But while packing up, I could not find my light hunting jacket. I searched and searched and searched some more. I must conclude I left it up in Canada somehow. Is it in Carter's truck? Based on pictures I don't think so. In a boat? Highly unlikely. Did I leave it in the treestand or nearby? That would not be like me. But losing something like a jacket is not like me. This thought plagues me as I packed and drove south. Neither the jacket (nor a flashlight which I also lost) is a high dollar item, but that isn't the point. I know I can obsess about small things; this did not feel like a small thing.
Regardless if I'm losing it or not, Sunday came bright and early. I took care of the dogs, got ready and hit the road around 3:30. It was dark, cool and dry. It was a beautiful morning to be on the road.
For the first time in my life I stopped at a Buc-ees. I figured early morning was relatively safe. I don't get the allure and the coffee was only adequate. I would not want to stop on a busy afternoon. At least I can say I've tried to experience this cultural milestone.
Traffic stayed light in the darkness. I made my way south, getting off the interstate to avoid the mayhem that is Knoxville.
I was listening to What the Bears Know by Steve Searles. It was either phenomenally good, or it was the right book at the right time. Or it was both. I might quibble with a bit of what he said. If nothing else, he is wrong on what he says about bear meat (I had a bear burger the previous night). He admits to anthropomorphizing bears a bit too much - at least that is how I interpret what he says about it. But I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Parts of it were extremely funny. Parts were very hard to listen to. Much of it was introspective in a way I could really appreciate. Now I have to decide if I should recommend it to anyone?
Once back on Interstate 40, traffic was very heavy for a Sunday. It stayed this way for much of the rest of the drive. But leaving early, I was in no hurry, so I continued on at my own pace.
I continued to make my way, getting to Rick's in the early afternoon. Aaron and Evan, who I hunted with the previous year were there. We talked a bit, but I was somewhat foggy from the trip.
Rick came back and we all told lies for a bit. Evan and I took a quick trip to the river, but instead of my usual walk, we took Rick's 3-wheelers.
Moose made me miss my dogs back home.
There was no dinner, but I was stuffed from eating the whole trip down. I turned in as soon as I thought it would be acceptable. I went to sleep, still wondering if I'm losing it. I'll have plenty of time over the next few days to ponder this.
