Off-Roading, Picnic's and a Marmot

One thing you learn about Lisa Cravens is that there is a schedule for everything. Long before we even arrived in St Elmo, every day was planned in advanced including adventures and meals times, love it.

One of our days was planned to drive up to Hancock pass for a picnic. Carl and Eddie Drove their families in their 4WD's, and Jenee and I led the way on 4-Wheelers. We had a blast, the mountain road varied from easy, smooth dirt tracks to rock infested single track that you had to climb oh-so slowly. The view from 12000 ft was quite spectacular.

Jenee and I thrashed the others to the top so we took some time and looked around. Lunch was hotdogs. One of the three food groups of the Cravens girls, (Hotdogs, Mac and Cheese and Ketchup). After lunch, it was time to head home but Jenee and I pressed on just a little further to make it to Hancock Pass. Once there we could see the continental divide in all its dividing glory. We also saw somthing quite unusual, Marmets. They are large beaver looking critters that whistle too. We were most amused at them and managed to get really close.



We took a picture to prove we had been there and then started back down the mountain. Now the others had been heading down the mountain for 20 minutes already, but it only took us 15 minutes to catch them. After 40 minutes we were home and we were exhausted. Going down is probably more tiring as you have to use your body a lot more to keep balance.

In the evening we had a big BBQ with both the Familys at the Cravens. The great thing about being outdoors is that the only entertainment available is what you make for yourself. One of the favorite pastimes here is to play "Washers". The idea is you have to throw a 5cm / 2” washer into one of three holes on a board about 5 meters away. I have to admit, I love it, its such a fun game to play, and we played long into the night.