O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

We braved the weather and went to get a Christmas tree.  Actually, the weather was quite pleasant...not windy, not too cold and didn't snow or rain much.  We got a chance to try out our 'new' snowshoes too.  We got them last fall and then didn't have enough snow last winter to use them.  I don't think that will be a problem this year.  However, if this nasty rain keeps up much longer, we will eventually run out of snow at the house.  I am begining to wonder about a white Christmas.  I guess we'll see!  =-)

Ewes, bucks and snow

Had a great day out in the field yesterday.  Days like that remind me of why I went into the wildlife field in the first place...sure wasn't for the paperwork or the politics!  I digress...

Enjoy some photos from yesterday...

I had a great time elk hunting, but the short story is...I didn't bring back any meat.  If you are satisfied with that...no, need to read further. 

If you are interested in more details...continue!  =-)

I was in elk every day and saw 3 different bulls and a few cows.  I jumped 2 bulls out of their beds about 50 yards away.  And the third bull was just a streak across the Big Meadow the last day.  I also snuck up on two different cows hoping big brother was nearby.  But, no big brothers!  I got close to a couple mountain goats, saw really fresh cougar tracks a couple different days, found bear tracks, had coyotes serenade us to bed one night, had great hunting partners, and got my snow fix for a while!! 

Had a great time!

Big hunt, little results...

We went out looking for a bear last weekend; however, we didn't find any. Spring bear season opened Thursday. We had a great campout...shared camp with four other families (plus little people). The littles kept us entertained! Here are some photos from our big weekend...

Ready for color

I'm ready for flowers...bring on the color!

Many Travels

It has been a while since I've posted...I've been on the road a lot it seems (been to Reno three times this month). Mostly for work, but also for fun.

Our latest trip was down to Sebastopol, CA for Grandma Mann's 90th birthday celebration. Over 100 people showed up to wish her a happy birthday...mostly relatives (that part of the family is huge!). We had a great trip and we were able to see cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas, great aunts and uncles, etc. we hadn't seen in quite a while. The weather was in the mid 70's...it was wonderful! I was busy taking pictures...almost 400 photos in 4 days. But, I'll only post a few... =-)

Aren't they precious?

Couldn't help it...I went with my sister to look at her puppy-to-be last weekend. While we were there, I took lots of pictures of cute black and chocolate lab puppies. They were 6-7 weeks old and cute little blubber-balls! Maybe she'll let me puppy-sit (when they puppy is potty-trained!). =-)