Work, Riding, and a Little Range Time
Recently, I took my three oldest kids out to our property in the Sandilands for the day. I try to head out anytime I have a free day on the weekend.
I had finally managed to get their ATV running again after replacing the ignition switch and was ready to deliver on my promise of giving them some time riding. At the same time, I had a few projects that needed attention.
I had some cleanup to do, a large branch pile to move, and I brought the chainsaw along to start cutting a new shooting lane.
Cleaning Up a Winter Project
Last fall, I stacked a large pile of branches that I intended to burn during the winter.
Winter came and went, and the pile was still there.
Lighting it up was no longer an option. Manitoba has been hot and dry lately, and the forest fire risk has been high. Even if conditions technically allow a fire, I don't feel great about starting a large burn pile when we're planning to head home later in the evening.
Instead, I decided to move the pile closer to the main fire pit area and wait for some rain before burning it there.
Thankfully, I had the right tool for the job.
Why I Like the Kawasaki Mule
Along with the ATV, I brought our Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXT.
The Mule isn't the machine to buy if your goal is speed or aggressive trail riding. There are plenty of side-by-sides built for that.
What I like about the Mule is its versatility.
With the rear seat folded down, it provides a large cargo box that's perfect for hauling tools, firewood, branches, and anything else I need around the property. When we want to take the whole family for a ride, the rear seats fold back up and it quickly becomes a six-passenger machine.
For a property that gets used for both work and recreation, it's been a great fit.
I spent part of the afternoon hauling branches while the kids helped when they felt like it. More often than not, though, they were busy taking turns on the ATV or playing in the small sand pit nearby.
That was fine with me. The goal was to get a few things done while making sure they had fun too.
Trail Rides and Changing Plans
Once the branch pile was moved, we loaded everyone up and went for a ride through the trails.
The oldest rode separately on the ATV while the rest of us piled into the Mule.
We checked out the trails and gathered some firewood along the way.
Afterward, I turned my attention to another project.
I had brought the chainsaw with the intention of cutting a new shooting lane. It's something I've thought about doing for a few years, and I figured this would be a good opportunity to make some progress.
I staked out the area and made a plan.
That's when the kids decided to take a break in the air-conditioned truck.
Back at the truck, I was reminded that I had brought my Tikka 30-06 and a box of ammunition just in case.
The shooting lane suddenly seemed a little less urgent.
Before long, the chainsaw was still sitting in the truck and I was setting up a target instead.
The shooting lane would have to wait for another day.
A Productive Afternoon
I spent some time getting the 30-06 sighted in while the kids cooled off nearby.
I'll save the details of that process for another post, but it was good to finally get the newest Tikka sighted in.
Before long, everyone was ready for another ride.
We finished the day with a bit more riding, packed everything up, and headed home.
The shooting lane still isn't cut.
But the ATV is running, the kids had fun, and the 30-06 is one step closer to being ready for hunting season.
I'd call that a successful day.