.  Good thing I did, as it was quite hilarious.  I missed one crash because I had stopped recording, but I think he crossed the infield three times, took out 11 tires, and came to a stop at the end the hard way...  The video is here.  As usual, it's kind of long, so be patient with the download if you want to see it.  If you're only interested in the funny ending, fast forward to about the 4-minute mark of the video.  It's hilarious!  And of course, I got to ride my own Go Kart on the big track.  The track is 1.2 km long (about 3/4 mile for you Americans...) and I recorded a lap time of 1:21.  That means I averaged 52 kph (32 mph) over the lap.  Heck, I think Usain Bolt runs that fast!  But I had fun, and that's what counts.  And Devin enjoyed making fun of my hairnet after I was finished. 

Thanks Devin for letting us boys have a fun day.

A few pictures below.  Click on the image to see a larger version.