Camp

[C.O.B.]

Fall is just around the corner and plans are being made for far off hunts for Elk, Moose, Sheep, Quail, Pheasant etc. These adventures often entail some sort of hunting camp be it a family cabin in the north woods or that of a friends who you spend deer season with.

If you grew up in a hunting family camp probably centered around deer season. As a young boy you yearned to go to camp with the grown ups and the mystery and allure of camp only grew with each passing year until it was finally your year to go. Camp provided all kinds of excitement and chores that would be shunned at home were eagerly accepted at camp such as doing the dishes & chopping some firewood.

Camp is a place where one can take pause of everyday life and reflect on the things that matter. It's a place where Bacon, Eggs, Sausage Gravy and fried potatoes are everyday food groups not special occasions. It's where your cardiologist would have a heart attack just from the menu. A bird dog weary from a long day can curl up on the couch or the recliner and lick their tired and sore feet without retribution. Muddy boots while not encouraged are accepted and there is more beer than vegetables in the refrigerator.

At the end of the day the smell of Hoppe's #9 prevails with just a hint of Rem Oil mixed in with the aroma from a fine cigar and the days hunts are discussed. Missed opportunities are examined and the success are told over and over again.

Camp encompasses a lot of things from the family cabin to the wall tent with a small wood stove that your going to use for ten days in Alaska. As the fire burns down and the morning chill awakens you, you slip into your boots to take care of the morning's "business" then fill you hat up with big frost ripened Blueberries. The mountain peaks have been dipped in snow and there is a frost on the ground. You walk into the cook shack and give the berries to the cook who with a big grin says "thanks pard" and adds the berries to the pancakes. The coffee is hot and strong and the cakes light and fluffy. With breakfast complete and a lunch packed you head out in your quest for Caribou, Moose or Bear and at the end of the day there will be camp.

Camp doesn't have to be a place devoid of the finer things in life and some of the remotest can be nicely appointed especially in deepest darkest Africa.
Your quarters have a real bed with a mattress, sheets and pillows. There is hot and cold running water and a flush toilet and a shower which at the end of a long, hot dusty day is very much appreciated.

At the end of the day enjoying Sundowners around the camp fire the success and failures are rehearsed. The tale of the 60 inch Kudu that gave you the slip or the stalk on the big Cape Buffalo that was spoiled by a Warthog, maybe it's the nice Bushbuck that "in the salt" is told over and over. Discussion turn to the .375 VS .416 a bolt gun VS a double rifle and what will tomorrow bring? As the embers die down and the glass is emptied you turn on your torch (flashlight) and head off to bed. As consciousness gives way to slumber you hear it ever so faintly.....or did you? A faint coughing sound but no it can't be your mind is playing tricks on you. Then there it is again closer this time. The sound is coming from the river bed below you some 100 yards. There is no doubt about it the sound is the raspy cough of a Leopard. At first this is somewhat disconcerting but slowly you begin to realize Ole Spots is just hunting trying to make out his living and you take comfort knowing he is indeed there. The next thing you know there is a gentle knock on your door. "Good morning Bwana, I have Tea".

No matter where your "camp" is or what it consists of or how long you will spend there it's a wonderful place to be.