Yes we had a great time Pat, it was enjoyed thoroughly. It was however a double edged adventure.
Life events beyond my control unfortunately had extensive power to dictate my success. It certainly wasn't for lack of effort, but I must admit with a pain in my heart; I never fired a shot.
The night before opening morning, we spotted several good bulls, and a bunch of raghorns. We also ran into the only other group with a tag that had called this beautiful mountain valley home for the week. A huge area all to ourselves basically.
My party consisted of some of the best and closest friends I am blessed to call my own. My little brother's (SH@Burglecutt), my best friend since bald nut's were a thing, (SH@Chubbles) as well as my big brother (in law), my good friend and neighbor, and last but certainly not least, the next generation coldboremiracle Jr.
We glassed, and hiked like the best. We climbed, decended, and at times ran through the tougest and yet most beautiful country there is. It was one spot and stalk after another, but we were somehow doomed to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time, everytime. Hitch that to a Gawdamn fence that created a safe zone of private property, where every bull worth his ivory seemed to migrate to.
For days it seemed that they were either too far away(1500yds+) or on the wrong side of that damn fence. We gave it everything, we spared no effort, nor did we back down. Blood, sweat, and tears I was all in. After the first few days, my family had to go home, (stupid jobs!) it really took the wind out of my sails. What good was a trophy with no one to share the memories? My son was heartbroken to leave, but with a hug he wished me luck as they readied to pull away. The next few days brought nothing but more of the same.
A good friend from work had offered to take me to his spot if I hadnt been successful in my own. I took him up on it, and we climbed to the top of the stony mountain Timpanogos.
We saw plenty of elk, and even some great shooters, including a really interesting 3x6 that probably would have scored at least 330. But the same scenario kept playing out, to far, too quick, too gone. The last day we had a bulletproof plan, but nature threw a knot in the weather, thing I had hope for all week long. But it had the opposite effect I'd wanted. We didnt see a thing all day. We packed out, soggy, sore, tired and discouraged. But through all this I tried to be positive, and look at the bright side. Trust me it was hard, hard to face the reality that this dream I had always had, was going to wait. That all the hard work, all the time spent, the money, the sweat, and everything I put in was just a warmup. Having to explain over and over to those hoping to live my adventure vicariously through my story, that it wasn't meant to be. And the feeling of loss, and let down to those who labored so hard to help me get to this point.Thirteen years I spent waiting paitiently for my chance, and it'll be five more before I can start over again.
IF I ever get this chance again, I guess it'll be that much a sweeter victory.
I hadn't updated this thread for these same reasons, and as I sit here broke down in Belgrade, I figured I better finish it off.
I'll get some pics uploaded when I get home, it may help put this to rest.
Adventure is not just for the successful, but it belongs to those who's heart is partially left on the mountain, up there near the tree line.
