diamond hitch
Well-known member
I haven't done one of these before so please bear with me. It might get kinda long. One time in the 80s, we were scouting a new chunk of land and had my 75 year old father along. As we broke over the top of a long slope, Dad's horse all of a sudden layed down and he got off- kinda. He lost his balance and started sliding down the hill. Within seconds so did his horse. As we watched in horror, they slid down the hill together. Dad stopped and then the horse stopped just short of him. When he got the horse to the top of hill he stopped for a second and then said 'when ever I go out with you - its an adventure! Hence folks, here we go.
Yesterday was an interesting start. With a steady snow bordering on blizzard, we started off on a day of recon. A foot of snow is tough sleddin on foot. About two miles in, we could see where the walkers and turned around and started back for the truck.
At about three miles, we could see where 5-6 head of elk hit the road early in the storm. We just couldn't tell if the path was up or down. With the heavy downfall we opted to continue our path.
We checked out a trail I had cut out but sure enough it had blown in with the last week's of heavy winds so back to square one. Maybe someday.
We got back on the road and countinued west. Last year we cut a lot of big cat tracks but this year was bare. We made it in 7 miles to my old camp and worked our way out on the crosscut trail I cut in Sept.. Some of that was on a south slope that had blowed in in July. As we approached the thickest tunnel like section, I noticed a cow elk right next to the trail. We piled off and struggled to get clear of our gear in what resembled a log tunnel. As my partners gun came up the horse shook and the elks head came up and took off through the downfall. At the distance maybe a spear would have been more in order. Anyway we cleared the trees for a better look and about that time that goofy cow decided to voice her displeasure and started barking at us from a fir patch at about 100 yds. She finally walked off and we moved back on the trail. And set up a sneak /flush. We had to get past the armpit high downfall. My partner pulled off his riding clothes and worked his way through the trees as the wind would allow. i took the horses back on the trail to the top of the ridge. And tied them up. After I got out of my chaps and riding clothes I worked my way down the ridge to where they usually travel through. Again lots of blowdown from that south wind.
We guessed the cow went down the ridge cause we never caught up with her. We worked our way back up to the horses and worked our way back to the road. At that point we geared up and jumped on- briefly. The mare I am riding is young and kind of bitchy and she took offense to the intrusion and dropped me off in a snow drift. When we got her caught the second time it stuck and the ride out was filled with some testy moments and subsequent lessons.
The trip out ( about 7 miles) was brisk but we had proper clothing. The temp was about 15 but some pockets felt colder- especially with the wind. First time I really desired a covid mask. With the mustach frozen to my beard and snot cycles rattling, we got back to the truck only to have to chain up to leave. Some days are tougher than others.
Today is a restup day as we watch the thermometer at -4. Tomorrow will be a better day for a couple old guys.
More to come.
Yesterday was an interesting start. With a steady snow bordering on blizzard, we started off on a day of recon. A foot of snow is tough sleddin on foot. About two miles in, we could see where the walkers and turned around and started back for the truck.
At about three miles, we could see where 5-6 head of elk hit the road early in the storm. We just couldn't tell if the path was up or down. With the heavy downfall we opted to continue our path.
We checked out a trail I had cut out but sure enough it had blown in with the last week's of heavy winds so back to square one. Maybe someday.
We got back on the road and countinued west. Last year we cut a lot of big cat tracks but this year was bare. We made it in 7 miles to my old camp and worked our way out on the crosscut trail I cut in Sept.. Some of that was on a south slope that had blowed in in July. As we approached the thickest tunnel like section, I noticed a cow elk right next to the trail. We piled off and struggled to get clear of our gear in what resembled a log tunnel. As my partners gun came up the horse shook and the elks head came up and took off through the downfall. At the distance maybe a spear would have been more in order. Anyway we cleared the trees for a better look and about that time that goofy cow decided to voice her displeasure and started barking at us from a fir patch at about 100 yds. She finally walked off and we moved back on the trail. And set up a sneak /flush. We had to get past the armpit high downfall. My partner pulled off his riding clothes and worked his way through the trees as the wind would allow. i took the horses back on the trail to the top of the ridge. And tied them up. After I got out of my chaps and riding clothes I worked my way down the ridge to where they usually travel through. Again lots of blowdown from that south wind.
We guessed the cow went down the ridge cause we never caught up with her. We worked our way back up to the horses and worked our way back to the road. At that point we geared up and jumped on- briefly. The mare I am riding is young and kind of bitchy and she took offense to the intrusion and dropped me off in a snow drift. When we got her caught the second time it stuck and the ride out was filled with some testy moments and subsequent lessons.
The trip out ( about 7 miles) was brisk but we had proper clothing. The temp was about 15 but some pockets felt colder- especially with the wind. First time I really desired a covid mask. With the mustach frozen to my beard and snot cycles rattling, we got back to the truck only to have to chain up to leave. Some days are tougher than others.
Today is a restup day as we watch the thermometer at -4. Tomorrow will be a better day for a couple old guys.
More to come.