The old codgers trek...now with photos!

[Dryball]

Did some trekking today for the first time in 35 years...nothing major...just a little 6 mile day trip. Went to a place I've been before on trail I've walked before...the trail starts at 8000 feet and climbs to 9000 feet in about 3 miles. Never seemed all that hard before but today was very different. I carried my Traditions Kentucky rifle, horn and bag with just enough gear to do a little shooting. No shelter or other overnight gear. I was wearing traditional garb including soft soled moccasins...BIG mistake! Since I last walked this trail all the rocks have doubled in size, sharpened themselves to a razor edge, and placed themselves in the only place a moccasin could possibly fit. The trail has somehow increased it's steepness by at least a hundred percent. What should have taken about an hour and a half took three hours...one way! When I arrived at the top at least I got to shoot a few rounds before starting back down. My flinter shot beautifully, no misfires or hangfires and I even hit a few targets! Coming down took as much time as going up due to my feet feeling like they had been stomped by a maddened bull elephant. Now I know why we have had no posts about trekking...either nobody does this twice or the successful trekkers are supermen and wont speak to the rest of us. I was hoping to do some overnight trekking next, but unless I get some advise on how to survive without crippling myself...I don't know.

Flatfoot Ned

A few photos

[Ironwood]

Ned, at that altitude I think you did very well.  I couldn't go 100 yards up hill at that altitude.  300 Feet above sea level is high for around here! :)  Now when I was about 50 I could have done it without much trouble... go the 100 yards that is! 

[Dryball]

Thank you for your kind words Gene, but just 10 years back I could hike 20 miles per day carrying a pack at that altitude...I must be getting ol.....ol............old! Nah...cant be that! Maybe gravity has increased due to global warming or smog, or something...that might explain why walking takes more effort then it used to. And the earth is going through a growth spurt...that explains why mountains are so much taller and steeper now.

Ned

[bull frog]

What charge are you using in the flinter at this time Ned?  I think I told you I may have some flints that will fit that small lock.  Picked up some small gourds at the apple festable this weekend to make a flint primer flask, should have all the things I need.

[Dryball]

She shoot's best with 50 grains fffg, although she likes 40 grains also. Main thing I've found is she needs to have her vent picked before every shot. Yea, I shur could use some more flints...the present one has had close to 75 shots on it. Might have to reverse the flint in the jaws soon


Ned

[Roaring Bull]

Bull frog, could you show us innocents how you make a priming flask out of a gourd?  I'm on the lookout for new trade items and such and that might fit the bill!  How bout a "How To"?

[FrankG]

Looks like ya had a nice outing Ned and good weather to boot !

[battman1]

Looks like a heck of a nice day, and some beautiful country to boot.

[Ranger]

Those are some pretty pics. 'Ceptin for that ol fart in the middle of all of 'em. 

Looks like you had a great time, Ned. That is some beautiful high country. We don't have anything that high around here in Ohio. Just corn and soybean fields!

[Chaffa Hosa]

No high country around here either
Nice pics 

[Dryball]

Adam, I had about decided to take it easy on you due to your.....well....you know,....your little...mental problem. But not now! You've had it Bois de Vache!

Ned

[Roaring Bull]

Great pics, Ned.



but who was trekking with you? 

[Dryball]

Bigfoot. He's actually a pretty good camera thing...took a little training but he stopped trying to eat the camera now.

Ned

[bull frog]

Well Mr. Bull, it will be a few days befor I can get to it, but if your really interested I will try to take pictures and let ned post them for a how too.

[bull frog]

Some of those pictures turned out pretty good Ned.