ATVing

July 31st:

Today I went ATVing with a few friends at Pismo Beach. When I was ~ 13 I went ATVing with my parents and brother, but that was pretty much a terrifying experience that I didn't think I would ever want to relive. Luckily, I had the guts to try again, and, boy, wasn't it fun!

After getting a very quick introduction into how to work the ATV, we were set loose to practice on the flat sand near the coast line. That was when I realized that I didn't know what the crap I was doing with my gear shifting. I actually didn't get the hang of the gear shifting until about half an hour in, and only after about a full hour did I fully understand it and get good at it! Whatever, at least I got it eventually.

The first time I was faced with a really steep dune (downhill) I was so freaking scared. Actually, the first three or so times. Fortunately I got over that fear and even got to the point of enjoying going over the edges (so long as I was prepared)! Going uphill was also pretty difficult, but I also got the hang of that pretty quickly, only getting stuck three of four times.

Oh! I successfully did a donut! A COUPLE donuts! And I didn't flip or fall over at any point in the day! I'm really impressed by myself, if you couldn't tell.

After two hours of ATVing, we headed out to lunch and then spent an hour or so on the beach. I walked at the edge of the water while the others played catch/frisbee. Gotta recharge my introvert battery, you know. I collected six whole sand dollars, but I think one of them got lost on their way to my little back pack. Whatever. I never know what to do with them when I get them home anyway... Any ideas?

We ended our time in Pismo with ice cream, which I had been craving all day. Made for a very happy Annie. Although Marianne's is far superior, in my opinion. :3

I'm really glad that I have cool guy friends who plan trips like this and deem me cool enough to invite, so thanks to you R if you're reading this (unlikely).

I'm really tired after this long day, so goodnight! Keep it classy in your dreams! :)