Needed a break from catching up on work today so did some long overdue in-cab wiring cleanup on TC, one of a few things I'd like to finish up before heading down to Buena Vista for elk and deer hunting. That's coming up in just two weeks! Can't wait! Meanwhile happy birthday to my dad!

Toby and I headed down to Buena Vista this past Saturday to reorient me to the area, scout around a tiny bit, and do some initial sighting in of the rifles.



The weather was perfect with sunny skies and near autumn temperatures and we did a little driving around the area to remind me where the hunting spots are. Then we headed into the woods a bit near "my" ridge and tried out the guns. The 300 Win Mag seems close.

Shooting prone at 150 yards I put 3 shots inside a 2 or 3" circle, just low and left. Couldn't adjust much with the barrel getting hot. Toby's got something wrong with the 308, probably the cracked stock, because it was shooting all over the place.

That done we headed for grub and then home. The day went by fast, but was oh so refreshing to the soul to get out into the hills. Just a little over a month from now, 3rd season opens!

I thought I should point out that September 27 is a National Day -- alas, not because it's my birthday...

Saturday, September 27 is National Hunting and Fishing Day!

This weekend my good friend Toby and I will be heading down to Buena Vista for the day to scout our hunting area. I'll leave TC at home this time but you can bet your sweet bippy he'll be there on opening day for 3rd rifle season!

Fall's starting to take over the high country now, cool overcast days blowing in while the heat of summer fights to hold on.

The chill brings back exciting memories of my first days arriving in Colorado, of my first hunt last year, of leaves blowing along the streets, and Halloween around the corner. Pumpkins, soup, and fiery golden mountains.

Wheeling is great in the last days of summer. While the heat suffocates the city, the mountains are crisp in the 60's and the trails wait for intrepid travelers escaping the heat.

Webster Pass and Georgia Pass cross the Rockies from US 285 over to the area of Breckenridge. Webster beckons those who don't mind narrow paths winding up steep mountain sides with rewards of amazing views of Red Cone and the valleys on both sides of the pass.



As August drew to a close, Scott and I headed out and over Webster, had a great time taking it easy. Some good challenges on the way up and the view from the driver's seat looked worse than it is. Knuckles were a bit whiter than they needed to be, let's say.

The drive takes you down a dirt road through trees and brush down into the small town of Montezuma with dirt roads and cabins, new cars and old. A short drive away by road is Breckenridge and driving up Tiger Run Road a few miles north of the heart of the town leads you up twisting dirt roads into Pike National Forest.

We got lost a few times. It's been several years and I always came from 285 so all the myriad turnoffs caught me offguard. After "exploring" for awhile, we found our way to the top with a great view to the East.

We didn't dally too long; we wanted to get back a little early. The drive down on that side goes quickly and before long we were back on pavement near Jefferson, and taking 285 back home.

Both rigs did great with no real issues making for a very relaxing day in the thin air.