Connections

As I previewed in the last posting, the story of the Elk Hunt II is about to be told. Since this was our (big brother/pastor Rick, younger brother/teacher Rod, western KS hunting buddy Craig and myself) second hunt together, we had high expectations and we weren't let down. The first full day of hunting found us in a high mountain meadow, each in our own little spot - camouflaged from our prey. I had no longer sat down and was trying to organize my hunting gear when.... KABOOM! "What in the world?" I thought! Did somebody already shoot at an elk or did a gun accidentally discharge? I sat a few seconds and I heard Rick whistle. I ran over to where he was hidden in a clump of Spruce trees and he pointed towards the woods. There lay a cow elk. He had hit it in the spine and dropped it in its tracks. So, we dressed the elk and carried it down the mountain. Craig went and got a pack horse while we went back up the mountain for the rest of our equipment. We got back to our upper camp with all of our gear and the bagged up elk by dark.

Rick poses with his downed elk in the edge of the woods.

We hunted the next day and went trout fishing between hunts. Rick was the first to wet a line and, you guessed it, caught the first fish - which just happened to be the biggest fish caught on the trip. (That's right, the Ranger and outdoors man got skunked.) We ate good that night, though, enjoying fresh trout and a big bowl of chili.

Rick shows off his big Rainbow Trout and Rod covetously looks on.

Our upper camp in the edge of the Spruce forest.

Other highlights of the hunt included: eating lunch at numerous scenic vistas (one being at the ever enjoyable 11,000 feet; following elk trails through the woods and realizing that those animals have to be part mountain goat; listening to the coyotes howl a nighttime mountain chorus; taking a bath in ice cold mountain streams; and getting snowed on in the woods and in our tent.

The view looking west towards Derby Mountain from our camp.

The four mighty hunters pose on an alpine meadow.

Now, brother Rick joked that his success was because of his direct connection he has with our Creator. Interestingly, my devotions this morning were talking about fairness. In fact, it was saying that we are not the arbiters of fairness. God is, and he knows far more than we do about His plans and purpose. The question isn't about fairness. In the end, it's about trust in a faithful God who knows what He's doing. (He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice. Deut. 32:4) Isn't it great to know that life is not always fair, but God is always faithful?

Rod grazes with the horses (he was craving some roughage).

How about you? Do you have "connections?"