Reviewed by: sugarman
On the left side, just past the Polynesian Cultural Center, there is a sprawling ranch. It feels more like Arizona than Hawaii, with mostly white people around. There happened to be families with small children gathered there since school was out, but most were just doing short horseback riding experiences. We set off under the guidance of Amanda, who moved here from New York about a year and a half ago. The exhilaration of galloping through the hills and forests is something hard to experience in Japan. I quit the Crane Riding Club out of frustration and have been riding at the Aso Dream Land Club for about three years, but that place has a lot of hills. Here, the flat terrain makes for the best galloping. Our 30-minute private lunch included a gigantic sandwich, juice, water, a mountain of fruit, and a box of macadamia chocolates, which was way too much to finish. I took the chocolates as a souvenir. I was a bit worried about not speaking English. If you're a beginner, they won't let you ride on a course that includes galloping. It's self-reported, but you'll need to sign a waiver, so you're responsible in case of an accident.
ポリネシアンカルチャーセンターを過ぎてまもなくの左側に牧場の敷地が広がっている。白人ばかりで、ハワイというよりアリゾナあたりの感じ。たまたま学校が休みで小さな子供連れの家族が群れていたが、ほとんどは短い体験乗馬。NYから1.5年前にやってきたAmandaの案内でいざ出発。丘陵を林を思いっきり駆け抜ける爽快さは日本では味わいにくい。クレイン乗馬クラブを欲求不満でやめ、阿蘇夢大地のクラブで3年ほど乗っているが、あそこは坂が多い。当地は敷地が平坦ゆえ駈足が最高。30分の僕らだけのランチには、特大のサンドイッチ、ジュース、水、山盛りフルーツ、マカデミアチョコ1箱がついていて、到底食べきれない。チョコはおみやげにもらいました。英語ができないとちょっと心配。乗馬未経験者なら駈足なしのコースじゃないと受けてくれません。自己申告だけど免責書類にサインしますから、事故があっても自己責任ね。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/07/02 |
Reviewed by: アイーダ
I imagined a ranch like a grassland, but it turned out to be a wilder course with a bit of a mountain path. At the top, I could see the ocean, making it a fun experience. The horses taken care of by the cowgirls were well-trained, and I felt completely at ease riding them. The duration was just right, and I definitely want to come back.
草原のような牧場をイメージしていましたが、ちょっとした山道を登っていく思ったよりワイルドなコースで、頂上では海も見え、楽しい経験となりました。
カウガールたちの世話している馬たちは、よく調教されていて乗っていて全然不安を感じません。
時間の長さもちょうど良く、ぜひまた来たいと思います。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2012/05/04 |
Reviewed by: 匿名希望
There was no pickup, but The Bus was sufficient. For us, who practice equestrianism in Japan, this ranch was the best and made us so happy. It felt like being a cowboy. The staff were friendly (American).
On the way back, I think it would be great to get off at Kahuku and enjoy shrimp, corn, and more!
ピックアップは無いけれどThe Bus で充分行けました。日本で馬術している私達にとって、これ程嬉しい牧場は最高でした。カーボーイ気分です。スタッフも親切(アメリカン)。
帰りはカフクで降りてシュリンプ、コーンなど召し上がったら良いと思うわ!!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2012/02/10 |
Reviewed by: t.shiohara
The location is great, and the horse training is very well done, so the horses are calm and you can enjoy trail riding with peace of mind.
At first, we did a 90-minute family trail ride at a walk. Other beginner families also participated, and we were able to enjoy it safely and happily.
Next, we went for a canter and encountered many horses and cows while they were grazing. Advanced riders can also enjoy this experience.
There are no vending machines here, so I think it's better to bring your own drinks.
It was a ranch where you can experience the authentic atmosphere of an American farm. It was nice and simple since it hasn't been commercialized as a tourist spot.
ロケーションも良く、また馬の調教もとても良くできていて、馬もおとなしいので安心して外乗できます。
初めはファミリーで常足外乗90分しました。他の初心者のファミリーも参加しましたが安全に楽しくできました。
続いてキャンター外乗しましたが、放牧中のたくさんの馬や牛と出会いました。上級者の方も楽しめます。
ここは自販機が無いので飲料を持参するほうが良いと思います。
アメリカの素の牧場の雰囲気を味わえるRANCHでした。観光地化されていない分、素朴で良かったです。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2011/12/28 |
Reviewed by: Cyndi from Hemet, CA
I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our ride. We were a group of five, Joe Shonkwiler (wife Donna), Charlie Johnson, Jeff Goorsky and myself. Sarah and Heidi were our guides. We had an awesome time!!! The ride was fantastic, the views great, the lunch delicious, the horses perfect, Sarah and Heidi outstanding! It couldn't get any better than that. The girls got a kick out of my husband since he had never ridden before as well as being allergic to horses. He did great! Just enough breeze was blowing to keep the allergies at bay and his horse was the perfect babysitter. Thank you again!
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| Attended as: | Families |
| Posted on: | 2010/06/08 |
Reviewed by: Nathan L.Â
Gunstock Ranch is terrific in every way. The scenery is spectacular and the trail guides are fantastic.
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2010/06/08 |
Reviewed by: Josie and Andy
Thank you for such a fantastic trail ride! Our guide, Brittany was great and it was so nice to have options for canter. Out of all the holiday riding experiences we have had, this has been the best by far. I can definitely say that if it wasn't for the 21 hour flight from the UK, we would be there every weekend!
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2010/06/04 |
Reviewed by: くっきー
Overall, it was fun to run a lot, but my butt got chafed and hurt.
ともかく、たくさん走れて面白かったがお尻がすれて痛かった。
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2009/02/06 |
Reviewed by: TAKA&MAMI
The first ride of 2009 was on January 2 at Gunstock Ranch on Oahu. We drove from Waikiki via H1 → R63 → R83 heading north, passed the Polynesian Cultural Center, and just a few minutes further on the left, we saw the sign for Gunstock Ranch. It takes a little over an hour from Waikiki. On the way, we stopped by Cloverleaf Ranch. Two summers ago, my family of four, including the kids, had our first trekking ride there, which made it a memorable ranch for us. After that, my husband and I started attending lessons at the riding club Crane, where we experience ups and downs in a small arena while practicing canter.
Oahu has a couple of beginner-friendly trekking options, but Gunstock Ranch offers an advanced trail ride, which we eagerly signed up for. Due to poor conditions from the rain the day before, we were suggested to switch to a safer scenic ride. However, after discussing our riding experience with our young and cute guide Stephanie, who had a wonderful smile, we were allowed to canter in a safe area. TAKA had just ridden 15 kilometers along the coastline at Frontier Riding Club in Hokkaido last fall. However, for MAMI, who was on her first outdoor ride, it started with a trot, but by the second and third times, she was able to do a more dynamic canter, which was a thrilling experience compared to the small arena.
The group that rode before us consisted of a mix of three and two people, and it seemed they were trekking at a beginner's pace. They likely make efforts to accommodate as many requests as possible for the riding tour based on group composition and negotiations. I am especially grateful to Stephanie, our guide this time!
2009年の初乗りは1月2日オアフ島のガンストック牧場でした。ワイキキからレンタカーでH1→R63→R83と経由北上し、ポリネシアンカルチャーセンターを過ぎさらに北上、5分も行かないところに左手にガンストック牧場の看板があります。ワイキキから1時間ちょっとってとこでしょうか。行きに途中クロレア牧場に立ち寄りました。2年前の夏、子供たちとともに家族4人で初トレッキング常歩乗馬し、乗馬にはまった記念すべき牧場です。その後、乗馬クラブのクレインに夫婦で通い狭い馬場で駈歩のレッスンに一喜一憂しています。オアフの乗馬ツアーは初心者向けのポコポコトレッキングは2~3ありますが、ガンストック牧場はアドバンスド・トレイル・ライドがあり勇んで申し込みました。前日の雨による悪コンディションのため、安全なシーニック・ライドへの変更を提案されましたが、とっても若くてキュートで笑顔の素敵な女性ガイドのステファニーに乗馬経験を話し、セーフティーな場所でキャンター(駈歩)OKってことになりました。TAKAは昨秋北海道のフロンティア乗馬クラブで海岸線を15キロ走ってきたところです。しかし初外乗のMAMIは最初トロット(速歩)でしたが、2回目3回目とどんどんダイナミックなキャンターが出て狭い馬場との違いに感動充実の時間となりました。私たちの前の時間に乗馬したグループは3+2人の2組の混合でしたが、ビギナーのペースでのトレッキングだったようです。グループ編成と交渉次第で可能な限りの希望通りの乗馬ツアーの実現に努力してくれるのでしょう。とくに今回ガイドをしてくれたステファニーには大感謝ですっ♪
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2009/01/05 |
Reviewed by: おきゃん
On Christmas Day, the only place where horseback riding was available was Gunstock Ranch. Although the prices were elevated for the holiday, considering the Christian culture, it was quite appreciated.
There was no shuttle service from the hotel, so we rented a car with a navigation system and challenged ourselves to drive on the right side for the first time. The navigation guided us to our destination without any issues when we entered the address, and by being mindful of the central lane always being on the left, we found that driving wasn't too different from Japan. (I felt it was convenient to have the postal code handy since the navigation I used didn't have a search function by phone number, etc.)
Now, regarding the horseback riding, besides our family of four, there were also four family members from California and two couples participating.
The owner of Gunstock Ranch led the way, with his wife at the midpoint and his daughter (around elementary school age) bringing up the rear as we set off.
It was the first time for my husband, daughter, and son to ride horses, but there were no issues at all. The very smart horses followed commands for right, left, and gallop, taking us along nicely.
While it's common to see guides leading horses in enclosed areas, riding through the great outdoors while enjoying the scenery was truly delightful.
All instructions were in English, but they were easy to understand. We had a lot of fun participating.
I highly recommend it!
クリスマスの25日に唯一、乗馬が可能だったのがガンストック牧場でした。クリスマス料金になっていたのでコストパフォーマンスが良いとはいえませんでしたが、クリスチャンのお国柄を考えれば、ありがたいことしきりです。
ホテルとの送迎はありませんので、ナビ付きレンタカーを借り、初めての右側車線にもチャレンジ。
ナビは、住所の入力で目的地まで問題なく案内してくれましたし、常に左側に中央車線があることを意識して運転をすると、以外と日本と変わらずに運転ができます。
(ナビの利用には、郵便番号を控えておくと便利だと感じました。私が利用したナビは、電話番号などでの検索機能がなかったので・・・)
さて、肝心の乗馬ですが、私たち4人家族以外にも、4名のカリフォルニアから来た家族と、2名のカップルが参加していました。
ガンストック牧場のご主人が先導し、中間地点に奥さん、そして一番後ろには、娘さん(小学校中学年ぐらい)が付いて出発です。
主人、娘、息子は馬に乗るのは初めてでしたが、何の問題もなく、とても賢い馬は、右・左・ギャロップなどの指示に従ってちゃんと私たちを乗せてくれました。
柵の中で、管理者が引き馬をしてくれるケースはよく見ますが、大自然の中、景色を楽しみながらのお散歩乗馬、とても気持ちが良かったです。
説明は全て英語ですが、十分に聞き取りは可能です。
楽しく参加することができました。
お勧めですよ♪
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2009/01/01 |
Reviewed by: H.IKEDA
We are a couple over sixty, and this was our second time participating, following last year. We were able to extend the canter longer than last year, which made it even more enjoyable. Both instructors were kind and attentive. We definitely plan to participate again next time.
私たちは還暦を過ぎた夫婦ですが、去年に続いて2度目の参加でした。去年よりキャンターを長くすることが出来ましたので、より楽しかったです。二人のインストラクターも親切で、丁寧に対応してくれました。
次回も是非、参加しようと思っています。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2008/10/16 |
Reviewed by: hide
I participated this time with three children aged 7, 5, and 3. I searched for various options to let the kids try horseback riding, but most places required participants to be over 10 years old. However, I found one that offered "Keiki (children) horseback riding" and decided to join.
At first, I thought they would be riding small ponies, but in reality, they rode regular horses. The three of them had some experience with ponies, but this was their first time on regular horses.
Two staff members from the ranch accompanied us with three horses, holding the reins as we enjoyed horseback riding for over 30 minutes across the vast ranch.
We didn't just go around in circles; we also climbed up a hill to see other horses in the pasture and even spotted a newborn foal, making for a fun time.
The kids seemed to have a great time and expressed their desire to ride again.
I understand that regular horseback riding tours are for ages 7 and up, so I would like to participate in a tour again in a few years.
Although Japanese is not spoken, I think participating itself is not an issue.
今回7才5才3才の3人の子供連れで参加しました。
子供たちに乗馬をさせてやりたいと色々と探しましたが、だいたいのところは10歳以上という中で唯一「ケイキ(子供)乗馬」というのを見つけて、参加しました。
最初はポニーのような小さい馬かなと思っていましたが、実際は普通の馬で、3人ともポニーは何度か経験がありましたが、普通の馬は初めてでした。
3頭の馬に牧場のスタッフが二人付いてくれて、手綱をもって広大な牧場を30分以上にわたって乗馬を楽しみました。
サークルの中をグルグル回るだけでなく、けっこう岡の上まで上って他の馬の放牧場を見たり生まれたばかりの子馬を見たりと楽しい時間でした。
子供たちもまた乗馬をしたいと、大変楽しかったようです。
普通の乗馬ツアーは7歳以上とのことでしたので、また数年後にツアーに参加したいと思います。
日本語は通じませんが、参加自体は問題ないと思います。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/09/01 |
Reviewed by: michiru
I participated in the advanced course at Gunstock Ranch with my sister. If you're coming from Waikiki, I think it's easy to aim for the Polynesian Cultural Center as a landmark.
We were asked how much experience we had riding horses, and after doing some trotting in the circle, we set off. After walking along the mountain path, we suddenly broke into a canter through the woods. When the lead horse, Sara, started running, my horse quickly followed suit, and my sister's horse behind me joined in as well.
We ran quite a bit. It was my first time cantering in Western style, and I was a bit worried, but it turned out to be quite easy even with the long stirrups. It felt really good.
While observing the condition of the trail, we then trotted up and down the hills. At the top, Sara picked some guava fruit for us and took some pictures. The descent offered beautiful scenery, so we leisurely walked.
The weather was great, and it was a very fulfilling hour. If I have the chance, I would love to visit Gunstock Ranch again.
ガンストック牧場上級者コースに妹と参加してきました。
ワイキキから行く場合、とりあえずポリネシアカルチャーセンターを目指して行くとわかりやすいと思います。
どれくらい馬に乗っているかを尋ねられ、サークル内で速歩などをして、いざ出発。
山道をてくてく進んだ後、木立の中をいきなり駈歩です。
先頭のサラが走ると、私の馬もすぐに駈歩。私の後ろの妹の馬も一緒に走ります。
結構走りました。ウエスタンの駈歩は初めてで、少し心配しましたが、長い鐙でも走りやすいものなんですね。すごく気持ちよかったです。
道の状態を見ながら、後は速歩で坂道を上ったり下ったり。
頂上では、サラがグアバの実を取ってくれて、写真も撮ってくれました。
下りは景色がいいので、のんびり常歩です。
お天気も良く、とても充実した1時間でした。また機会があれば、もう一度ガンストック牧場を訪れたいです。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/07/09 |
Reviewed by: ハワイでは必ず乗馬ファミリー
We are a family that always goes horseback riding in Hawaii. So far, we have ridden in one place on Kauai, three places on Oahu, one place on Molokai, one place on Maui, and one place on the Big Island. This year, we were planning to go horseback riding on Lanai, but we learned that Gunstock Ranch started offering rides last year. Considering the time saved by not having to travel to another island, we quickly booked an afternoon ride online.
After passing through Kahuku from the North Shore, we spotted the sign on the right after about five minutes! We turned right and climbed a bit up the mountain, arriving at a ranch that was completely untouched by tourism. Immediately, friendly dogs and sheep came to greet us. We made our way past the horses that were grazing in the back and found the guides, all of whom were women. After chatting, we learned that they were Mrs. Smith, the ranch owner, her daughter, and a part-time worker from Colorado who came to study at a university in Hawaii.
Although they didn't speak any Japanese, it felt like visiting a neighbor's house for check-in, creating a very homey atmosphere. As we started riding, it felt as if we had chartered the entire experience just for our family. We passed through the rodeo practice area and the training area for the horses, navigating through trees that made us feel like we were in an orchard. While riding, we picked and ate guava, and after climbing for an hour, we reached a viewpoint overlooking the North Shore, Kahuku, and the northeastern sea. We took commemorative photos and videos with this beautiful scenery as our backdrop, watching the sunset behind the mountains as it illuminated the southern part of Kahuku while chatting with our guide on the way back down to the ranch center in 30 minutes.
I wouldn't recommend this for first-time overseas riders, but for those who are tired of touristy horseback riding and can speak a little English, I think this is the best place on Oahu. We were treated to a beautiful sunset that made us forget we were even on Oahu.
ハワイでは必ず乗馬をするファミリー家族です。今までにカウアイ島で1箇所、オアフ島で3箇所、モロカイ島で1箇所、マウイ島で1箇所、ハワイ島で1箇所、今年はラナイ島で乗馬でもしようと計画していたところ、ここガンストック牧場で昨年からやり始めたとの情報を得、わざわざ離島まで行って乗馬することを考えればかなりの時間の節約と考えさっそくネットでアフタヌーン乗馬を予約。ノースからカフクを通り過ぎ約5分ぐらいで右手に看板発見!右折して山側にすこし登るとまったく観光化されていない牧場のたたずまい、早速人懐こいワンちゃんや羊がよって来て歓迎ムード、奥へ放牧されている馬さんたちをよけながら先に進みガイドさん?たちを発見、みなさん女性でお話をしたら牧場主のスミス婦人とそのお嬢さんとコロラド州からハワイの大学へ来たアルバイトのお嬢さんの3人でした。まったく日本語は通じませんがまるでとなりの家へ遊びに行きチェックインも、アットホームな感じ、早速乗馬し我々家族だけのまるでチャーターしたみたいな一行は一路ロデオ練習場や馬を乗馬用になれさせる練習場を通り過ぎ山へ谷へ果樹園と思わせる木々の中を通り過ぎ馬上からグアバをもぎとり食べながら又山へ、1時間も登ると北はノースショアーからカフクそして北東の海海、この景色をバックに記念写真とビデオを撮り、山陰にかくれた太陽の夕日が先のカフクの南を照らすのを見ながらガイドとおしゃべりをしながら牧場中心地へ30分で下山。初めての海外乗馬の方にはお勧め出来ないが、観光乗馬に飽きた方、少し英語がお話できる方にはオアフ島では1番良いところと思います。オアフ島にいる事を忘れてしまいそうなきれいなサンセットを見させていただきました。
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2008/03/15 |
Reviewed by: Ambre
My 9-year old and I went horseback riding and we had a blast. She is a little horse lover. The guide was a lot of fun and was very knowledgeable about the somewhat historic ranch. The view from the top of the mountain was beautiful. I would definitely do it again!
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2007/11/22 |
Reviewed by: George
I did this with my 23 year old daughter and we both felt that this was an outstanding activity! The ride was great - some hills, windy trails, spectacular views, just the right length - 90 minutes. The staff was super - Darleena couldn't have been better - so knowledgeable, friendly and patient! The horses were very calm and perfect for this type of ride. We both agree that this is one of the best things we've done on Oahu. We've already recommended Gunstock Ranch to other family members that are planning to visit Hawaii. (I'll send photos later)
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| Attended as: | Friends |
| Posted on: | 2007/11/12 |
Reviewed by: H.Ikeda
For those who find sightseeing horseback riding insufficient, I think you'll enjoy it as they can adjust the pace to your level, allowing for faster trots and gallops.
観光乗馬では物足りない方には、レベルに合わせて早足や駈けさせてくれるので、楽しめると思います。
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| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/11/04 |
Reviewed by: D. Peters
I booked the lunch ride for myself and Daughter in June of 2007. I have to commend the Gunstock Ranch, we had such a wonderful time with our 2 tour guides and saw the beautiful sights of Oahu from the bottom to the top. Were we found seashells on the very top of the mountain and mongoose along the path to get there. The Lunch and the company the tour forward will last us forever until we can get back again to do it all over, I would not hesitate to recommend this extremely enjoyable activity. If you ever need a recommendation please let me know.
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| Attended as: | Families with Young Children |
| Posted on: | 2007/07/06 |
Reviewed by: satosalty
Date of participation: March 19, 2007 (Monday). We participated as a couple. Gunstock Ranch is about an hour and a half by car from Waikiki, located beyond the Polynesian Cultural Center. The area is lush and green, quite different from the rocky terrain of the Big Island, making it suitable for horseback riding. We gathered at 8:30 in the morning. It was just the two of us participating. After the rain, the greenery and rainbow were beautiful. We signed some documents, learned the basics of horseback riding, and mounted our horses. We proceeded with three horses into the greenery. Along the way, the female guide asked, "RUN?" and when I answered "YES," we started to gallop. The horse I rode was well-trained and very responsive. Since it was a horse that wanted to run, I hardly had to kick it at all. We mostly galloped except for the climbs and descents to the hill and some slippery red dirt areas. The trees on both sides formed an arch, and we moved through it at a comfortable speed. The guide picked guava fruit for us, which was sour and delicious. When we reached the top of the hill, we had a 360-degree view. We could see the ocean as well. The wind felt nice, and the view was amazing. The hour flew by. It was a lot of fun.
P.S. To Alan1: Please create a farm stay tour at this ranch.
参加日: 2007/03/19(月) 夫婦2人で参加しました。
ガンストック牧場はワイキキから車で約1時間半、ポリネシアカルチュアルセンターの先にあります。緑が一面に広がっていて、ハワイ島のゴツゴツした地面とは違い、乗馬に適していました。朝、8時半に集合。参加は私たち夫婦2人のみ。雨上がりで緑と虹がとてもきれいです。書類にサインをし、乗馬の基本を教えてもらい騎乗。緑の中へ3頭で進んでいきます。途中、女性のガイドさんから「RUN?」と言われたので「YES」と答えると駆け足開始。乗った馬は良く調教されていてとてもよく言うことを聞きます。走りたがりの馬だったのでほとんど蹴らずにすみました。丘までの上り下りや、赤土むき出しで滑りやすい場所以外はほとんど駆け足です。両側の木がアーチになっていて、その下を心地よいスピードで進みます。ガイドさんがグァバの実を採ってくれます。すっぱくておいしい。丘のてっぺんに上ると、そこからは360度の視界が開けます。海も見えます。風も気持ちよく最高の眺めです。あっという間の1時間でした。とても楽しかったです。
追伸:Alan1ちゃんへ この牧場のファームスティツアーをぜひ作ってください。
| Rating: | |
|---|---|
| Attended as: | Couples |
| Posted on: | 2007/03/25 |
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