Quarantine 2020

Life recently has created a new reality. Our daily life has become dissimilar to our normal. Having to wear a mask in public, loosing our jobs, and not being able to see friends and loved ones, as we have been restricted to staying home are just a few of the downfalls. These are some of the things we find ourselves complaining about, but, this covid-19 time has also allowed life to slow down. Some of you may have picked up new hobbies, some of you may have become healthier now that you've had excess time to exercise, whether its biking with your family, or getting a workout in. One has to admit this pandemic has brought positive changes to our life and it makes me smile to see parents spending more time with their children.

I personally got laid off from the preschool I was working at in Steamboat Springs Colorado, mid March. So, I packed up my truck and headed back west towards Silt, Colorado were the weather was warmer and snow didn't cover the entire ground around me. Truck life was doable as nights were just below freezing, much better then the single digits.

I will be completely honest here (when am I not?) I was stoked on having time off, as turkey and shed season was just right around the corner. I have only hunted turkeys for the past couple years and I have a lot to learn, so I set a goal for myself.

Spend this quarantine time to get out as often as I can, to learn the habits of these intelligent birds.

April 7th 2020- Opening day of turkey season

Success! This wild turkey my dad shot will be put in the smoker and enjoyed on Mother's Day!

I've also been enjoying learning to cook meals over the fire.

...and watching this girl grow and learn.

While out looking for sheds (antlers that fall off elk and deer) the other day, I noticed a coyote running away from me across the field, and a few minutes later another one did as well. Movement caught my eye and I noticed I had wandered right up to a coyote den along a drainage. These pups were just a couple days old and were busy exploring the exit of their home, not wanting to wander to far, for danger is everywhere.

A herd of elk enjoying the morning sunshine grazing on green grass (their favorite food!)

Afternoon snack time for this guy!

There have been many close calls in the past couple weeks while pursing the Merriam turkeys. I'm hoping at some point the turkeys and I will be crossing the same path at the same time.

Lately, I feel like my cup is over flowing with the things I have learned during this time of quarantine. I'm beyond grateful for the comradie that has occurred during this turkey season.

As friends from far away places have come to wander the hills with me.

Some of you may know about this comradie I'm talking about, the kind that's only created in the wild, when your away from your cell phones and being present in the moment.

A new friend and hunter Caitlin discovers a little piece of what hunting is all about. Go check out my last weeks blog to read about her story!

I am addicted to guiding. Someday, I hope to own my own guiding business but up until then there is a lot I must learn. So, if any of you want to get out there, I've got a fire lit under my feet and I must keep moving. Just know, you should be prepared to hike many hills and wake up early, but the connection you will feel won't compare to anything you've ever felt.

Im curious, how have you been spending your time during this pandemic? Have you learned anything new about yourself? Do you think this time has helped shape the person you are constantly trying to become? I want to hear your answers. Let's take all the positivity and learning from this time and bottle it up so we can hold onto it forever.

Below is a collection of different reflections.

Today I felt primal, part of this wild unknown,

and as I picked up a massive set of elk antlers, I held them in my hands and a story of many tales unfolded in front of me.

Stories of dominance and survival of an old bull elk.

And I wonder if he still roams these mountains.

I pray for rain. Not just a passing rain shower, no I pray for cups full of rain.

Mother Earth tells me she's thirsty as I kick up dust and the plants seem to barely be holding on. She needs to get drunk on that fine wine that falls from the sky.

The night is bright as I brush my teeth under this almost full moon, and memories from this camp bring a smile to my face, and I'm filled with peace and love.

And once again tomorrow I'll wake long before the sun to feed my addiction, like oxogen to fire, burning hot and wild inside me.

And once again I'll feel primal as I'm surrounded by the birds that constantly sing.

As I call out to the Merriam turkeys who own these ridge lines.

This is their home.

Along with the big curious cats who's presence I feel far to often, bringing chills up my neck and reminding me to watch my back.

And those deer who prance about, does and fawns will soon be separated as a new generation of mule deer will soon be welcomed into this wild place.

And the curious cat will be fed on the weak baby deer.

And a easy target for a sleepy bear who just crawl out of hibernation.

And the coyotes will howl into the night as they find the scraps, letting their family know they've found food.

But first the black birds will circle ahead, sending out a signal for all that live here.