Distance changes the plan
Cory returned from elk camp without harvesting an elk. What he singled out from the trip was time with his hunting buddies and the chance to see new country. His discussion of going back came with a practical change: the next outing would be solo, and getting an elk back out would be his responsibility alone.
He had not meant to be home so soon. Cory said work had called him back before his original hunting break was over. By Saturday, he was on his way back to elk camp for the remaining stretch of his season, planning to start by scanning the hillsides with his binoculars. Hear why the first trip ended early, then follow Saturday’s departure.
That changed how far he planned to go. He explained that he would not hunt as far back as he normally would, because he could not count on packing an elk out from that distance by himself. His plan included both the distance into the country and the work of bringing an elk back out.
Cory also explained why the hard parts still appeal to him. He said being challenged and pushed outside his comfort zone can make the accomplishment feel worthwhile once he is home. Later in the same conversation, he recommended Michael Easter’s The Comfort Crisis and described its mix of an Alaska hunt and reflections on the experience. Hear Cory explain the challenge.
Cory explains why a solo hunt means staying closer and planning for the pack-out.
A solo hunt calls for a different plan
Tuesday, October 27 · 3:01–3:37 · 36 seconds
Keeping the camp simple
The shelter plan followed that practical approach. Cory described using his easy-to-set-up ice house for a short hunting trip, keeping the camp simple. The choice kept the shelter as straightforward as the shorter route he had in mind.
He had considered the rooftop tent, but he needed the truck free to move between hunting spots. A four-wheeler was another option, though he was less keen on bringing it if snow arrived. The ice house let him plan a shelter that could stay put while the truck remained available. Hear the shelter decision.
Cory describes the ice house he plans to use for a short hunting trip.
Keeping camp simple with an ice house
Wednesday, October 28 · 17:33–18:26 · 53 seconds
The appointment behind the drive
Wednesday’s Doctor! drive was a trip to the orthopedist to get his foot looked at again. Cory was unsure what the visit would involve, but he did have one piece of good news: after about two years of trying to arrange them, he said a couple of pairs of boots were finally on the way. The live ended as he headed inside for the appointment. Hear the appointment update.
A family update, with paperwork moving forward
Cory also shared a development that mattered far beyond the next trip: he said a new veterans’ benefits decision could help with his children’s education. He was working through the paperwork with Ellie, and by Friday reported that her education-benefits registration was completed. He described it as a big deal for the family. Hear the family news and Friday’s paperwork follow-up.
An unfinished fence repair
Cory had an equipment problem to solve for the goats, too. He said they had been getting through the bear fence even though the tester showed voltage. After contacting the company, he reported that a replacement power head was on the way. Hear the equipment update.
The stories that came home
Not every memorable discovery was out in the country. Cory recalled sorting through a tote of old sunglasses and realizing that most of the pairs he had discarded were not his.