Wyoming 2007 cont2

This was Jackie and my living quarters for the week. One of the major lessons we learned was that we had summer back yard tents, not rough mountain tents. The mornings were just below freezing and the day time highs were around 60. So, we were really lucky, because it could have easily been in the teens at night with heavy snow. We’ll not make that mistake again.

This was one of the mule deer does I saw.

Image

Another view of the camp. (notice the pot in the front of the picture)

The picture, again, really doesn’t do it justice, but this was a really rough trail.

Image

These are the Taylors (Justin, Kathy and Jimmy). They were gracious enough to invite us for lunch after church. I hesitated at first, but when they mentioned a hot shower, we couldn’t resist. They are originally from Bellgreen Alabama and moved to Buffalo about 7 years ago (I think). The time Dwight and I spent with them made for one of our most enjoyable days. A special thanks to them for their hospitability.

This is the front of the Taylor’s house. They really have a beautiful home. (and hot water, good hot water!!)

Image

Terry and Jenny

Terry and Jenny

Image

After our Tuesday morning hunt, Terry mentioned that since the hunting was so bad, we might want to pack out and spend the night in Buffalo and drive back for the hunt on Wednesday. The thoughts of a hot shower and warm bed made the decision a no brainer. The problem was that it took two trips and tow days to get all of our junk in, but we packed everything up and burned everything that we could and made it in two four wheeler trips and one mule pack out. Again, Joy was a life saver. This was our toughest load, but with Terry leading her and me walking beside her supporting the load, we made it without any problems.

Mark and Dwight, and another beautiful view.

Image

Wednesday morning we rode back in from Buffalo. Terry, Jackie and Mark hunted (or mule ride) in a different direction. At 8700 ft. elevation, we had a quick blizzard hit, so we started back to the truck. It was beautiful falling.

Jackie even is beginning to look like a cowboy.

Image

Terry took off up a really steep peak with Jenny and Jackie and I thought surely he wouldn’t kill us on the last day of the hunt, so we followed. Again, the picture doesn’t do justice, but this peak drops off really (really!) steep on both sides. But we made it up and back down in one piece. Joy and Henry were absolutely great!

3 eggs, bacon, 3 pancakes and a little cookie and yes, he ate every bite.

Image

Terry and Jackie from the steep peak.

Dwight taking a well deserved break.

Image

Jackie chilling in the kitchen during the snow.

Terry brought in a bail of hay for the mules and left it at the four wheeler. I took Joy out to pick it up. That was the heaviest bail of hay I have ever picked up. I finally backed Joy up to a rock and got it on top. I think Terry was just testing to see how wimpy I am. (pretty cotton picking wimpy)

Image

Well, we are on our way home. We all look forward to getting back to our wives and families. We didn’t harvest and elk, but we had a great experience. We didn’t get any of us or the mules hurt and we are still speaking to each other.

Image