Thursday, June 28, 2012 (Rodeo Grounds, Merritt, BC)

It was shortly after 10:30 when we headed out on our quads...we were hitting the trails today; the first time in over 3 months.  The last time we had been out on our quads was in Wickenburg, Arizona.  There were 8 quads in our group.  Mario from the Powell River ATV club was leading our ride today...

It wasn't a super sunny day but it was very warm.  Beautiful country...

This is Sue with Bandit and Coco in the box on the back of her quad (we first met Sue and her husband, Bob down in Wickenburg, Arizona last March)...Zan is in the distance...

The bush got a little thick in a few places...

Arriving at Lily Lake...

...where we stopped for lunch.  We were also joined by another group of quad'ers...

It's amazing what you find out in the backcountry...

We went up to "the tower"...what a great view of Merritt...

That's where the Merritt Mountain Music Festival is usually held (it was cancelled this year)...

We arrived back at the rodeo grounds at 4:00...what a great day!  There had been an addition to our camp...Dennis and Carol had pulled in beside us in their truck and camper...

When we had stopped at "the tower" Steve had noticed a lot of grease on my back axle.  Once home he took a closer look and discovered that the rear axle boot had been torn.  I guess the "boot" is full of grease and protects the connection between the axle and differential from dirt and water...and it's not a good thing if it rips.  Great...one good ride and I might have to park my quad for the rest of the week!  Steve found an advertisement in one of the brochures of Merritt...it looks like there is a Yamaha dealer in Merritt; let's just hope they are able to fix it tomorrow!

Now it was time to relax over a couple of drinks and discuss our day...

(Diane, Wes and Steve)

(Dennis, Sue, Carol and Zan)

(Wes, Steve, Doug and Don)