ATV Day

Between our lake days, we decided to do a forest exploration day in ATVs. We rented 3 four-seater side by sides up near Truckee and explored some ATV trails. We split up into 3 groups and hit the trails. We put Danny, Alyssa, Tyler, and Tommy in the lead so they could navigate for us. Danny and Alyssa took turns driving their ATV. Brian, Robbie, Camden, and Katherine were in the 2nd ATV, Brian and Robbie took turns driving that one. Maryn, Laura, Ashley, and Lydia were in the 3rd ATV. Maryn and Laura mostly drove, but we let Ashley have some time behind the wheel as well. 

At first, we got lost and were unable to find the correct trail. We ended up on a motorbike dirt track and one of the ATV's got stick on a steep little hill. But once we got it off the hill with some pushing and maneuvering, and had explored all other options, we came back to the same area and learned that we just barely missed the turn off that connected us to the correct trail. Once we were on the trail, we drove over to the closest lake. We got out and stretched and the kids threw rocks in the water.

Then we headed up a small incline to some shade and sat in the pine needles to eat lunch.

After lunch, we headed over to lake number 2. It was so blue. Again, we parked and got out to stretch and throw rocks.

We took some pictures here as well.

After this lake stop, we decided to go find some fun/pretty trails to drive.

These flowers with the big leaves were all over the place.

On one of our quick stops, Tommy tried out the drivers seat.

As the day went on, we learned why it was better to be in the lead car then the other 2. We spent the day eating a lot of dust.

And it showed on our faces.

Tyler was in the lead car and I was not. I am just glad that I had sunglasses because they at least kept most of the dirt out of my eyes.

But I didn't want to be the navigator, either, so thankfully a nice, long shower was able to fix the dirt.

It was a really fun day and towards the end of the day we let all of the little kids have a turn in the front seat with one of the teenage drivers. The river crossing was especially fun so we did that quite a few times.

We were supposed to have the ATV's until 7pm, but the owners cut our day short by a couple of hours and requested them back at 5. It worked out because I think most of us were done by 5 and ready for dinner.