ATV 15

So here we are still on vacation from the 4th of July and with all the other activities, we still haven’t ridden our ATV’s. We are into this fire season with many small fires burning around the state. Looking at the map we had to find a place that should be cool (or cooler- LOL), not near the fires and we haven’t been there before. Actually "not been there before" is the hard one. I studied the map and found this last unexplored area .

This area is not that far from Pivot Rock. I guess no one ever goes here so this is just a great place for elk to hang out. I see only 1 tank that had some water in it. It is REALLY DRY.

Many of the forest roads in this area are almost impassable. Yes, some of this is natural and some of this is manmade. When you see chainsaw marks or chop marks you have to wonder what the motive was. I better not catch someone or group, trying to deny me (us) or right to public land.

In general this is what happens when someone cuts a tree down across a forest road. Big surprise, a new road appears around that tree.

Sweet Deal ! With all the trees down only ATV’s can get to the very private areas in the forest.

As we approached the canyon you could feel the temperature come up dramatically. This was a really sweet view but I think we will have to come back when it is cooler out.

As we approached the edge the prevailing wind was pushing all of the hot air from the canyon up the side. It felt just like opening an oven door. I wonder if anyone has ever hiked/climbed down into this canyon. I don’t see a good way in ?

I have a long sleeve shirt with an SPF rating for sun protection. It’s at least 10 degrees hotter here 100+. We made our break for the trees and within a few minutes of the cooler temperatures we have more visitors, or I guess we are visiting them. The elk know it’s not hunting season and seem unconcerned we are passing by.

These 2 elk have a small caff with them. Look how dry it is at some spots. The trees look like they could just burst into flames.

The bottom line is that it is just too hot to ride even in the forest. As soon as we get some rain the conditions will be safer.

As soon as we get the moisture back in the trees we will once again enjoy those cool forest breezes. A storm blew in as we were leaving, lots of lightning and a few drops of rain. The storm extended as far south as Sunflower, but little to no rain.