Buckaroo's Dad
<font color=green>Will suffer in happiness rather
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,960
As Tom (DisneyDadInFL) posted on another thread, Wild Tours ATV adventure was quite an enjoyable shore excursion. Again. My son and I first took this tour August of '02. Since that time the company has grown and, along with it, the amenities they offer. Some Disers might remember my description of their restroom facilities. I am pleased to announce that progress has been made in that regard. The porta-potty non-extraordinaire is no longer an isolated afterthought behind Wild Tours' maintenance shack. It has since been moved to the east side of the repair facility, warmed - nay, heated - to levels rivaling Bridge-Over-The-River-Kwai temperatures. I'm not sure of the boiling point of poop, but when it melts while airborne a body begins to yearn for even a cold shoulder. My recommendation is the same as last year's - use the facilities onboard ship prior to embarking on this otherwise delightful shore excursion.
The trail we followed was still as rugged as a John Wayne western. A photographer takes each driver's/passenger's picture prior to starting the ATV adventure. The picture is available for purchase at the end of the tour for $10. Yes, a trifle pricey for Mexico but a cherished reminder of time spent together with "Buckaroo."
You don't need a phd to drive the ATVs, although a valid drivers license is necessary and common sense preferred. The guides warn everyone to leave ample space between each vehicle and illustrate several hand signals (no, not THAT signal), particularly when making an abrupt stop since the ATVs have no brake lights. At one point the woman driving in front of me was forced to stop on a peso, so to speak. She forgot to make the appropriate gesture - not that I would have noticed the signal nor would I have had additional time to react. (Still in all, it certainly makes for a valid excuse). Fortunately I had enough room to come to a stop without incident. Or so I thought. Our ATV was now perched precariously off-balance atop a pitched incline in the trail. I knew gravity would take over. Slowly, very slowly, like a sumo wrestler on an effective diet, our ATV rolled over on its side. "Buckaroo" let out a yell, more frightened than hurt. Protective-parent mode superceded my surprise and I didn't breathe again until I knew "Buckaroo" was ok. Then the incident was merely embarrassing.
When our party arrived at the beach, the surroundings were as pristine as when "Buckaroo" and I were last there. Company growth was clearly evident however. Last year, the tour provided cold drinks served under a single umbrella. This year, Wild Tours had three umbrellas! 3rd world my tush - we're talkin hard assets in a soft economy. They also served delicious ham-and-cheese-and-lettuce heros. Each hero was individually wrapped and stored in a cooler. Not exactly gourmet, but fresh and much better than any stateside "treat" from 7-11.
Our own hero - yours truly - relaxed on the beach while the others, including "Buckaroo," enjoyed ocean kayaking and barrier-reef snorkeling. While waiting, a second Wild Tours group arrived at the beach. We knew they were due as Wild Tours decided to split the one large group into two smaller, more easily managed tours. Whether by design or accident, they kept all Disers together.
The tour operators, learning they had a repeat client from last year, kept thanking me for being a "loyal amigo." Based upon their heartfelt appreciation for my patronage, if I returned again next year I'd probably have to marry one (or more) of their eligible daughters. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not adverse to consensual sex. It's just my immune system is highly allergic to marital sex.
Yes, I digress.
Although presented in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek fashion, I must emphasize - in conclusion - how strongly I recommend this tour/tour company...
The trail we followed was still as rugged as a John Wayne western. A photographer takes each driver's/passenger's picture prior to starting the ATV adventure. The picture is available for purchase at the end of the tour for $10. Yes, a trifle pricey for Mexico but a cherished reminder of time spent together with "Buckaroo."
You don't need a phd to drive the ATVs, although a valid drivers license is necessary and common sense preferred. The guides warn everyone to leave ample space between each vehicle and illustrate several hand signals (no, not THAT signal), particularly when making an abrupt stop since the ATVs have no brake lights. At one point the woman driving in front of me was forced to stop on a peso, so to speak. She forgot to make the appropriate gesture - not that I would have noticed the signal nor would I have had additional time to react. (Still in all, it certainly makes for a valid excuse). Fortunately I had enough room to come to a stop without incident. Or so I thought. Our ATV was now perched precariously off-balance atop a pitched incline in the trail. I knew gravity would take over. Slowly, very slowly, like a sumo wrestler on an effective diet, our ATV rolled over on its side. "Buckaroo" let out a yell, more frightened than hurt. Protective-parent mode superceded my surprise and I didn't breathe again until I knew "Buckaroo" was ok. Then the incident was merely embarrassing.
When our party arrived at the beach, the surroundings were as pristine as when "Buckaroo" and I were last there. Company growth was clearly evident however. Last year, the tour provided cold drinks served under a single umbrella. This year, Wild Tours had three umbrellas! 3rd world my tush - we're talkin hard assets in a soft economy. They also served delicious ham-and-cheese-and-lettuce heros. Each hero was individually wrapped and stored in a cooler. Not exactly gourmet, but fresh and much better than any stateside "treat" from 7-11.
Our own hero - yours truly - relaxed on the beach while the others, including "Buckaroo," enjoyed ocean kayaking and barrier-reef snorkeling. While waiting, a second Wild Tours group arrived at the beach. We knew they were due as Wild Tours decided to split the one large group into two smaller, more easily managed tours. Whether by design or accident, they kept all Disers together.
The tour operators, learning they had a repeat client from last year, kept thanking me for being a "loyal amigo." Based upon their heartfelt appreciation for my patronage, if I returned again next year I'd probably have to marry one (or more) of their eligible daughters. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not adverse to consensual sex. It's just my immune system is highly allergic to marital sex.
Yes, I digress.
Although presented in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek fashion, I must emphasize - in conclusion - how strongly I recommend this tour/tour company...
. I have a couple of questions... 1) did you book this through the ship? 2) do you know if they have a website?
