2007 Elk Camp

Black in our nose, ears, hair, fingernails – every pore of our body.  That’s what we looked like these past few days.

 We just returned from our elk hunt.  When we arrived at our camping spot – the same spot we camped last year – the Forestry Service was doing prescribed burns in the area.  We had smoky fires all around us.  At night you could actually see the flames.  It’s always dirty camping but with all the smoke in the air it made things worse. 

What’s dirt to a little boy? 

Serenity and her friend slept on this bunk-bed together. 

Her friend taught her how to knit which thrilled Serenity.

There were about 35 of us that went camping.  We were not in a campground as you may have surmised but in the forest.  I love that about Arizona.  There is so much open land that you can camp on. 

Wesley seems quite determined to nail this piece of wood, don’t you think?

The Happy Wood Cutter

Zachary testing out the latest tree swing.  (Don’t ask what’s covering his shirt and pants.)

One day we had the girls go out into the forest and collect items from nature to make this sign.  I wish you could see the colors better.  There were some purple leaves that were just outstanding.  We hung the sign up in our outfitters tent which served as our mess hall during the day and at night became the men’s sleeping quarters. 

The forest was beautiful with its changing colors.  Our last morning I went on a walk with Justus and Audrey and gathered leaves and pine-cones and took some pictures. 

We usually stay for about 3 1/2 days but this time was longer (5 days)  because one of the men had not tagged out (gotten his elk).  Three days without a shower is about max for me.   I was more then ready to come back to the comforts of home.

Overall it was a very successful hunt, 6 out of 7 hunters tagged out.  Everyone had a good time.  I played games, talked a lot, went on walks, read a little and kept the water boiling and the vittles hot.