Hatfield & McCoy Adventure

Scott was assigned a "genius hour" project for school.  It is something that the students are supposed to do mostly outside of school and can pretty much be anything.  They can learn a new skill, try a new hobby, design something, etc.  Last year, Scott decided to build a playground.  This year, he decided to plan a trip.  He researched the Hatfield and McCoy family feud and then planned a trip to West Virginia to drive around on their ATV trails.  

 

Since I couldn't say no to a school project, I got roped into going.  Before I start on my rant, I must say that I was SO impressed by Scott's planning.  He made pre-trip checklists, planned out every little detail of the trip, made sure we got the proper permits, and did so much research before we left.  Jon had to pull a trailer with the Polaris, and Scott planned out the gas stops and restaurants that had the best lots for parking a trailer, etc.  He spent a lot of time on Google Maps thinking through every part of the journey and did all of this independently.   

 

So...the first red flag of this adventure for me was when we arrived to check in at the campsite.  When we stopped to pay our camping fee at the office, the lady said, "OH!  You're the tent campers."   She then directed us to a completely empty grounds area and told us we could set up anywhere.  Other people were camping that weekend- they were just on the other side in their HEATED RVs. 

 

We quickly set up camp and then made our way to the trails.  We drove and drove.  Thankfully, there was a rule that you had to be off the trails at dusk. Being the rule follower that I am, I made sure that this rule was strictly adhered to.  :)

We made a scrumptious campfire meal of hot dogs, and then warmed ourselves around the fire.  Around 10, we went to our cold tent for a night of fun.  I don't think any of us slept too much, and then we got up early to...hit the ATV trails again. 

Natalie gets a great sister award!  This wasn't her thing, but she was so sweet and didn't complain (unlike her momma!).  Kate stayed with Grandpa & Grandma to celebrate her birthday.  She can thank us later. 

The guys tell me that these trails were amazing compared to others they had been on.  I felt like we drove all over the place, yet we barely covered even 1/10 of the trail system.  

It might be my imagination, but I haven't been the same since the trip and keep feeling a pop in my neck!  It was like being on a roller coaster for two days.  I'm too old for such shenanigans.  :)   

On our drive home, the boys started planning their next adventure back to the trail.  They plan to leave the girls at home next time, and we are not offended in the slightest! 

(I'm grateful that Natalie chose to take up knitting for her genius hour project!:)