Got Truck?

As a matter of fact, yes, we do!

Friday morning was a joyous occasion at our house -- We got our truck back! Because we weren't exactly sure when we might get it, we hadn't made any concrete plans for the weekend. All I knew was that I wanted to go play outside! So after a mad scramble to get ready and a much later start than I had hoped for, we were underway. Despite our tardiness, the camp spot we wanted was miraculously still unoccupied. As we sat in our camp chairs by the river eating lunch, I could feel the week's stress slipping away with the water's foam. 

With lunch out of the way, it was time to ride. As we approached the Benbow area, Dan asked if I wanted to ride the Jeep Trail. It is a rocky, challenging, but gorgeous ride through aspen groves and pine forests, with a stream crossing thrown in just for fun. Dan found some fairly fresh bear tracks, but we never caught up with the maker. (Leaving me equally relieved and disappointed.) We did run into the Partridge Family. Or the Grouses, or the sage hens... whatever. It was fun to hear the hen and chicks call back and forth to each other. 

Later in the evening, as we sat playing cribbage in the camper, a sudden gust of wind tried to rip away our awning. We rushed out into the wind, lightning, and spattering raindrops to put it up. Unfortunately, it was but an indication of things to come. The wind was still screaming when we went to bed... and at 3 am... and ALL. NIGHT. LONG! 

The bear was here!

When morning came, we were joined by friends with four wheelers. Let the games begin! We had hardly driven out of the camp site when Dan slammed on the brakes. BEAR! It quickly changed its mind about crossing the road and disappeared back into the brush. Oh well, the day was young. While we never did spot anymore wildlife, it was still a great day for four-wheeling. The wind had finally died down and the sun was shining. We rode about 40 miles, splashing through puddles and streams and bouncing over rocks. The whole time, I just kept thinking about how much I was enjoying just being out again. 

I only said that we did not get rained on.
I never said that we did not get wet! =)

After a group supper back at the camper, we packed up and started the caravan for home. We had driven barely five miles when something big and black crossed the road in front of us. Yep, bear. It climbed over the guard rail and down the bank to the river. I am jealous of the fisherman who had the perfect angle for pictures. I didn't get any pictures, but nonetheless, it's always fun to see them. Maybe next time...

Where there's smoke, there's fire.
I am not sure where the fire was,
but the smoke created a pretty sunset.