Heading to the UP

[Mike of the Mountain]

We’ll, Lou and I made the trip last Thursday. Drove 16 hours and arrived around 8:00 in Republic. We hunted hard, areas by Republic, South Republic and GEMS areas between Channing and Ralph. Only flushed 22 grouse and 1 mudbat. Lou killed the mudbat. I didn’t pull the trigger. Conditions were hot (65-72), dry and windy. They had 9”-14” of snow Tuesday into Wednesday and it was almost all gone by the time we arrived. Amazing how sandy that soil is and how it just sucks in all the moisture. There was no standing water nor mud. Had a great time with Lou. Got to deliver a tri-color pup to Danny. Hung out and hunted with Rich Anderson. Good time!! He’s a hoot!! We talked a lot about .22 caliber varmint guns and various single shot rifles. Enjoyed some fine cigars too. Had a 15 hour ride home. Arrived at The Rock at 7:00 PM. Had a fun trip but talking with Lou, we like that Maine is half the distance. Just sayin’.