Back in June I had the pleasure of drivin up to Joe's place and spending some time with him and his wife Eloise. What a fantastic friend he has become. Not to mention an extremely capable artisan and craftsman. Dave and I drove out in a day and were fortunate to spend 3 days roaming the hills and eat some purty fine table fare laid out by our gracious hosts! Several times Joe leaned over and said, "I'm sure glad you guys came, she never feeds me this good unless there's company." I didn't believe him for a minute!
Meals were better than we deserved and perfect opportunities to get to know these fine folks even better. Afterward we would sit around and listen to Joe tell stories about his life or hunting, completely at ease in the ambiance of his home. My eyes would drift from one museum quality piece to another while he would regale us with his limitless experience of elk hunts gone by.
In the morning we would wake up and move to the porch where any number and variety of animals were constantly in view. Buffaloe, elk, wolf, coyote, deer, moose, bear and cats are all common in his yard and he had several pair of binos ready at hand for viewing.
From the kitchen.
One morning after breakfast we packed up and headed for the hills. We drove the side by side to the end of the road and threw on packs and began to climb. It was a little out of the way spot he called the black hole. Not 15 mins into the walk and Davey (who didn't even know what an elk shed looked like) said, "hey what's this!"
It was the only thing we found that day but oh what a souvenir!on the way up we had split up to take a different path and I stayed with Davey. The plan was to meet up st skyline and the. Come down a different route. Best laid plans and all... we eventually met back up at the side by side only a little late for supper. Joe looked at me and said, "if we're late you're gonna be in trouble and you don't want trouble from the boss!" So he threw me the keys and said careful on the curves.
View from the top
On the way back down the mountain.
Incredible trip! Beautiful country! Amazing friendship!
