Hunting trip

The boys went on a two week moose hunting trip and had an awesome time. They drove 4 hours north and then were flown in 50 miles East on a very little plane. So little that it holds the pilot, one passenger and gear. So Lou was flown in first with some gear and then Kody joined him. After being dropped off they spent the night sleeping in their rafts with a tarp hung over them since they didn't want to set up the tent for just one night. They were by other hunters that night but the next day they started floating the river and never saw another person. This is what they both love...being out with no one around. It was beautiful country and the mountains were amazing. I can't imagine the wonderful solitude of being out there. Kody said the stars are just amazing, and we see pretty good stars where we live. According to him they don't even come close in comparison.






Don't know if you can see in this photo but there are caribou walking past their camp.


They saw them several times. Too bad they couldn't hunt caribou.
They saw tons of moose and even called some bulls in to them. But they could only shoot them if they were 50 inches or bigger and they were hard to judge. There were some but they were too far away. They missed a few that were legal but at the time Lou wasn't sure if they were or not. So this is actually a camping trip as they came home with no meat :(



So, according to Lou, and the stories I have heard Kody is in his element out in the woods. As you can see they got snow. A freak storm came through and they got about 1 and a half feet of snow. YUCK. There goes any desire I had to go with Lou some day. I actually thought it might be a good experience to do some day as I love being out in the wilderness. Not so much the hunting but if Lou went slow I could manage. But camping in a tent, on the ground with snow....NO THANKS. Kody created this shelter so they could have a fire and stay dry. He is very crafty and resourceful out in the woods. He also made a bridge so they didn't have to walk through the river every day to go hunt. Also made a toilet...this is the one thing Kody hates about hunting, so he created a 'seat' out of branches, bent them and wrapped them in duct tape and put it on a little edge. Don't have a photo of that as it's on the camcorder but it was a toilet :) could actually sit down just like at home






Before Kody made the bridge

















As you can see they had a lot of snow. They pilot flew over them that day and dropped them
a cannister with information on where to float to
so he could pick them up the next day as he was
not able to land at the planned area. So the hunt
got cut short by a few days but they were lucky
to get out as they were saying another storm
was coming through and then the pilot would
not be able to land anywhere and the rescue
would need to come get them. Yikes.









MY BOYS> They hiked up for one last hunt and though it was cold they worked up a sweat, so they changed into dry shirts. But they couldn't resist taking this photo first. I love this photo. Snow, cold, no moose meat and look at those happy faces!!

So floating down Lou tripped getting out of the raft and hurt his wrist, thought it was broke but it wasn't. But Kody took charge, he got the rafts secured, got out the cook stove to dry off Lou's stuff (he tripped into the river). Got him dry clothes, wrapped and taped his hand and took care of business. Lou was quite impressed with his skills and no hesitation just got it done. They get to the runway and the pilot takes Lou out first as he still has some damp items he is wearing and is hurt. So I realize Kody is quite capable of being out in the wilderness alone but I am glad I did not know he was left until after they were safe at home. It's an hour round trip, a bit longer with unloading and that is if everything goes well. I would only think of the what if's... What if the pilot couldn't get back...What if he was stuck there a few days...MY BABY was left out there!! Yea, it's the mom in me. He had what he would need to survive but it would still make me nervous. Even though I have no doubt he is more than capable.

So no meat, but a successful camping trip for the boys emotional well being

NH trip/wedding in Maine

Well Jessica and I had a great time back East. We spent 4 days with mom and dad, then 4 days in Maine (counting travel) then another 3 1/2 days with Mom and dad.

We went apple picking at Gould hill which is one of my favorite places:) The first time we went the apples weren't quite ready and were a bit tart, but Jessica spent time taking photos and enjoyed doing that. We did finally get a bunch of apples the day before we left and got to pack home a bunch...I love my NH apples!!

Jessica looked beautiful at the wedding. She does NOT get her dressing style from me or mom! She dresses way nicer than either of us! Talk about style. Course being 5"9 or so certainly helps. But the shoes....good gravy. I could never walk in the real high heels that she wears, but she loves them. I am a country hick for sure. I have no style. And feel most comfy in jeans and sweatshirts, whereas my daughter loves clothes and loves to dress up. Anyway she was stunning. Can't believe this is my little girl...or as I still call her 'squirt'.....seems kind of funny to call her that but it is the name she's had for so long.

Jessica had a reading to do at the wedding and my typically nervous little girl was incredibly comfortable and did amazing. she had no nervousness at all and was actually excited to be doing the reading. This was amazing to me as she hates to read out loud and has never done so in front of a group. And she doesn't like being 'in the spotlight'. But she was so thrilled for her cousin and so happy to be a part of the wedding that she was actually excited about the whole thing. She read beautifully, looking at the bride and groom, speaking clearly and loudly and I sat there with tears in my eyes realizing how grown up my baby was. She loved taking photos and is creating a gift for the newlyweds with them. She had a good time at the reception...dancing with some other girls and her cousins and Aunt Sandy. There were no young men there (gee, isn't that too bad..) but she still danced away and had a great time.

We spent a lot of time shopping. Just ask dad! She found a few nice things in Concord but hit the jackpot when Dad drove us to the Tilton shopping center...TWICE!. There she found a teen store with great sales. She was in hog heaven! I am sure dad was amazed that anyone could spend so much time shopping. She got some really nice clothes and of course another pair of high heals. Can never have too many shoes, according to Jessica. Dad was amazingly patient and never made a peep about how long we were shopping and Jessica really appreciated it! As did I. And believe me, it was long.

We hiked up Mt. Kearsage and also went to the flume. The colors back there were not quite turning but we did see a little color in the swampy areas. We enjoyed both our hikes.

We had a great time visiting with everyone and it was nice to spend some quiet time with mom and dad. Jessica worked on jigsaw puzzles a lot when we were just visiting at the house.
At least that gave her some entertainment when we were home.

introduction

Well Cheryl and Jen, here goes nothing. See how I do with this blog thing.

Jessica will need to upload photos, not my area of expertise.

Will try posting blogs now and then.

As of now fall is in the air. The leaves are turning and nights are cool. I love fall but it comes too soon up here and is too short.

We had a fantastic trip to the beach and was so glad we were all able to get back together again. For the moment I am enjoying having my family all home as it was a long summer with Kody being gone. I keep thinking, this time next year and he will be gone for his first year of college. WOW. It's going to be a huge adjustment and one I am not ready for.

Will keep this one short to see if I am doing it right:)