By Eileen Majors
Who would think that a trip down history’s path would take you on a rompin’ 4 wheeler ride in Plumas County? History does not have to be boring and Ken and Kathy Smith of EXPLORE Sierra Touring in Plumas County prove that by offering some real interesting local history as part of their tour business. It is obvious they have been collectors of old west artifacts for some time.
Invited to experience the great outdoors on an ATV, I had no idea what the day would unfold for Kim, our delivery gal, and myself. I must say I was a bit nervous at first, having never operated such a vehicle by myself. We arrived at the Diamond S Ranch on time and were greeted by the Smiths in the barn. This barn is like no other I had been in, its walls lined with history of the old west. Each area of the barn is separated and categorized by the type of artifacts it contains. The antique toy section included sleds, old metal trucks and other toys built to last a lifetime, or two or three. Antique tools hang in every corner of the barn and a complete working blacksmigh shop has been designed by Ken himself. One area I call ‘womans work’ boasted old appliances, wash boards and other items used by the women in history who kept their households running smoothly. We enjoyed the presentation and were happy there was no rush. We were able to ponder over the artifacts, one by one, envisioning a time, it seemed, when everything was just a little bit harder. Thinking now, though, I have to wonder if it was really not a much simpler way of life. Providing food and shelter for a family kept a family plenty busy, it seemed, and it kept a family close together, working on the same goal..
It wasn’t long before I realized we were not only going on an ATV ride, but we would be served a ranch style lunch when we returned. Ken is an avid barbecue enthusiast and proudly shared with us the benefits of his ceramic barbecue The Big Green Egg, which they also offer for sale at the ranch. Ken would be cooking every course of our meal on this efficient, charcoal cooker, designed similar to the ancient Japanese kamado. We quickly forgot all about Ken as Kathy got our helmets and 4 wheelers ready for the ride of a lifetime we were about to experience.
After the ranch museum visit, patrons jump on a late model ATV for a two to three hour tour of the ranch. You will follow the route of the steam train that brought groceries and supplies to the snowbound ranches in Carmen Valley and carried the lumber from nearby mills. Cameras are welcome and views of local wildlife are not uncommon on this tour.
A ride through their 1750 acre ranch brought to mind days of old, with my enthusiasm and excitement building for the whole new experience of the ATV sport. Apprehensive at first, I was soon hitting full throddle, leaning into tight corners and proudly ‘flying’ through the trails before me. Kathy went out with us while Ken stayed back to cook our lunch. Periodically, we would stop for a short rest while Kathy told us about the area we saw before us. The vast views of untouched territory made it easy to picture life in the old days… until… we would start our machines up again for another round of 4 wheelin’ fun.
Nearby, a short hike will take you to the these Maidu Indian grinding rocks, used to grind acorns in days
of old. This amazing place features hundreds of holes in the rocks used for grinding; the area overlooks the Feather River and valley below.
When we returned to the barn, Ken had our meal pretty much ready to serve. We were able to see how he had separated each item for each it’s own cooking time and temperature for some amazing taste. The juicy tri tip was flavorful and the hearty batch of ranch beans were delicious. Each course was cooked perfectly including the garlic bread and even a cake was deliciously baked in The Big Green Egg.
Tired, full and full of rompin’ stories, we ventured off the ranch that day with a new perspective on some fascinating local history and a new interest in ATV’s. Tours are available in this remote Sierra Valley location by calling 530-832-5450. The rate for driver is $120. Passenger rate is $50 and kids 12 and under come along for just $15. Lunch is provided as are helmet goggles and gloves. From the Graeagle are, you will take Highway 89 north to 70 east and head to Portola. The ranch is about 5 miles past Portola, accessible through County Road A-23. You will definitely want a reservation, so call Ken and Kathy at 530-832-5450
