2006 was the last year my dad went into Carlton Brook and the Twin Pine Camp. I hadn't been there in a few years and volunteered to bring him up seeing he could not make the trip alone. From then on until his death in 2013 his physical condition did not allow him a journey so far from home.
What was even harder this trip was his best friend and owner of the camp was sick. Each one knew in this picture it was the last time they would see each other. Sadly Jr. passed the following year.
It was after this last hurrah emotional trip I made a promise to my dad to keep his tradition alive. He could still live the camp life once a year through me. I have not missed a year since then, even if it were only for a couple days.
Three years ago I swapped deer hunting for partridge hunting into Carlton Brook. For these last few years our band of bird hunters have been the first to occupy the camp each fall.
Deer hunting is just what it is for northern ME. Tough as nails. The country is vast and by the fourth week of November a twig snap would send every deer to hiding.
But not the birds. All I can say is WOW! A buddy of mine was in the Allagash last week moose hunting. His comment "We saw groups of 4 to 6 partridge at a time". The Twin Pine is not too far from there.
I am really excited, excited to swing and shoot at a fleeing ruff, to hold that beautiful bird in my hand as I let Belle inhale the intoxicating smell.
Please say a prayer for us. Most of the week I will be alone many miles from any hard road. In God we trust!