2011 Deer Camp

My two sons and I, along with our good friend, Rob, spent 10 glorious days in the woods of northwest Michigan's Benzie County again, searching for the elusive white-tailed deer. We had a terrific time together, as always, even without putting any venison in the freezer.

L-R: Glenn, me, Greg and Rob

We had a major change for the better this year. Rather than utilizing a travel trailer for our lodging, Greg pulled out all the stops and had an over-sized garage-style building erected as our new home away from home.

The builders just barely had the building "livable" when we arrived, but the extra space was a welcome change from what we'd used in previous years.

It was great not to be shoulder-to-shoulder when inside our new "digs". 

Our good friend, Mike, visited just before Opening Day.

Nothing was ever proven, but rumor had it that Mike may have been responsible for my blind being "flamingoed" sometime before we arrived at camp.

Nice work, Mikey, especially the unwanted reading material. 

One very special guest this year was my grandson, shown here with his dad on their way out for his first-ever hunt. Thankfully, a few squirrels gave Mitch something to watch while waiting for the buck that never appeared.

Another much appreciated addition this year was the half-barrel of PBR that kept us conveniently hydrated all week.

With the extra space available, our new and over-sized cots made sleeping arrangements quite comfortable.

As always, our time together was a fantastic getaway for each of us. Giving us time to relax, catch up on family news, tell a few lies and do our best to bring down a nice buck. Our annual trek is so appreciated by each of us; we are already looking forward to next year's time together.

Transition

It's hard to believe I'm already well into week two of my changeover from the work-a-day life into semi-retirement, but here I am. Even with the added time available to each day's activity, I find it is a bit difficult to settle into this new and vastly different routine.

I'm not complaining, mind you, I'm thoroughly enjoying this new freedom and I know things will settle down in time, but I know I can do a better job of time management as these days go by. My apologies for neglecting this blog during this period, too. I will do a better job of posting in time...promise.

Right now, the excitement and anticipation of our annual trek north to Deer Camp is at the forefront of my mind and my daily activity. Tomorrow the truck will be packed and be pointed north to another wonderful time of fellowship with my two sons. Without WiFi availability, however, another post will have to wait until I return in ten days. I'm sure I'll have many photos, stories and experiences to share at that point.

For now, y'all take care until my return to "civilization".

The Joys of Deer Camp

For the past six years, my two sons and I have met in the woods of northern Michigan's Benzie County for a week or ten days of great camaraderie, hunting, delicious food and drink. Our old friend, Rob, always joins us for a part of the week to add to the fun and enjoyment. We usually hunt the property at first light for a few hours, and then mid-afternoon until dark, but it's being together during the rest of those days in camp that really appeals to each of us.

Whether we're playing euchre, a game of checkers, arguing over the most efficient caliber of rifle to take deer, preparing and sharing a wonderful meal, or just talking around a roaring campfire, each of us treasures those times. During those discussions, I've learned so much about the antics of those boys during their younger years...and I thank God I didn't know about those things back then!

Maybe these photos will give you a better feel for our camp and what types of things take place:

Our home away from home.

PBRs and steaks...required fare for deer camp.

The ever-present campfire.



Steak night, with Mel's cheesy potatoes, of course



The guys.



Dogs over an open fire.



My son and grandson at the campfire.

This last photo really says what its all about:  passing on traditions from generation to generation. My grandson spent some time with us at camp this year and it was a fantastic time together. As they say, "Jis don' git no better'n that!!!"

You can see that we had no snowfall this year, but you never know what to expect from Mother Nature up there. In fact, my profile photo was taken at our first deer camp in 2005, during a snowstorm that produced about 20 inches of new white stuff. In northern Michigan, November weather can be warm, frigid and anything in between.

Thanks for the memories, fellas; looking forward to many, many more.