Saturday, July 7, 2012 (Sheridan Lake Resort, Lone Butte, BC)

Steve decided not to bother going out fishing today...instead, he had a relaxing start to the day, did his weightlifting and then got started on washing our very dirty fifth-wheel!

It was a beautiful day...with the highs in the upper 20s...it’s going to be a hot ATV ride this afternoon!  The sky has been very hazy the last couple of days.  We have heard that it is a result of the smoke from the Colorado forest fires...although you wouldn’t be able to tell from these pictures...

We waited until the last minute before getting changed into our jeans and boots and after packing water and our helmets, we were off to meet Ralph and Sheila at “the corners” parking lot (where the Interlakes Market is) at 2:00.  Today some members of the Quad Squad South Cariboo ATV Club were going on a “steak dinner” ride to 70 Mile House.  When we arrived, we were surprised to see Mario was joining the ride as well.  He had been at the ATV/BC ride in Merritt; was visiting a friend in Bridge Lake; and was also heading to Three Valley Gap for the GPS ride next weekend.  Not sure if I mentioned it earlier, but Mario is from Powell River.

After a quick chat, we were all off...following Ralph and Sheila...to the staging area for today’s ride.  We drove about a half hour to the west side of Lone Butte.  Altogether there were 8 quads on the ride...9 people, with 3 more people who were unable to ride (due to recent eye and knee surgeries) joining us at the cafe.

We left the staging area at 3:00, arriving at the cafe at 5:00...a very dusty 2 hour/49 km ride but lots of fun!  Steve took pictures at every opportunity....

A beaver built its house on this small bit of water...

Again, we went through lots of diverse scenery...

Mario, Frank and Bonnie behind Steve...

That's me...a little uneven on this part of the trail...

I had just arrived at the cafe with the quads in front of me when I radioed Steve (who was behind me) to see where he was...apparently the others behind him hadn't caught up at an intersection to a different trail that we were taking so he went back to find out what was up.  Well, I guess Frank didn't see a big branch from a downed tree while he was trying to avoid a huge mud puddle...this was the result...

...the branch got stuck between his frame and axle...they had a hellava time getting it out!  Mario used his winch and Frank was pounding the branch at the other end...

They finally managed it and made their way to the cafe...I'm afraid I cannot remember everyone's name...my apologies...

And we`re getting ready to head back...we were taking a different route...crossing the highway here...

More beautiful scenery...

This is Green Lake...

I told you it was dusty!!

And we`re back to the trucks...it was 9:00 p.m...

Steve fuelled up our very dirty quads before loading them back into the truck...

By the time we loaded up the quads and drove back, it was 10:00 by the time we arrived home.  We cleaned up a bit and then sat outside to enjoy a drink.  We had had another great afternoon/evening with great people!