Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,836
- 6,309
This morning I checked in here at Nosler, put away a light breakfast and a cuppa coffee. Saddled up my "horse" (Okay, a Suzuki 650) and headed out. The highway turned into a two-lane, then the pavement ended, and I was sliding through a few gentle turns on the gravel road. Turned off to a 4x4 road - one which tried to eat my truck a few years ago - popped down into first gear and rode as far as my skill level allowed. Then prudently parked and walked.
Started hiking up the old logging road, long since abandoned and now a mere single-track trail. Lots of fresh mule deer tracks in the soft sand, nothing particularly interesting though. I think the interesting buck is up higher... So, higher I went. Found a little snow still in a sheltered area with some shade, and flowers. Flowers everywhere. It was awesome. Spring has finally hit the high country - the snow is leaving and the wildflowers are blooming. I've hunted mule deer and elk in this area before, as well as small game.
Had a pair of hawks keep me company for a while. I think they're feasting on the abundant ground squirrel population.
Got up as high as I wanted to push it today. Stopped for a rest, some water and a bite to eat then ambled on down the mountain, stopping to glass now and again. Only saw one mule deer doe - in her reddish summer coat. She was as interested in watching me as I was in watching her, somehow though I neglected to photograph her.
Back to the bike, then explored a couple more old logging roads for a bit and finally headed home. Bears and cougars in the area - although no sign of either today. Might have been too warm by the time I was hiking to come across a bear. I had the waist pack portion of my Nimrod pack system on, including a holster with my .44 mag S&W revolver. Pretty much a constant companion of mine in the hills. Good day trip. Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of the holiday with my family!
Best regards all you Nosler Fans. Guy
Started hiking up the old logging road, long since abandoned and now a mere single-track trail. Lots of fresh mule deer tracks in the soft sand, nothing particularly interesting though. I think the interesting buck is up higher... So, higher I went. Found a little snow still in a sheltered area with some shade, and flowers. Flowers everywhere. It was awesome. Spring has finally hit the high country - the snow is leaving and the wildflowers are blooming. I've hunted mule deer and elk in this area before, as well as small game.
Had a pair of hawks keep me company for a while. I think they're feasting on the abundant ground squirrel population.
Got up as high as I wanted to push it today. Stopped for a rest, some water and a bite to eat then ambled on down the mountain, stopping to glass now and again. Only saw one mule deer doe - in her reddish summer coat. She was as interested in watching me as I was in watching her, somehow though I neglected to photograph her.
Back to the bike, then explored a couple more old logging roads for a bit and finally headed home. Bears and cougars in the area - although no sign of either today. Might have been too warm by the time I was hiking to come across a bear. I had the waist pack portion of my Nimrod pack system on, including a holster with my .44 mag S&W revolver. Pretty much a constant companion of mine in the hills. Good day trip. Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of the holiday with my family!
Best regards all you Nosler Fans. Guy
