tucked in

The past three afternoons I have found a comfortable spot on the mountain with the prefect mix of shade and sun, and was returned in kind with three of the most magnificent naps of my life. There is something very human and natural about it all, I guess that is a million years of genetic history and imprinting for you, napping in cool breezes with the warmth of the sun in my face feels so familiar.

The cool high elevation breeze slices right through you, sending chills and goosebumps down the neck, you shiver, but only for a brief moment, you tuck into your jacket, and just then the warmth and intensity of the high altitude sun overpowers the chill, warming you from the outside into your bones, you slide into a cozy and relaxed physical state, unlike any you can remember, floating off into sleep with the sounds of clacking grasshoppers and birds swooping overhead, the sweet smell of pine and sage in the air, the warmth of the sun across your face, your dreams light and pleasant, almost lucid, occasionally another chill hits you as the cool breeze slices to the bone again, but only to remind you of your location on planet Earth, only for a moment, and only so you can rewarm and tuck into the dripping coziness for another short snooze.

This hunting thing, at one time was “it” for me, same with fishing at another point in my life, now neither is at that level. This life has brought me more to love and enjoy, and each thing needs its proper place, a persistent self struggle. Taking time to write while on a hunting trip? Impossible! But, now I see it as an opportunity, is there really any better time to write? Isolated and alone in the mountains, campfires, clear nights with the Milky Way overhead, bugling elk, sweet mountain air, and midday mountain naps, it is all candy for the mind, a rare and fleeting thing. Hunting and fishing are just reasons for adventure, reasons to visit these places, but not the purpose, not anymore, not for me.

Now back to mustering the physical and mental perseverance to chase elk up and down mountains with stick and string, to which its’ absurdity and level of difficulty casts the right edge and intrigue on the experience to keep it interesting for what is likely to be as long as I can physically endure.