Another Post of Random Stuff

I stayed home this weekend.  Eric and Jeni are visiting for a few days and I'm going to head to Lexington.  Here's a few random links that I've been enjoying.  This might be my next hobby (not!).

Flying

More Flying - China

The video below is an archery moose hunter.  A moose is a 1000 pound animal that can kill you with a kick of the hoof.  This type of encounter is not recommended.



I have a fraternity brother who went to Montana after we graduated.  I lost touch with him for about 30 years and then found out that he was a flyfishing guide and a novelist.  A couple of years ago I got his first three novels and really enjoyed reading them.  They are sort of autobiographical and I recognize some of the characters. I found his books to be hilarious and very entertaining (but I knew him and can imagine some of these experiences). Here's a link to his first three books about flyfishing and life.

Amazon Link to his books

Shortly after getting and reading those books, I found out that he had advanced prostate cancer and the prognosis was not good.  Just recently I found that he has a new book out about his battle with cancer.  I just ordered the book and haven't read it yet but I'm relieved to see that he has survived.

Me, My Cells and I

When I first caught back up with Dave, he and his wife were operating a B&B (in addition to writing and guiding).  I was worried because the link to the B&B disappeared for awhile.  I just recently checked and it exists again although the pictures of Dave and his wife are no longer there - I wonder if he sold it... The bio in the new book says that he now lives in Missoula.  Here's the place.

The Lodgepole Inn

I'm sure that everyone has been holding their breath waiting to see what I did with the elk ivories from the bull that I shot in Utah.  For those who are not familiar, elk have an evolutionary remnant of the mastodon.  They have small ivory tusks in their mouth about the size of a tooth.  Some hunters get this ivory made into jewelry and I had a jeweller in Jackson Hole WY make some earrings for Joan.  Here's what they look like.



A Hike with the Boys & Cabin Status

I've been getting a little cabin fever since Joan's surgery and I was curious to see how Van is doing on the cabin expansion.  Dawn came to stay with Joan on Sunday so that Dave, Graham, and Grant could take a ride out to the farm with me.  We delivered the floor tile for Van, checked on the construction progress, and took a good hike in the woods.

Of course, the first order of business was to take a spin and check all of the trail cameras.

And, during the tour, the boys wanted to check out the new hi-rise stand.  They scrambled right up the steep stairs but a little assistance was called for on the descent.

The progresss on the new room looks great.  It's framed, insulated, wired and the ceiling drywall is up.

The opening from the old living room has be roughed in.  That's the pine siding stacked on the floor.

View from inside the new room looking back at the old living room.  There is a 12' ceiling in the new room.

The windows are on order but haven't been delivered yet.  Van has the spot all framed up but he hasn't made the siding penetration yet.

The windows will be in the siding here on the porch behind the picnic table.

We had some hot dogs and elk chili for lunch and then got ready to go on a hike.  We decided to hike near where I shot (and lost) a buck last October.

I went down thru the creek bottom and the boys walked the deer trails just above it.  The woods are sure easier to see thru at this time of year.

Boys do have to find a good walking stick.

And you always have to have a break to stay hydrated.

We never did find my buck but there were a few other deer remnants out in the woods.

"Uncle Tom, can I take this hoof and shoulder bone home to Mom?"

The woodpeckers have been at work on this dead tree.

The boys had a bit of a snooze on the drive home.  It sure was nice to get out and about - thanks Dave and Dawn.

Winter Trailcams

February 15 and these two fine bucks are still wearing their headgear.  I found some sheds a month ago.

Here's one that has already shed its antlers.

 And a few more that are ready to start on next years antlers.



Construction in Progress

Van sent me a few pictures of the framing of the new room. We've got the windows on order.   I've picked the floor tile and we've pretty well decided on track lights and a ceiling fan.  Maybe next weekend I can get out there to see it in person.

Steve helping with the clearing of accumulated crap.

We decided to just eliminate the attic access.  Will have to use a ladder in future if necessary.

Two big windows located to avoid the barn posts.

I decided to keep the room independent of the barn trusses.