Wednesday, November 27, 2024

   While I'd love to post a picture I took today, this platform isn't allowing that to happen. I had a nice surprise today. Dad decided to hunt with me, so we went into some old but familiar stomping grounds to see what we could find. 

  I wasn't too confident when we walked out the door and the wind was blowing 35 mph. After walking to our spots to sit, there was no recess in the fury it brought with it. The weather has been beyond unbearable for the last week, and today was no different. Then, like a message from God, the fury disappeared as the sun set, and the woods became calm. It was the exact scenario I've been hoping to see for the last week. Unfortunately, it happened right as darkness consumed the sky, and tomorrow's forecast is calling for 8-12 inches of snow. 

  Today was a good day, even though the conditions weren't conducive for seeing deer. As my dad approaches his 80th trip around the sun, he still gets it done. He put on over six miles today. He never ceases to amaze me. I wish I could be like him. 

  I sat until noon, then went for a walk to check a few things out in and around the area where I sat all morning. I couldn't believe the number of scrapes I found. I've never seen so many in this area in my life, yet I still haven't seen a deer. 

  I enjoyed being with my dad today. I know our time in the big woods like today is limited. We took our time getting in and out, and we started out early so we didn't have any issues. He gets mad and tells me to get to where I'm going and not wait for him. I remember all the times he waited for me when I was little. He would make sure I was OK and settled in before leaving to go someplace else. I'm doing the same for him now, and it feels pretty good. I also timed myself many times getting into different areas and realized that slowing down and walking much slower doesn't do much to overall travel time. It only changes it by less than 5 minutes, and what is 5 minutes in the dark. 

  The forecast is calling for snow on Thanksgiving. Dad and I will go give it our best and carry on the tradition of our Thanksgiving Day hunt. I feel fortunate to be able to still be doing that with my dad after all of these years. I hope all of you have a good turkey day. 

  

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