Driving Lessons

Sami - 15 years old and behind the wheel - on the Anthony Lakes Highway

Sami doing ranch chores - feeding her goats

Jake helping out - he rounded up Sami's goats - stinkers

At the ranch headquarters - lots of room for a new driver

Leaving the Ranch and heading to town

This week we have been learning how to drive my car.  I say 'we' because both kids are getting behind the wheel.  Why?  Two backups are better than one, and it just seemed fine to teach both.  Or, I am a glutton for punishment.

No, we don't have driving permits, yet.  Sami is 15 and Jake will be 14 on May 17th.  Sami went to take her permit test but failed.  That one very last question!

The kids drive quads and tractors and dirt bikes on the ranch.

They are good at driving when you own the road and you don't have to share it with anyone else.  And they both can operate a clutch.  My car is an automatic, the shifter is busted, and it's a strange concept to them to 'count' which gear you are in. I think it's a good learning experience to try and know what gear you are in!

However, in town?  A very scary place.

There are 7 miles between the ranch and my house.  And, Sami is learning how to drive in turns on a highway, and how to drive with people around you.  

She has a lot to learn about staying in her lane, especially when turning into a side street.  She almost hit a little white car in front of my house.  But, heck, this is Haines, and all the side roads are dirt or gravel and hardly anyone drives in their own lane. 

I do not like being a passenger in my own car.
Jake does not like sitting behind his sister when she drives.

It's going to be a long summer!

Our goal is for Sami to help drive when we do our July road-trip to CA.  

Wish us luck!