Graybeard Outdoors

Epilog

Why this story?

I decided to write this story for several reasons. In no particular order, they are:

Provide a little humorous "folklore" to fellow hunters

Record a memorable trip for myself

Demonstrate to the younger breed of hunters amongst us the total experience of hunting.

And, perhaps, to prove that one need not kill an animal to truly enjoy the hunt.

Although hunting has been an integral part of my life since my eleventh birthday, there have been

more "peaks and valleys" than "flat land". In other words, I've hunted a whole lot to take a few

game. But in doing so, I've experienced the greatness of the outdoors. I've been deep into the

wilderness and high onto the mountain. I've sat high above the clouds and watched natures family

at play. And I've had remarkable moments when the reverence of it all has influenced me deeply.

Is this story true?

Yes.

It has been asked many times. Does "art imitate life" or does "life imitate art?"

Once, during a rocket attack near Chu Lai, South Vietnam, a buddy of mine said to me that the

"truth" lies somewhere between Heaven and Hell. He gave it a wide berth. For him, the truth was

only the moment at hand. Anything and everything immediately prior to or forthcoming "the"

moment was - to him - of no significance in the greater scheme of life.

And so, Yes. The events portrayed in this story actually occurred during the seven day period of

this hunt. But attempting

to recall everything that happened, with precision being homaged to dates and times was not my

concern. Certainly, some of the cited events may have occurred on a different date or at a

different time. But they occurred as portrayed. And that is the significance of such "things" in the

greater scheme of life.

I am certain I've left out some things, mis-dated some events, and perhaps have even taken

poetic license at times. But nothing deterred me from the truth of the whole matter as I lived and

witnessed it. What has been reported is what actually happened.

It was a Week To Remember

A week full of twists and turns, of surprise and anticipation. A week of fulfillment and let-down. A

week of hunting. A week to remember.

Regrets? A few.

History

As this story settles into the dust of history, there will remain vivid certain events in my mind.

Such as Graybeard chasing a phantom rattle-snake from a woodpile that I just happened to be

sitting near. Of mythical "Whumpas cats" in the night. Of Ricks cooking and giving up his own

hunting time so that his "guests" could maximize their own. And yes, even the heavy but friendly

banter about the internet as everyone who chooses piles "it" higher and higher.

It is this aspect of a good hunt that cements the total experience. It is the frosting on the cake. It

is what makes it all worth it.

I've had fun putting this story together, taking ribbing from friends whom I've never met. For me,

this hunt exemplified what the sport of hunting is truly all about. Good friends. Good food. Good

bonfire B.S. And sometimes, with a little luck, something to take home other than scent-stinking

clothes and muddy boots.