2012 ecr

[William Clunie]

If Andy hacks into his knee, he's going to need lots of Obama Care.
:0)

[William Clunie]

I missed a good one. Looks like Woodsy was going "beast mode" with those shorts. And what kind of weapon is Dave R. holding? Looks like a bolt action muzzleloader? Is he in the "Highland Beast Mode?"

[Herb]

I needed a couple days to process the whole ECR experience and get back on a normal sleep cycle, but what a great time. The assortment of people the Kifaru Company's culture and gear brings together is quite fascinating, it was a pleasure to spend some time on the Eastern side of things. Thanks Patrick for giving us a forum to bring all these personalities together.

First, a big THANK YOU to Ken and his family. The airport shuttle and the sharing of your home, on top of all the other organizing, is much appreciated. You have a wife and family to be proud off. I look forward to the stories of your two youngsters learning the ways of the outdoors from their father.

Second, thank you to Johnny and all the Muga Pines members for their hospitality in sharing their camp. They have hosting the ECR down pat and go out of their way to make all feel welcome. The passion that camp shares for the deer hunt is amazing. It's not all about size and numbers, but the hunt and the people you share it with, thank you Muga Pines for a refreshing reminder of what makes a hunt special. I can only imagine the tales to be noted in the journal in 2012.

Robbie and Andy, thank you for letting this central flat lander shoot your rifles. The M1 was a treat to shoot and my son was excited to have the clip. Andy, your rifle will probably cost me some money as I look for some trigger upgrades, very nice setup.

Dave and Susan, I wish you two the best in a long happy future. I would be surprised if the dogs needed to pull a sled into the 2013 camp. I can see the Roth's rolling right into camp in their off-road Jeep, designed by Susan. Quite the Marine you have there Dave!!

Woodsy, Ralph, Greg, Bobby, Derrick and the wives, the kids and the entire ECR clan made for some belly roll laughs, candid discussions on life and living. Robbie's offering of the possibilities a retirement to New Mexico raising Naugas that have had their dew claws removed is one story sure to have some parents answering tough questions. I can still hear Andy's whistle, I think, my ears may still be recovering from a few real big BOOMS!!! All in all, a great weekend in fine company.

As Patrick and I sat in the airport, waiting for our departing flights, a fella stepped up to snack counter near us. We could only grin as we noted the MountainSmith pack he had over his shoulder, and with that, a hand shake and we went our separate ways.

[GJZ]

Herb,

It was a pleasure to meet you! The Rendezvous has brought many fine people together over the years but think your the only person other than Patrick that had to travel by plane to get here.
Thanks for taking the extra time and effort to make the trip!

And a few good Canadian friends who travel/drive from our northern border too!
It's unfortunate all the Rendezvous people from the past haven't been able to make it. : (
The assortment in firearms and wild game change from year to year....

Yep, The Muga Pines members hunt as a team and work together. Great bunch!
You're absolutely right, it's not about the size or numbers....it's their appreciation for the outdoors, camaraderie and passion for hunting that they share. But have noticed they are starting to add some nice bears and bucks to their collection over the years too!Jeremy is an awesome ice fisherman! They will have a lot of memories in the end! I'm slowly trying to get back into bowhunting myself after very long hiatus as our son was growing up. Ken and Johnny hunt with a bow too! I've talked to Timberline in the past through the Kifaru MB/PM pertaining to rifles but highly regret I didn't get to communicate with him about archery. Although rifle hunting in the high country to me is a favorite....I want to dedicate more time to bowhunting in the future. But must say it was very nice to see how much you enjoy hunting with a bow! That was a real treat! And meet a person and dedicated bow hunter as yourself! As much as any firearm big game hunter I ever knew! Maybe the most dedicated bow hunter (regular person) that I ever had a chance to meet. -Not including the people like Chuck Adams, guides, professionals and others with or without sponsors who do it for a living. Keep it up! That's a good thing! Great stories! I was a little late for dinner/side-tracked but did had a chance to finally try some of the great tasting Turkey, Steak and Bacon you brought from your home state of Nebraska. Good stuff!

Glad you had a great weekend!

And Patrick and yourself had a safe and enjoyable flight home!

Cool story about the MountainSmith Pack!!!

[Andy_in_NH]

If Andy hacks into his knee, he's going to need lots of Obama Care.
:0)

I'd settle for a good Corpsman instead. We missed you William!

[ozarkrambler]

Herb, I agree on the laughing, when I was there a few years back my stomach hurt the entire time due to the comedy. These folks are a riot. I hope to make it again in the future.

Ozark

[Ken]

We hope you can make it again soon too Dan...

Another great one in the books. Sh!tty snow cover, long distance target range was a slop hole...who cares?...we had fun anyway! I didn't get to sit in on the last late nite visit as I had the lil dude to look after. He's finally old enough to stay all weekend come 'rhondy time. He even managed his first overnight in the tipi Friday. Come Sat. AM he popped his head out of the bag and proudly stated "I MADE IT DAD!"...yes you did buddy, you made it...grin....

It's getting so that he's as excited as I am for Patrick to come camping...turns out he was his shadow a couple of times, following him around asking him a bunch of questions I'm sure. At one point Patrick popped into the cabin and I asked him..."Where's Landon?...he chuckled and said "I left him down in Andys tipi with Andy and Robby, I'm sure he's well taken care of..." I agreed but wandered down a few minutes later to see if he was pestering them too much and I find out he's been no trouble at all but they are running seriously low on Jolly Ranchers, Reeses peanut butter cups and Beef Jerky...LOL....

We have a great bunch of guys and gals that turn out every year, the core group if you will, and I look foward to seeing everyone. It's great fun to catch up on th years events. The new fellas like Herb are always a highlite and I'm glad we get a chance every now and again to have them pop in. Herb's an awesome guy, and is welcome at the Ginter household ANYTIME.

We are all pretty fortunate here as forum members to be surrounded with the great bunch that makes up 'our' forum. Many thanks to Patrick and crew for getting us all together and keeping the lights on so we can stay together...

An another shout out to Johnny and the rest of the Muga Pines crew. You guys make things ultra easy and I appreciate all the help with the event.

Untill next year....DAAAAAAAAYOOOOOOO!

[ozarkrambler]

Talked to the wife and as of now I'm in for next year as long as I don't draw a bull tag for somewhere good next fall.

It would sure be nice if you could get Copper to make an appearance, he was an interesting chap and it would be good to see him again.

Oh and we have to get some of that beer we had last time, that was good stuff.

[Ken]

Right on! Glad to hear it.

No need to worry about the beer...swinging down to te Pump Station for dinner and growler refills is getting to be as much a tradition as the ECR itself...grin...

[William Clunie]

Ken,
I'll bet that was THE coolest having Landon announce that he "made it." How cool. Tickles my heart.

See you all next year. I've got a smoker now, so some smoky chow will be on the menu.