Hoosier Outdoor Experience 2010

This weekend was the Hoosier Outdoor Experience. We attended this event last year and had a blast so it was on our radar for this year. It was a blast this time too! We had a plan to head to our favorite events first and then see what else we wanted to try as the day went on. Our first stop was a ride in a jeep. The Michiana Jeep Pose came and let us take a ride on a rugged course. The only complaint...they didn't drive fast enough. Next we rode the ATV's. This is a favorite for all of us so we actually did this twice. I love that the drivers are grandpa's and they get a kick out of going really fast around the course.
Bikes came next and this time they had a "mountain bike" trail. Yes, I know we live in Indiana and then use of the word mountain may sound like an oxymoron but we do have some dirt trails that work best with a mountain bike. Dayton and Nathan braved the course. After bikes we headed to the shooting range. The past two times we have gone the volunteers had told us and our kids that they are "great shots" and need to get their own firing arm. Yeah for our kids but really? What does one do with a crossbow? I don't for see me sending my kids out to kill a deer for dinner. If the need ever arises I feel secure in the skills of my kids.
We went on a nature walk and tasted venison jerky. Yum! We learned about poaching and what the DNR is doing about it and we saw the mechanical deer they use to catch poachers. We saw smokey the bear, learned about fighting forest fires, and got sprayed by a mini firetruck. Dayton and Alexa practiced fishing. We drove remote control boats and after 5 hours of fun we were ready to head home. It was a bit hotter this year and although it was a beautiful day we were exhausted. We can't wait for next year!