Sunday brought us some beautiful Fall weather and we joined Dave and Shirley on a "jeep" outing. Dave wanted to check out a trail and since there was a rather deep ravine to go through he wanted another vehicle with him in case he needed a winch as there were really no trees close enough to winch on to if the need should arise.
John and I got into the Samurai and headed out with Booko in the back. He loves going for rides but the last few times he has been out, he was riding "shotgun" with John. Since I was in the truck today, he was designated to the back and I do not think he was too impressed!!
It was a awesome trail and all obstacles did not really pose any issues. No winches were needed but it was a bit slick. An early morning rain had added a bit of challenge but nothing that could not be conquered given enough tries!!
Booko was out of the truck at the first challenge and enjoyed running around like an idiot getting into the mud and the water!! He is such a "pup". He gets so excited and it is quite a pleasure watching him frolic and just be a happy dog!!
We travelled for several miles deep into the Northern Forest and just when you think that there is no possible way that you are going to see anyone else out here, along comes a lone quadder behind us just out checking on his tree stand. He told us that the trail we were on ended up at a dead end and of course, he was right. We ended up at a very deep ravine and there was no way possible for us to get across it so it was a turn around trail. Oh well, the scenery really cannot be beat!!
Once we got back to the trail head, Dave wanted to check out another trail that was a little past the turn off to Utah Lake. The day was still young so off we went.
We accessed the trail and soon found signs signalling that we were travelling into an active logging operation. Well, that is really no problem as long as the trail still exists. We passed some logging equipment and soon found ourselves on the trail Dave had been seeking. It was an awesome trail that wound through the bush offering up tons of incredible scenery and the ever lovely Fall colors. There was even a hint of decaying fallen leaves in the air and that was a sure sign of the changing seasons.
We really did not see much in the way of wildlife but we did see a lone snow goose that for some reason was sitting in a muddy puddle on the trail. He flew off when we got too close but I mentioned that it was rather odd for a single goose to be out here all by himself. Dave thought that he was probably an older goose that was having trouble keeping up the the flock and probably would not survive the long flight South. I felt sad for him but I guess that is the proverbial "Circle of Life". Perhaps this goose will be the meal that some hungry coyote or wolf is waiting for in order for him to get through his hunger.
We did see a little beaver as well when we passed by a rather large water feature. He was a young one and for some reason was out of the water and on the trail. Booko saw him and got real excited and wanted to go play!!
We travelled down this particular trail until we got to a water crossing that posed a bit of a problem. It was getting late and we had to decide whether to attempt to cross as there was obviously a quad trail off to the right but neither Dave nor John really knew where this particular trail ended. We thought that it would eventually take us to another trail but with that bit of knowledge not in our brains, we decided to turn around and take the known trail back. This would wait for another day when we had more daylight so, I'm thinking this is a "next year" trail.
As we travelled back the way we came, the sun set and we soon found the need for lights. A night drive always put a totally different perspective on the trail and it is both mystical and eerie at the same time. Tonight was no different and it was awesome. I truly was glad that we were in the little truck as the heater was working and we were nice and warm.
We had moved Booko into Dave and Shirley's jeep for the ride home as it was getting chilly and with his short hair, I am sure he was getting cold. He piled into their jeep like he had every right to be there, pushed in between Dave and Shirley and helped Dave "drive" all the way home!!
At one point, Dave said Booko was leaning on him so bad that when he looked at him, he found him with his eyes closed having a quick little nap!! Man, he is such a goof!!
As usual, the trip back down the trail seemed to be a lot quicker than the trip going and we were soon back at the logging equipment where there was more activity now at this time of night as when we first came past it. I guess the workers were calling it a day as well.
Before too long, we were back on the grid heading towards Leoville. Booko seemed to enjoy his ride and Dave got quite a kick out of shenanigans while he was in their jeep!! All in all, it was a great day spent out in our great Northern Forest.
Wednesday found me getting ready to work the last night shift for this month. I have only worked two shifts this month and I am not loving the time off although, John and I are pretty much packed and ready to head out for the winter.
Kelly arrived here on Thursday evening. She had an earned day off for Friday so thought this was a good time to come and pick up her enclosed trailer, her quad and Kayton's quad. All have been sitting in the yard for most of the summer. She arrived with Mason and there was a huge "doggie" reunion between Mason and Booko which, involved both of them yapping and barking and running around the yard with Booko trying to stomp poor little Mason!! Good Grief!! They are both nuts!!
John got a fire going on Thursday and we sat around it for a while. Gary came for a visit and the four of us sat around and kept warm. There was quite a chill in the air and the fire was awesome.
Friday was my birthday. It was the 33rd anniversary of my 29th birthday so it was my day to choose what to do and I wanted to travel down the North Road and have a cold beer on the hill overlooking Buck Lake so that is what we did. It was awesome and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Although it was a bit windy, there was none where we were sitting as we were so sheltered by the trees. Mason and Booko enjoyed the area too as they rummaged around in all the fallen leaves.
Before we left, I had started the Greek Ribs and Lemon Pepper Potatoes in the oven. They could cook while we had a beer.
The Riders were playing football today as well so we had to be home for that so we packed up the chairs and headed for home.
We had invited Gary for supper as he usually watches the football games with us and he was on his way over to the mancave when we arrived.
John threw his rack of ribs on the BBQ and before too long we were all chowing down on a variety of ribs, lemon potatoes and coleslaw. It was delicious and a most suitable birthday supper!!
On Saturday, Kelly headed back to Saskatoon. John had loaded all her stuff on Friday and hooked her up so all she had to do was get in and drive. Actually, she was going to be stopping in Langham at her daughter's. Ashley (her oldest daughter) had been picked for a moose tag and they were supposed to be going hunting on Sunday. Ryan, (Ashley's Dad) had scouted for moose and thought she had a pretty good chance at getting one so Kelly was really excited for Ashley. She left with instructions to let us know the outcome of Sunday's Shoot!!
After Kelly left, John and I had a few "little" things to get done and so after we got the decal peeled off one of the white doors on the truck, and the eggs were cooked and picked, we were able to relax in the mancave and watch some football.
Dave and Shirley came over for a visit and we sat in the comfort of the mancave and had an enjoyable evening. Dave has been heading out to his hunting spot early each morning in the hopes of shooting a big black bear that he has been feeding for the past while. So far, the bear has been outsmarting him and he has come back empty handed. He is hoping to tan its hide and make an awesome bear rug out of him. He also wants to try the meat. He has heard a lot about bear meat so is hoping to make the kill and form his own opinion on the taste of the meat.
He has been trying to find a comfortable chair to take out to the site and took one of my Cabella's "director" type chairs for tomorrow. All the ones he has tried so far are not making his back happy for hopefully this one works for him.
Saturday usually means steak night for us so after Dave and Shirley left, John cooked our supper and as usual.....it was delicious. This of course, put an awesome end to our week.
It was a great week, and has brought us even closer to our departure date. Only two weeks to go.....
Life is Good!!
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| Headed out with Dave and Shirley |
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| Going over the berm |
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| Getting dark, time to head home |
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| Headed into Spiritwood |
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| Another nice sunset in town |
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| Thursday night fire |
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Mason in the fire |
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| Marie's Birthday cruise |
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| Headed to Buck Lake |
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| Buck Lake |
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| Back at home watching the Rider game |
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| Kelly headed out Saturday with her trailer |
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