My Ramblings: ELK HUNTING RECAP

To say I had a great time on my elk hunting trip would be an understatement. I'm having trouble putting just how much fun (and how important) this trip was into words.

What I can put into words is how grateful I am for being provided the opportunity to tag along. It had been a while since I've been on an adventure and I was starting to go stir crazy.

I was most definitely the outsider of the group. But I was treated with such hospitality and openness the "outsider" feeling quickly faded away. I couldn't have asked for anything more and am hoping to have the opportunity to go on future hunts. Time will tell.

This trip seemed to provide me with more than fun. There was almost a therapeutic aspect to it. The lack of cell signal (for the most part...one ridge-top had a signal); the beauty and quiet of the woods; and the need to sit very still all allowed my mind to slow down. For those of you know know me (which is nearly everyone reading this), sitting still doesn't come naturally for me (Nor does quieting my mind, for that matter). I really think the two are related.

The longer I sat still in the woods, the more my mind quieted. This allowed me to get back to neutral and relax. Then a really cool thing happened. On the second morning I was focusing my binoculars and the moment the view became clear, something deep, deep inside of me clicked. I had the realization that I would be a good dad. (Up until this time, I wasn't 100% sure of this despite being told by numerous people). I can't tell you how relieved I was.

Every time I've done an endurance race, there has been a moment during the training that something clicks and I realize I'm going to finish the event. It might not be pretty, but at that moment, and all moments going forward, I know I'll be crossing the finish line.

I had been waiting for something like this to present itself in regards to the impending fatherhood. And, honestly, I was getting somewhat nervous that it hadn't happened yet. But sitting in the woods, and having that "click" was one of the best moments I've experienced in a long time. I couldn't stop smiling. As cliche as it is, I felt like a million pounds had been lifted off my shoulders. I honestly think I was sitting up straighter.

Just as I know the race might not be easy, or always pretty, I know I've got what it takes to get it done.

So, the fact that we didn't get (or even see) an elk means almost nothing to me. Looking back, this trip was all was all about hanging out with good people, connecting with nature, refilling my positive energy stash, and having the realization that everything is going to be OK. I wouldn't trade that for all the elk in Colorado.

Now, here are some pictures to make up for all of the words up top.

As you were.