A couple of trips planned

It seems like its been forever since we've been on a trip but we made reservations for a couple of trips.  Labor Day weekend we are heading to Marysvale, Utah!  Yes!  We'll be camping at Lizzie and Charlies' and riding the ATVs in the beautiful Utah mountains on the Paiute trail system.

In the next couple of weeks we'll be heading south for the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival in cool Williams, Arizona.  This was our first contest ever so it's always like going home.  We're taking a couple of extra days for us to explore and enjoy the area.  

An Easter Ride

Last weekend was spent with family and friends as we enjoyed a barbecue for my birthday.  Yesterday I saw my kids, had doggie daycare and two weddings this weekend so Easter Sunday was spent with just the two of us.  We give praise to God for everything and know Christ is risen.

Since my quad has been out of commission for months and recently repaired, we set out for the desert hills of Nelson, NV.  The desert was gorgeous today!  It was a bright sunny day, the desert flowers are blooming and we enjoyed a peaceful ride over to Keyhole Canyon.

While there are a ton of petroglyphs on the rocks in that area, I found something I've not seen before in that area...painted glyphs.  You can always see and find something new...even in a place you've been to many times before.  I thought I'd share with you today.  Have a blessed Easter.

Marysvale

We took the Labor Day weekend off from the BBQ thing and decided to go camping instead.  Marysvale and the Paiute Trail was our destination and it's a great choice.  The weather has been wonderful, we've had some rain, clouds and sunny weather.  It's been nice and cool, especially at night.  Lizzie and Charlies RV Park wasn't as full as I expected, I'm just glad we were able to get a spot (and in the old area with grass as well). 

We've covered quite a bit of ground over the last few days.  Friday, we set up camp and took the truck over the mountain to Beaver.  What a beautiful drive it was, with a steady rain at the higher altitudes.  We picked up cheese curd and enjoyed some ice cream at the Cache Valley Cheese Factory, got my wood order from the lumber yard (Lynn rocks by the way) and enjoyed dinner at Maria's in the Beaver Canyon Campground.  Our adventure took us over I-70 for the return trip to Marysvale. 
Saturday, we headed west and explored the old Silver King Mine area, down to Kimberly, and back over to Deer Creek Canyon. 

That is one beautiful ride for sure.  I even got a short video of it.  Cassy got to play in the water, hunt for squirrels and chase a deer on her 40 mile trip.  She stayed back at camp for the afternoon ride while we took the trail up to Boullion Canyon.  Timm got to play in the water there.  We even saw a few deer. 

Sunday, we headed out to the east side of the Pauite in the Monroe Mountains.  Lunch was lake side at Manning Reservoir. It was good to see that it wasn't lacking for water.  Cassy sure enjoyed that part, she got to go swimming and fetch sticks...not to mention roll around in the grass. 

Some of the leaves are already starting to change...a few more weeks and it will be stunning.

It was a great weekend that I look forward to with anticipation to go again.  We can't wait.

New tires

They're here!!!!  New ATV tires from Rocky Mtn ATV arrived yesterday at noon.  This week they will be on our quads so we can get out and have some new adventures!

A Logandale Trails Getaway

All five of my family headed out to Logandale Trails for a day of riding.  Scott and Christy spent last weekend there camping for Valentine's Day and met some other people with RZRs.  That being said, Scott, Christy, and Chris went on a trail ride with the RZR club while Timm and I...and Cassy...went exploring on our own.  It's been a long time since we were out there and with all the recent rain it was great riding with very little dust.  There were lots of people camping this weekend, but according to Scott much less than last week. I forgot my camera...again...UGH, but I still had my phone with me so I did capture a few pictures to share. 

It started out to be a cloudy day but by 11 or so the some was coming out.  Because it was so cloudy I really thought we might see some bighorn sheep but none showed themselves for us.   We hiked back into the dam and petroglyphs, as you can see the dam has backed up a really nice bunch of water.  Just a couple of years ago we were able to ride all the way in here and to the rocks in the background.  There are petroglyphs all over them and unfortunately the abuse and destruction of a few has not closed it off to all so now everyone that wants to see them has to walk in...at least we can still do that. 

Cassy immediately made her way into the small lake and we played fetch for quite a while.  She didn't have to swim at any point but the water was on her chest in much of the lake.  Then of course, she has to roll around in the sand to dry off...what a fashion statement red sand is on a yellow lab.  I wish I could hide out with a camera to see all the wildlife that makes it way here for an evening drink of cool water.

I truly enjoyed myself today.  It's been a long time since just Timm and I went riding by ourselves.  Even though we didn't ride with the kids, we met up with them and finished off our day together.  Everyone had a great time riding, exploring, and watching others on the dunes. 

A day ride in Nelson

The girl likes to explore what can I say...and pose apparently.  I love this photo of Cassy...so inquisitive. What a bummer, I forgot my camera on this trip but snapped this photo on my phone. It's at Keyhole Canyon and it had rained just a day or two before we went out so there was still water trickling down the falls. 

This is a broad view of Keyhole Canyon, a cool place in the middle of the desert.  Many people visit this place and Scout troops often camp overnight there.

Ancient ones also found this place of great importance to the survival.  There are petroglyphs all over the place.  I wish I could understand all of it, I can catch some things but most elude me as to the meaning.  Scott took these photos, he called it "Indian Graffiti".

Scott, the RC rock crawler he is, had to try to crawl with his RZR at a place we've nicknamed "Bedrock".  It makes a great lunch stop.

All my guys made laps on a short loop on Chris' bad ass Outlaw.  It is one scary fast machine.  He can pop wheelies in 5th gear in the blink of an eye.

Although Christy didn't make it out that Sunday (still suffering from her wisdom teeth extraction), we had a great day riding.  The weather was awesome and sunny.  It had rained most of the week so there was no dust on the trails making it fabulous for everyone.  We covered some new trails that Timm discovered on the DAT club ride the weekend before...some really cool stuff. 

1st ATV ride of the year

It's so exciting...Scott and Christy bought a RZR so now we can all go ATVing!  He needs to sell off his Predator now if you know anyone who's interested.  We went to the outskirts of Tecopa. CA for a day of riding and exploring.  Christy's never done this kind of stuff before and she had a great time.  Scott and Chris have never been out there either, so we were excited to take them all somewhere new to ride and explore. There is a whole mining district with a bunch of mines, timbers, tressulls, and more out there.  Even a small cemetary if you know where to look. 

There is so much for Christy to learn...first of all...bring toilet paper and baby wipes.  Both are a girls best friend on the trail. Better shoes is another big one, needs a pair of boots to crawl around and explore. She loved the barrel cactus, wait for it to bloom and she'll be blown away. She's such a good sport...doesn't matter to her if she gets dirty.  Can't wait to take her to Utah and ride the trails there.  Here she is exploring some of the old mining ruins and what's left of a train trussell.  We even went into one of the mines but all we had was one mini-mag flashlight for 4 people so we really didn't get all that far.

Unfortunately, a portion of this trail trussell has come down since we've been there last.  I'd like to think it was time and the weather but more than likely people didn't respect it.  That section was getting loose last time we were there.   Lunch was grilled hotdogs at the trucks, we must have been pretty hungry 'cuz they were almost all gone. Way better than sandwiches. We also went to China Date Ranch for shakes and bread...yummy.  It's a great way to end the day. 

Another first for Christy...she shot her first firearm...at her camera, no less.  She dropped and broke it...bummer.  So...target practice! Chris gave her a gun safety and shooting lesson.  He's really good at it, very patient.

We all had the best day together out exploring the desert.  It's really remarkable how much is out there when you just get out there to see it.  Can't wait to go out again...all together!!!  It was a blast!

Scott and Christy Got a New Toy

Scott and Christy got a heck of a deal on a new toy for Christmas...and Valentines...and Easter...and birthdays...lol...no really, they did get a great deal though.  Scott, Chris and friends made a run to Cedar to pick up Scott and Christy's new RZR.  I am so excited...now they can go out ATVing with us...all 5 of us...it will be awesome!

Scott will be selling his Predator so if you know of anyone that is looking for a good deal on one of them be sure to let us know.

We all got to drive it around the yard before he took it home.  Timm and Cassy seem to like it really well.  Okay, anytime Cassy can ride she really likes it.  I like it when she smiles.

Can't wait till we all go out next Sunday!

Crystal leads her first ride

As Trailmaster for Dunes and Trails ATV Club for 2009, Crystal lead the last official ride of the year.  We rode a new area close to home for us called Cottonwood Valley.  We enjoyed wonderful weather on the day we rode.  I actually post-poned the ride a week.  The original date was cold, rainy, snowy and down right miserable.  Thanks to all who showed up to support me...22 riders in all!

We rode from the parking area, south to Good Springs.  Along the way we made several stops including this fabulous view of the Las Vegas Valley.  We enjoyed ice cream and a mini tour of the historic Pioneer Saloon in Good Springs.  On our way back we stopped at a couple of mines, let the riders explore them for a while.  We also stopped at an old house just past one of the mines.  It's an old A-frame cabin tucked up one of the canyons.  Still standing but in much dis-repair.  It's so cool to find stuff like this out there.  We also found some indian petroglyphs near our lunch stop.  No wild burros this trip although we did see a pair of them on our pre-ride.  I got stuck in a snow drift...dang bald tires...most embarrasing for being the leader.  No one made fun of me but I was embarrassed.  Timm came to my rescue and winched me out...my hero.  He was also my backup, giving me support all day.  Thanks goes out to Alan for being my tail gunner, what a great guy.  Timm has lead many rides for the club and I am glad I pay attention to what he does, it really came to good use on this ride.

DAT Anniversary

Last Saturday we headed out to the outskirts of Tecopa for the club's anniversary party.  We didn't take the ATV's, mine has a torn boot but we did bring out the BBQ, barrels, and a canopy for shade.  The weather couldn't have been any better...unlike last year when Timm was in charge of the event (40+ mile an hour winds at the dunes...horrible).  The morning offered a poker run for those on ATVs, the rest of us played some games in camp.  Timm and I won the egg toss.  Cassy did a great job cleaning up after those who lost.  Timm and Alan cooked lunch while I assisted, Keith relieved them so they could eat.  They were some yummy hamburgers and hot dogs...everything tasted better cooked outside, why is that.  The ATV rodeo was a real hoot!  More people participated than signed up when they saw how fun it was.  I think the sled pull was the best.  Bob and Dave won that in something like 27 seconds...maniacs those two are.  You know how Cassy loves to ride the ATV.  Even though we didn't have ours she still got to go for a ride.  Thanks Keith for the use of your Rhino, Cassy enjoyed it. 

ATV Club Rides Ely, NV

Holiday weekends always bring extra members out to ride and Labor Day 2009 was no exception. We based ourselves in the Ely KOA. They were very accomodating and friendly, the spaces are wide so you don't feel like you're on top of your neighbor, large trees shade every site, and you can ride your ATV in and out of the park. They even offered up a BBQ dinner and breakfast Saturday and Sunday for a small fee. We had dinner Saturday night and Timm enjoyed breakfast both days. Eldora is a mighty fine cook and the proceeds go to the children's cancer fund.

Here we are Saturday morning...28 riders strong ready to head out for a day of adventure. Timm was the ride leader so he gave his required speech...ride with your lights on, wait at turns for the rider behind you, and so on.









One of our prettiest places to ride was Sawmill Canyon. What a gorgeous place this is. We pre-rode this area on Friday and tried to connect over to the next canyon but it just got too rough. I hate to say it but I pulled out the 'girl card' and said someone else was taking my quad over that section. (I know, I know...I've never said that before...I was having a really weak moment apparently) It definitely wasn't a trail to try and pursue with so many riders so like much of the area around Ely, we had to backtrack our way out of the canyon.

Eventually, we made our way to Ward Cemetary and Historic Mining District. Unfortunately, the mining district was not accessible. There were large burms with deep trenches behind them where all the roads used to be. GRRRRR! The cemetary was neat though. Our plan was to go see the Ward Charcoal Ovens from there and to head over the mountain at that point. Another big GRRRRR! You can't get close to them without paying $4/person and the trail that connected up over the mountain is now closed! Two years ago, it was a fairly new ATV trail constructed by the Forest Service with wooden bridges to cross the creek and other neat stuff. Now, it's closed to ATV use and a housing development is built on part of what used to be trail access. It is so frustrating!!!!


Anyway, on a happier note, we also rode on the east side of Ely on Saturday's ride. Saw some gorgeous territory, found an old mine site, many took a steep trail to the top of one of the mountains for an amazing view of Ely, the Steptoe Valley, and more. You could see forever and a day.

We enjoyed lunch in a lush meadow that had a spring and some water troughs. I'd like to hide myself there to see what kind of wildlife comes out towards evening.

Our last stop on Saturday's ride where the train stops to turn around. We barely made it in time. It was neat to see them disconnect and re-connect the train. There was a boy losing his mind when he saw all of us along the tracks and the stopping point. Funny stuff.

All in all, it was a good trip, with lots of wonderful people. There were a few issues that will soon be resolved, and a few closed trails that made it really frustrating for Timm. Alan's quad broke down before the weekend even started. Some major repairs need to be done because the service technician didn't complete his job. I don't think those that follow know how the weight of responsibilites feels for the ride leader. Hopefully, someday they will step up and lead a ride.