What if......?

This past Monday marked a much highly anticipated event in Pennsylvania. In fact, it is just a huge event that the schools close for the first three days of the week! Husbands, wives, sons and daughters take off of work so they can partake….So what is this illustrious holiday? Why the opener of deer season of course! So when Shane offered to let me hunt on their lease, it was an offer I could not refuse! 

Throughout the week we spent several 11 hour days in search of the elusive “grey ghost”. Spending that much time in the middle the woods, alone with your thoughts your mind really gets to wander. I could not help but reflect on how lucky we are to be doing what we are doing, all the adventures we have had and all that are yet to come. 

One thought that crossed my mind was: “What If….what if I could go back and live forever at one moment in life, when would that be?”  For me, the answer is easy…..it would be the late 80’s. And no, it was not because of the music!

Barb and I would have been in our mid to late 20’s, the kids were at the age when they idolized us and were excited to see us whenever we walked in the door.

We had just built our very first home on 11 acres on the bluff of the St Croix River outside of Somerset Wisconsin and spent the winter clearing the land in preparation for our new house.

I remember spending hours out there cutting down tree and burning brush. It was so cold that winter that the builder had to use a frost pick to dig out basement and foundation. Once the house was built, we got our first two horses. The first and last Arabians we would ever own. More than once we would go out for a ride and my horse would arrive home 20 minutes before me, waiting for me with a grin on his face that said "I won again!"

We had our whole lives in front of us, with endless possibilities to make of it what we wanted. But the best memories are of Jessica and Forrest growing up.... Funny, I don't remember the temper tantrums, the brattiness, just the good times. It's good to have a selective memory!

They went from this.....

Love, the 'stache!

To this, in just a few years

We spent 10 years in that house. Interestingly it was probably the most financially challenging point in our lives but also one of the most rewarding. It was also a time when both my parents and Barbs dad were still alive and we spent a lot of time with our siblings who were having children of their own. 

One of the many family get-togethers we had in that house

So yes, if I could go back and live forever at one point in our lives, that would be it. That said, the next period would be what I anticipate the next 20 years to be. Building our new house, continuing to travel, watching our kids and grandchildren grow up and growing old(er) with the love of my life. 

But I know most of you are really wondering..... how did I do hunting? Lets just say I had a lot of time to watch nature, reflect on life and take a few pictures. Day 1 I sat in what they call the "Log Blind". It is a raised platform built into a blind by staking alternating logs together. 

There was good sign in the area, the bucks had been rubbing trees and creating scrapes to mark their territory and show dominance over the other bucks in the area. 

Bucks create these scrapes then pee on them trying to attract the does!

They also rub small trees to show dominance over other bucks in the area

It was cool and raining but thanks to the hunting umbrella I bought years ago (and maybe used once) I was able to stay dry. The stand overlooked three shooting lanes which offered clear shots should a deer appear.

Sitting under the umbrella looking down one lane

With views like this it should be pretty easy to get a deer! I did see two deer that day but they were small and of course stayed in the thick stuff!

There are also bear in the area which was evidenced by the claw marks on the log stand. Someone else is try to mark his territory!

But there was plenty to take pictures of as I watched the squirrels preparing for winter as they gathered leaves and brought them to their nests in the trees. I would watch this one squirrel climb down his tree, go about 50 yards to gather leaves and then go back to its nest dozens of times always going to the same spot to collect leaves. What is wrong with the leaves right below his tree?

Looks like a good place to spend the winter!

 One thing I found interesting was the amount of vines they have in this area. Wisconsin had vines but certainly not to the extent that this area of Pennsylvania does. They just covered everything!

Vines covered every bush

Larger ones climbed every tree

But the birds seem to enjoy hiding in them.....

…..and eating the berries.

The unfortunate part about rain this time of year is that it cools down at night and freezes making for slippery roads and ice covered vehicles. 

A sheet of ice covered the window!

Our other adventures this week included a trip to Hershey to see the candy factory and a stop at Troegg brewery to try some of their finest!

The Hershey World amusement park was closed so went inside and walked the factory. It was interesting but now that we have seen it I don't think we will ever feel the need to come back. 

We were looking for a giant sized Almond Joy but they did not have it. 

Troegs Brewing Company on the other hand was definitely someplace we would go back! They have quite the facility in Hershey and some great brews. 

Jess and Shane have quite the variety there!

This coming week the fun continues with more deer hunting, Christmas tree cutting and hopefully Gettysburg! Stay tuned!