Hunting Sowagua Creek

Last weekend  opening of bow hunting, I parked my truck and took the ATV up the logging road.  A sign cautioned, “steep narrow road with active logging.”  The road was steep and narrow even for logging roads. This weekend I decided I’d take the truck to where I’d target practiced and broke my bow string ending my bow hunt.  This was the opening of rifle hunting season.
I'd had Ali at Vancouver Auto put a Warn 12000 lb winch on the front of my Ford F350 truck.  One more safety feature.
 It was a lovely sunny day.  I’d missed my break of dawn start as is increasingly usual with the attractiveness of my bed. Which is why I brought my tent along.  The road opened to a lot of spurs and clear cuts.  It really did look good except that it was an area of active logging. Deer tend to stay away from areas where there’s a lot of activity on the road.
I parked my  truck by a river. I like to have fresh water available when I camp. (Later at night unable to sleep I thought about how bear like to travel alongside streams, and cougar.  I was glad to have the 12 gauge shot gun beside, loaded with buck shot and slug. )
After I set up the tent I got out the ramp for the Yamaha 450 Zodiac ATV. I truly hate backing down off the truck.  I’m always glad to be alive with the ATV on the ground. We loaded up and were gone exploring.  Lovely weather. Sunshine and blue sky. Great views.  Pine and spruce forests.  Great mountains.  Red and purple wild flowers.  Dicky birds.  But no deer. We drove all over the area around us, Gilbert peering over my shoulder.
There were a half dozen others hunters out there too.  Most in trucks driving around while a couple had ATV’s.  Busy place. I only saw one rabbit.  I took a shot with the Ruger 30:06 aiming for the tip of the head, knowing that if I hit it full on I’d explode it and have no meat. As it was, I shot over it’s head.  Very fast rabbit. It will live a very long life never again thinking a truck or ATV can’t see it when it stops still. Now it will keep on running. I let Gilbert free and he ran everywhere in his great little circles but the rabbit was long gone.
Back at the truck in the dark I enjoyed running the truck engine and sitting in the warmth.  Gilbert ate his little Caesar and some of my roast beef sandwich.  I read Rohr’s Breathing Underwater kindle edition on my iPhone.  Gilbert licked my ears.  Soon I was tired enough to shut down the truck and  crawl into the tent.  I had a couple of thin (too thin) mountain air mattress. I had Gilbert’s little green bed.  I used my jean jacket for a pillow. The sleeping bag I had is rated for fall and spring.  I’d just not taken into account the 5000 feet altitude. When the sun went down it was really cold.  I was also thinking about bear and cougar.  You can start obsessing about something and it’s hard to get it out of your mind especially with the nights sounds  behind the water sounds.  I’d loaded the shot gun with a couple of buck shots but decided I should have a slug in the second over under barrel.  I must have checked the positioning of the flashlight and the shot gun and the knife a half dozen times before being satisfied.
I tried to lie on my back. There were rocks. I’d put the tent up beside the road.  Lots of gravel and rocks. Too thin mattress.  Sore back.  Turning over hurt.  Gilbert cuddling for warmth. I gave him the blanket.  I fell asleep for a minute and dreamed I was being attacked by a bear.  I’d had to grab my knife because I couldn’t bring the gun to bear. I fell back asleep, dreamed I was being tortured electrodes jabbed into my back by two terrorists.  It was really cold. I’d wake with a hand out of the bag and the hand was chilled.  Gilbert was shaking next to me so I covered him with the blanket.  I must have slept despite the dreams.  It was light when I awoke. 630 am
I’d slept in my clothes, just had to get the rifle, throw on the jacket.  I had my Iridium Satellite phone in my pocket and now had a Garmin Tactix GPS watch so I’d know my lat and long if I ever needed help.  Since flipping my ATV and getting trapped for a bit under it, thinking I’d not get free, I’ve been a bit more cautious hunting alone.  Gilbert and I then walked out of the camp and headed up to the ridge. It was a slow quiet walk with lots of scoping the ridge with the Bushnell glasses. No luck. We sat for a bit.  On the walk out Gilbert stays on the heel right behind me but on the way back I let him run. He’s a lark to watch, circles and circles.  Then he runs full speed back to me and then full speed ahead.  It’s fun to watch him.  My feet were sore by the time we got back to camp so it was good to have the Kodiack 450.  Off we went on that.  All morning I enjoyed watching the sunlight come over the mountain.  We drove about, explored, went to where the new logging was, had to pull off the road to let big equipment go by. Talked to a half dozen hunters.
Around 10:30  am I headed back to the tent, really tired.  Not enough sleep.  I packed up the tent and gear then loaded the ATV. I don’t mind driving it up onto the truck. It’s just backing it off that gets me.  The sun was up and it really was a hot lovely day. Hard to believe how cold it got in the night walking about now shirtless in just shorts and canoe shoes.
Nobody had seen any deer. However when a guy said he’d seen grouse I felt terribly guilty for not rushing the packing up. Gilbert, the great grouse hound, gave me a dirty look. I got the message.  Got in the truck and hoped to shoot a grouse on the way out.  No such luck.  More ATV’s and other trucks and people just in the woods for fun.  Busy place.
It was only a couple of hours home with traffic not backed up at all.  It was simply wonderful to climb in the hot tub then have a nap on the lawn chair.  Great weekend hunting. If I’d have shot a deer I’d have had the cleaning and hauling and getting it to the butcher.   I believe too you have to do the time to be there when the deer appears.  I don’t think I’ll be tenting any more.  It’s a whole lot more enjoyable hunting with my RV.  Maybe I'm getting older.

4x4ing North Vancouver Island

I’m supposed to be bear hunting but another day I only saw one scat and no bear.  I slept in at the wonderful peaceful Mt H’kusam View Lodge after a superb home cooked meal.
I was on the Yamaha Kodiac 450 ATV by 8:30 am.  The backwards descent from the truck to the ground is the most exciting part of the day.  Once I’d landed and geared up Gilbert sat behind me harnessed to the seat.  We then immediately saw a couple of deer crossing the road.
Later we’d see a half dozen Roosevelt Elk. I got pictures of the last two.
We stopped to share a sandwich.  Shoot some cans with my Ruger 30:06.  Napped midday in the sun. Then cruised about looking at the mountain streams and beautiful snow capped mountain views.  It’s lovely country.  I was alone all day, never meeting anyone till I arrived back at the Lodge where Chris had roast lamb waiting.
Truly a beautiful North Vancouver Island day, 4x4ing.

Sayward Spring Bear Hunting or Not

I’m not really a committed spring bear hunter. Another year I’ve taken time off before the bear have come out of hibernation. Last year this time I was in Princeton and saw no sign of bear. Here I’m north of Sayward on Vancouver Island. I actually have seen some fresh scat but only one pile and I’ve been driving about on my ATV all day.
That’s the thing, though. I’m having a great time.  Gilbert and I and the new Yamaha Kodiac 450.  I’ve got the Mossberg 30:30 in the side scabbard as back up.   I’m carrying my Ruger Stainless Steel 30:06 on the front prongs.  I had a thermos of coffee and a chocolate bar.  I enjoyed coffee breaks with chocolate.  I gave Gilbert little milk bones.  It was heaven.  I love the scenery, the snow capped mountains and island evergreen forest.
I know I should be hiking more but after getting the ATV off the back of the Ford F350 I didn’t want to leave it anywhere where it may be stolen. I suspect once I’ve had it awhile and found the right chain I’ll be more willing to get back to hiking about. Maybe not.
I did strip naked and swim in a rock pool.  I can’t say ‘swim’.  I went,  turned around and came right out . Maybe a nano second fully submerged. It was that cold but the sun was warm. It was a great ‘idea’,  taking a dip in April. Definitely refreshing.
I saw a partridge strutting his stuff.  Then there were a couple of big elk that crossed the road. Last night I saw deer beside the road.
Yesterday I took the Horshoe Bay - Nanaimo Ferry and drove up to Campbell River. I sighted in my 30:06, killing a few cans and bottles at 50 yards.  I was satisfied  and felt  was well equipped for the morning hunt.  I stayed in Passage View Motel,  Campbell River. Nice pleasant  place on the ocean. I’ve stayed there before. Really clean and a stair case to the beach.  The Manageress is delightful as well. Very helpful
Now I’m in Mount H’kusuam View Lodge.  Chris the owner is wonderful.  My room is spectacular. Gilbert got to hang with the other dogs out back, there’s 3 big ones, different breeds, all friendly.  He was glad though to leave the kennel and become a human again after a half hour of play. He’s a little guy and though he gets on with the big guys well enough ,i could see he was ready to return to his special status with me.
Chris made a superb dinner, soup, salad and pasta.  Each specifically home spiced. I loved it.  While I ate we talked. He’d been a computer science professor, and then he and his wife and four kids had a goat dairy which they made commercial. When the kids went off to university they came here to develop this 20 acre, 20 bed hostel. I met Jill. They’re both so extraordinary and so accomplished.
I’m my contemporary spacious luxurious room. I saw there was a full moon out the window.  Hopefully it’s a hunters moon and a bear will be suicidal in the morning.  Otherwise it will still be worth the trip just to have found this unique Mount H’kusam View Lodge.  I love the narrow falls that is cascading out back.

Quadding Chilliwack River in Rain with Gilbert

It was either Mount Vernon Tulip Festival or bear hunting on the quad with Gilbert.  We planned to go early but work kept me busy till noon.  Better late than not at all.  I loaded the gear while Gilbert the cockapoo  danced excitedly around in the rain.
At Langley I stopped at Holeshot to pick up some gloves but got a new pair of 12 foot ramps as well. My 8 foot ramps on an F350 was too exciting loading and off loading the quad.  I felt like I was going to flip over backwards.
At Abbotsford, I stopped at  Hubb Sports to renew my hunting license and get a black bear tag.  Got talking rifles 300 win mags , and the Weatherby seemed best.
In Chilliwack, I stopped at Victor’s to leave him the old ramp and let Gilbert run around his backyard with his rotty girlfriend, Tikka. They really are cute together.  Victor was putting a new front on his harley.  A harley driving friend dropped by while we were talking. I could have hung out but there’s only so much light on a rainy day.
Back on the road we stopped at MacDonalds drive through.  Gilbert almost climbed through the window to get his own paddy.  I had the unbeatable, quarter pounder with cheese and filled my thermos with the excellent Mac Coffee.
Then we headed out Chilliwack River way till we found a logging road where I could unload the Yamaha Kodiac 450 ATV.  The new ramp worked great.
Riding along  with yellow rain coated Gilbert behind me I just loved looking at the spectacular west coast rain forest.  I loved  the rushing  river.  The Yamaha 4x4 was terrific.  Gilbert’s  a great companion.  We didn’t see a bear.  We could have.  With the Mossberg lever action 30:30, I shot of 20 rounds at  targets 40 yards out, satisfied with the groupings  and happy to kill a few cans.
I found some snow too.  The global warming deniers in East Canada have been insisting on this winter being cold with lots of snow. The television studios as part of that conspiracy have been showing pictures of snow piled high and slushy streets.  It seemed to me the principal global warming deniers were in Winnipeg and Ottawa.  Out here on the west coast I’ve not seen snow, until today. I found some hiding up in the hills.  Gilbert liked playing in it.  
Back at the truck I got out the ramps and loaded up the ATV.  I’d parked beside a guy with a boat that can be used as an RV. Good outfit for this modern day Noah.  It was raining hard enough all day to start collecting animals.  Gilbert and I were glad to get in to the truck out of the rain and crank up the heat.
We headed back home. Now I’ve just come in from the hot tub.  I didn’t get a bear but we sure had fun.

Yamaha Kodiac 450 4x4 ATV at Harrison Lake

I picked up my Yamaha Kodiac 450 4x4 ATV at Daytona Motorsports. It was loaded into the back of my Ford F350 truck.  Patrick and Warren had been extremely helpful, especially with planning and adding accessories. I loved the seat for Gilbert with a whole lot of storage space. The Worn winch is a must. I’ve got the hand warmers and thumb warmers, electricity outlet for charging gps,  iPhone and other electronics.  It has 2 wd, 4 wd and locked differential 4 wheel drive.  I love the rifle mounts and extra fuel tank mount and chain saw mount.
I loaded it at Daytona Motorsports, Surrey, BC on Saturday.  Then Sunday morning I was packed and headed to Harrison Hot Springs.  It’s only a couple of hours drive from Vancouver.  The weather report said the rain might let up for Monday.  I didn’t care. I wanted to test drive my new machine. Gilbert was game for an adventure.
I stopped at the Abbotsford Hub Sports for targets for target practice. I also bought some new waterproof cammo gear because the rain was worse than I’d thought. Already my waterproof coat was soaked.
In Harrisons I checked into the Bungalow Motel (Cascade Adventures). I’ve been staying here for over a quarter century.  I think it’s an amazing place.  Quaint and rustic with all the modern amenities.
Gilbert and I immediately headed out to the Deer Lake junction where the gravel road, East Harrison Main begins.  With some help from the guys they I got the truck aligned best and drove the steep first back up off the truck. It’s a moment of faith.  Then I loaded gear, getting the guns on the ATV, the cameras in the storage.  When I was done I figured I could go for a week.  Gilbert loved being in his high seat.
We headed out for fun and adventure.  It was terrific. The Yamaha is a real peach of a machine.  Great power and mobility.  Just loved everything about it.  East Harrison’s, even with the rain was a joy to be driving on.  Marvellous sights and waterfalls.  4x4 ing is so much better for looking around than on a 2 wheel bike.
We got out in nowhere, set up some targets, ate some snacks (Gilbert liked that part best), then I sighted in the 22 Ruger and the Mosby 30:30.  They were both firing well.  What a rush to be out in the wilderness on the side of the mountain with a dog and a rifle plunking at targets.  I love the Kodiac 4x4.
The sun came out too.  After a few hours of exploring I headed back to the truck, winched the ATV on. I must get a longer folding ramp.  What I have works. I used to find a place with there was more hill rather than loading straight from the flat.  Exciting.  I’m thankful the Kodiac is lighter for the power it has. I know I can manage it by myself.
 When I got back I left Gilbert in the room while I went for a hour soak at Harrison Hot Springs.  Luxury.  Gilbert and I had hamburgers for dinner and watch tv before turning in to a well earned fitful sleep.