by Dan Neely » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:10 pm
Yeah, I can understand cold, wet and muddy feet. In the late 70's, I took a buddy of mine duck hunting just down the road from the house. The temp was about 6 deg and had been hanging between -5 and 12 for about 6 weeks. Needless to say there was no need for wadders. We set up on the ice and ducked into the tules on an island in a very large pond. I was somewhat used to the cold as I was working as a lineman for the local utility. Still, just standing on the frozen island while hoping for a flight from the north, I was dancing and stomping my feet trying to stay warm. My buddy, Bruce, was laughing at me and bragging about how toasty his tootsies were. He had purchessed a new pair of electric socks and was a happy camper. We had set up about 5:00am and I had been listening to him brag for about 5 hours. His smirk and chuckle were starting to wear on me. Suddenly, he threw his shotgun down in the tules and started hopping around on one foot screamming bloody murder while trying to rip of the boot of the other foot. Like you, I had already guessed that his sock had a short circuit. He finally got the boot off and was rubbing his foot on the ice while still cussing. Needless to say, I was doubled over with tears in my eyes. Yep, I'm sticking to muck boots. We had only a few misc ducks and I made him wait to fill out our limits. A nasty wind came up and the mallards came in at about 15 ft flying at around 5 mph. I had never seen anything like that before. We had plenty of ducks to clean that afternoon.
How did your hunt turn out? Any birds? Or did you guys just go for a walk? It would be fun take in a hunt with you one of these days.
About Bob, I haven't heard anything. I'll try and find out where he is and see about getting him connected. As for the reunions, I would very much like to go but I get a little anxious in the airports. The flying isn't so bad but the TSA and other goombaas get my meter up a few notches. I would really like to see you and the guys and can make it if I really set my mind to it. Have a great new year, Mick. Dan