Waiting and Writing
I didn't oversleep this morning. I was enjoying my cup of coffee long before sunup. I was really excited because bow season is here and I was planning to get out for the morning and head for a wildernessy area in the state forest. Now I know that most deer prefer staying close to agricultural areas. And I also know that I would have a better chance at filling my tag if I hunted in those areas, but something about that wilderness feel was calling me out into the deep woods.
I loaded my tree stand and pack onto my shoulders and grabbing my bow, I waited for my eyes to adjust. It's really dark out this morning. There's no moon. And before the sky has even began to blush, I'm heading down an old logging road. Man, it feels good to be out here. After a bit I start to heat up. I pause, not from exhaustion, but because I don't want to be all sweaty while waiting for the deer. Carrying a tree stand in these hills ain't easy! I take some time to check out the stars. The big dipper is off to the east. A little over head but off to the west is my bow hunter buddy constellation, Orion.
I've often thought it would be nice just to leave my tree stand back in these hard access places. But Maryland has a law that states that stands on public grounds need to be removed each day.
And when I think about it, I'm glad they do. I've been in states that don't have the same rule or at least people don't follow them if they do have that rule. It can be frustrating to hike way back in and then find a couple of tree stands hanging around. It can sure take the wilderness feel out of things.
I get back to moving with the thought that the extra weight on my back is a luxury, and the fact that just because I think I need a fancy seat out here, that doesn't give me the right to let it there as eyesore for the next guy.
About a mile in I come across a big and familiar rock placed in the middle of the trail. I'd placed it there previously to help me find my way in the dark. I chuckled at my hypocritical self and was reminded of a conversation this past weekend. At least my sign was somewhat inconspicuous.
Our friends, Andy, Janelle and their kids spent some time with us this past weekend. Andy is a great guy and loves rock climbing. He's an adventure sports guru that actually makes a living doing what he loves. He heads up the Adventure Sports program at the local college. Andy isn't fond of all of the cairns, or piles of rocks that people build all over the backcountry, especially the ones that are built because some over grown boy forgot to put his Lego set in his back pack. Originally, cairns were meant to be used as trailhead markers. My little pile of rocks made me think of him.
Andy was doing a solo backpack trip to scout out a spot for a Backcountry Living class. He had hiked back in and at a beautiful spot in the backcountry, he found a freshly planted post with a sign on it along with a QR code to scan your phone to give you information about the surrounding area. That’s a frustrating sign when you are in the wilderness!
From my inconspicuous rock, I followed the hillside down into a little saddle that sits between an oak flat and a rhododendron thicket. I was hoping that a deer would move from feeding in the acorns to their bedding area.
As I'm waiting, I'm thinking and writing. Sometimes it's fun to write as things unfold or come to mind. Just as is, without some prescribed plan or point to make. And as I'm sitting, I'm imagining that a big ole buck will come shuffling along, snuffling up the acorns. I look up from my phone. He's not there.
Yep, I didn't see a deer. But I'm thankful for my little piece of wilderness. I had a great morning!
I hope you enjoyed yours!
