doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Getting ready to launch

Hitting the road Monday here. Stacking up all of the little (& big) things it takes to relocate your life for an extended period. Because of the more-remote nature of our little home up there, I have gotten into the habit of loading just about everything I might need to function smoothly in my time there (many of the things I now take for granted here simply aren't available up there or... if they are, their price is almost double).

I am also noticing that as I work my way through my 60s, I need just a little more "stuff" every year it seems. More pills, more potions, more (& better?) food options, better booze options too (of course), better boots, sunglasses, gloves, etc. Life was much simpler 26-years ago for my 1st trip up to the "Great White North". Then...my stays were much shorter and the tasks needing my attention were far-simpler. It's still fun mind-you, but it's alot more pre-planning and work now. I used to just pack up, fly up, hunt and fish and then fly home, now it's 2-days of high-speed interstates and a hotel stay about half-way there. There's even a 4-day driving (up & back) duplicate trip every May to open things up and get things repaired, running, and launched, moreover...there's also a pack-up and a "close-up" process just before we leave that now takes the better part of two days itself (boats, motors, 4x4 vehicles and lots of anti-freeze).

It's always been an big event but now it's far-more consuming, lots of plotting and planning (which starts quite far in advance of the actual event). I used to take just one gun, now it's essentially a battery of guns and then the various ammos needed for each. We also take a 100 quart cooler of frozen foodstuffs (so the meals can be a little better every year too).

I'm hunting my way home again this year (Kansas now, and possibly one of the Dakotas) so I need to plan and pack for that side-trip too (not whining, just thinking out loud).

My wife is joining me for much more of it this year as well (as she is now arguably-retired herself) and that has its own great benefits and then mild-complications as well (I'll be hauling her luggage in my car so when she flies up... it's a much easier trip).

Logistics, logistics...

Lloyd,
You guys know how to have fun.

Every year, prior to me launching myself that direction, I’ve asked what you have overlooked, and what I could bring. Every year (a few now, actually) the report has been the same-don’t bring a damn thing, except maybe an empty cooler to clean out some of the freezer space up there. You guys are mad planers, the details and the cooking your better half does for us, is off the charts.

Still, don’t be afraid to ask, should the need arise, brother.

See you soon.

Best,
Ted

Safe travels, the fun stuff will come in buckets.

Have fun!

Also there seems to be many more than 10 birthdays between the 50th and 60th. You will see what I mean if you reach your 70th and 80th. Hold on to everything you can still do, don't let go of anything, don't tell anyone about the small accidents and falls that don't hurt you and as many as you can hide that do hurt. Always carry your truck and shop keys in your pocket and don't lend them to anyone. Also, hide extra keys where no one can find them. Remember, they are only trying to protect you, and they don't understand the difference between helping you do things safely and stopping you from doing things they don't like. Don't give a designation to the VA, SS, or your retirement, for anyone to take care of your business; otherwise, someone might show up at your door to collect your guns. Instead, have all your checks sent to the bank and add the one to the account, that helps instead of stops you. Maybe it's too early to say this, but if I wait until it is too late, it will be too late.
Mike

The weather prognosticators are saying that we'll be experiencing a wetter Fall up there now. They usually tie in the "Super El Ninjo " to that prediction along with lots of other mumbo jumbo but I am just not convinced.

I am hearing some very encouraging reports about bird numbers though...

Der Ami: from 60 to 70 has seemingly taken a very short time, except for when I was recovering from broken things. There is no question that the challenges associated with the back half of the 60s are becoming fairly noticeable. I'm hoping for smoother sailing going forward, but who doesn't, right?

I've got a full plate planned for this Fall simply because I'm assuming that none of this gets easier as you roll along. Hopefully time will prove me wrong?

Drive safely.

Best,
Ted

Hit the gym, use it or lose it, is not just a dumb saying. You are at the age when it truly means something . Holding on to physical ability is easier than trying to get it back after you've let it go.


Tim

Truer words were never spoken!

Drop 20 pounds is advice I wish a lot of people would or could follow. After I retired I swore not to increase my almost zero TV time or regain weight I have lost over several years. In plain words, to not become a couch potato. Instead I have a basic rule that one day I can work on a permanent improvement to the homestead and one day I have to do something trivial, for the grandkids or as a hobby. I wired a 200 amp service, insulated and finished a three car garage for a winter time shop. I installed a fence in the rear yard so the dog can run free. Built a super play set for the grandkids. I also have taken the grandkids on day trips all over three states. Point is to stay busy and build towards the future, which I know I wont see it forever. But that swing/play set will be enjoyed by kids for years.

Next year I will shoot Dove in South America and shoot pheasant in the Dakota's. Plus introduce one grandson to fishing for crappies. If I make it six more years I will introduce him to Dove shooting and give him my Winchester 28 gauge Skeet gun to start with. Load one shell at a time and shoot one Dove at a time. That is how I taught his dad to do it. Build for the future and enjoy the present.