Sunday, May 20/2018 - Saturday, May 26/2018

A little wheel trouble

We decided to hit the trails on Sunday and have a bit of an adventure down "in the block".  Dave and Shirley decided to join Gary and us for the day so we were all looking forward to just getting away from life and getting into the forest.
We started out just fine and traveled along the road heading east.  We had almost made it to the cattle gate when I heard a strange noise and of course said "what's that noise".   John stopped and of course couldn't hear anything so we carried on to the gate where finally....he heard "the noise"!!  We wheeled into the abandoned trailer at the bottom of the hill and John had a look.  By this time, the rest of the folks had stopped and it wasn't too long before it was discovered that the rear axle had popped out.   This certainly ended our day in the side by side.
As we sat there having an adult beverage, the situation was contemplated and it was decided that Dave would drive John back to town for the necessary tools for repairs and Shirley, Gary and I would stay with the quad and have another beer!!  Good plan!!
It wasn't long before we heard their return.  Instead of tools though, John brought the Sami back.  The broken side by side could sit in the forest by itself for the day and we would continue on our adventure.   Another good plan.   Off we went down the trail ......

Dave, Shirley and Gary

We were only out for a short ride today.  It was planned that we would simply do a short loop which included the main trail past Deer Lake across Lilac Trail and left to the snowmobile shelter then back along the main trail and home.  It was a good plan.

A little winching

Of course the main trail was not muddy but the sami managed to get stuck in the one and only mud hole.  We needed the winch to get out and let me tell you, I am not much help anymore with this stupid arthritic hip of mine.   I am better off inside, out of the way!!   At least my shoes stay clean!!
We managed to get pretty much out by the time our trail buddies came back to see what was taking us so long!!

more winching

We carried on, accessed Lilac trail and then, the fun began.   Before we got to the end of the trail the Sami was stuck three times and needed to be winched all three times.   Holy Buckets!!  At one point our winch decided to stop working but luckily the issue was in the switch and not in the winch itself so it was an easy repair.

At the shelter

Eventually, we arrived at the shelter and were able to take a break with some snacks and more adult beverages.  It was also time for everyone to knock the mud off their shoes.   Hopefully, it would be an easy ride down the main trail and back to our disabled side by side.

 

More winching

The ride back was uneventful and that was a good thing.  It was starting to get late and none of us really wanted to be out too late.   It was supposed to be a "short" ride today!!   Is there even such a thing as a "short" ride??
Once back in town, John got the truck out and headed back to the block to pick up the side by side.  He was back pretty quick and said he had to make it quick as the mosquitoes were vicious so loaded the side by side as quick as he could and got the hell out of there!!
I had made chili before we left so it was ready and waiting when we came off the trail and that was a good thing.  We were all hungry and although Dave and Shirley didn't join us for supper, Gary, John and I put a good dent in the pot!!  All in all, it was a good day - except for the axle!!  Everyone agreed that it would be an expensive repair.

Kim and Jace came to visit

Monday was a quiet day.  Apparently, us old folks need a day of rest following a day of adventure!!   I was totally ok with that.  Jace and Kimmy decided to stay another day at the lake so we didn't see them until Tuesday when they had to finally pack up and head back to Saskatoon and their "real" lives!!
Booko and Neena enjoyed a good old romp around the yard and I'm afraid that Booko will be on three legs again after all the jacking around he is doing with Neena.   That seems to be his norm now so I guess we will just have to get used to seeing him limp around on three legs.  At least he does not appear to be in any pain.  That would put a whole different spin on things.

Booko and Neena playing

Smokey sunset

Dogs played out

Our lilac bush in full bloom

The lilac trees are finally in bloom and they look and smell wonderful.   Gosh, how I love lilacs.  I took the sheers out and hacked at some of the chokecherry branches that were in the dark lilac bush as it was getting to big.   One of these days I really am going to have to clean out in there as I am afraid that the dark lilac is being choked out and I will not allow that to happen.  It too is just too beautiful and fragrant to let a damn chokecherry tree move it!!
On Thursday, I decided that it was time to plant the garden.  It was finally dry enough to get in there so started off early, took my time and got it done.  The only thing I didn't plant was the bedding plants and the peas.   Mainly because I had yet to get the bedding plants and I was too damn tired to care about the peas.   I will get to them tomorrow......

Another awesome fire to end the week

I worked a night shift on Friday and so we spent a very quiet day on Saturday.  Of course it was steak night so we had to have a campfire as well.  What a nice way to end the week.
We have to take the top of the fireplace into Spiritwood to the local welding shop as it has finally blown through the mash on the sides.  It is in dire need of repairs so that is on the agenda because the pit just doesn't look the same with out its top on.
All in all.....it has been another good week.   Life is good!!