Author Topic: Bucket List (Read 12566 times)

Elkfever · « **on:** November 01, 2021, 02:14:07 PM »

My dad and I have each shared the same dream, since I can remember, to venture on a backcountry elk hunt by horseback and hunt bugling bulls in the Rockies. When my dad retired a couple years ago, we made plans to check this trip off the bucket list. For almost three years, we anticipated the day where we would head to the Absaroka Mountains of northwest Wyoming. My best bud and our hunting partner, Cory would join us on this special trip although he would not be carrying a tag.

The plan was to give ourselves a few days to enjoy traveling and acclimate to the 6-10,000’ elevation increase from home. We left western Washington Tuesday morning, enjoyed a bbq lunch outside of Lagrande and made it to a hotel in Pocatello for the night.

HillHound · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2021, 02:21:55 PM »

Tagging along for this one. Sounds like it’s got the makings of an epic hunt.

pianoman9701 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2021, 02:35:09 PM »

Elkfever · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2021, 02:46:04 PM »

The next morning, we made it to the Costco in Idaho Falls to stock up on a few last minute essentials. As I went to fire up the truck to leave, the battery was dead. Luckily, there isn’t really a better place to be with a dead battery than a costco parking lot. I walked back in, purchased a new battery and we were back in business. Although, a new problem was found. Long story short, the mode door actuator had blown, killing the heater and creating a persistent and loud knocking noise. The only way to kill the obnoxious noise was to pull the fuse. With the fuse pulled, we had no heat or even flowing air to defrost the windshield. We called multiple mechanics but none could fit us in on our tight schedule so with the windows cracked, we kept heading East to Jackson.

Elkfever · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2021, 03:08:25 PM »

We made it to Jackson, had a great lunch at Stillwest Brewery and enjoyed exploring the town for the afternoon. We hit up the Cowboy Bar for whiskeys and live music, had an amazing dinner at The Local and relaxed in the hot tub at the Elk Country Inn.