Hawaii '09 - Day 7

Day 7 : Lahaina,  Maui

Our second day in Maui started off as warm as the first one. Today we were not doing a ships's excursion but were able to disembark early because of the VIP tender tickets offered to Elite Members. After being told that a bus trip to the Irowood Ranch by town bus would involve  long waits, we decided to take a cab and be safe. As instructed, I called to inform the Ranch that we were there and that we were awaiting pickup at the gate. The young gentleman arrived shortly afterward to drive us to the office, where we were given waiver forms and instructional handouts.

With the paperwork out of the way, our group of 6 and Angel the guide headed to the corral to meet our mounts. To our delight, the horses had all been given Hollywood names. Our fellow riders were helped up onto Russell Crowe, The Rock, Sandra Bullock, and Will Smith, Ian was fitted for Jet Li, and I was told that my companion for the afternoon would be Brad Pitt :). With a few individual pointers from Angel in regards to the character traits of each horse, we saddled up and headed out on the trail.

What a beautiful ride. We rode in single file, guiding the horses through the beautiful forest and valleys of the Ironwood Ranch. It was challenging to 'steer' the horses around obstacles, uphill and down and through narrow mountain trails. Brad Pitt was determined to make the ride all about him, stopping to snack at every plant and flower that caught his eye. About halfway into the ride. Angel dismounted and came around to each rider to check the tack equipment and take individual photos. We continued on until we were led back to the ranch and the corral, and were helped to dismount. Beverages and snacks were offered and gratefully accepted, and the horses were led to their places in the paddock.

A friendly couple from Seattle offered us a drive back to Lahaina, which was quickly and gratefully accepted.They dropped us off on Front Street, where we decided to spend some time at the Cool Cat Cafe, overlooking the art fair under the Banyon trees. We settled on our barstools and ordered a Longboard Lager and some onion rings while watching the scene along the street. Front Street in Lahaina is much like Duval Street in Key West with its many shops, restaurants and bars.

Our last stop in Lahaina was the Banyon Tree Art Fair, where local artists and craftspeople show their wares for the cruiseship passengers. Ian came away with a carved wooden Tiki, which the artist signed and dated for him, and we reluctantly boarded the tender for the ship and sailaway.
We were able to spend some time in the sun listening to the Kristen Lee band at poolside and enjoying the beautiful weather as the Captain declared All Aboard and we set sail for Vancouver.

Later that evening we joined the band once again for the 50's Sock Hop in the Cosmos Lounge.


Tomorrow: Day 1 at Sea