We wake in early morning
while the moon and stars are bright
and leave behind the covers
that are cozy from the night.
Bare feet are freezing on the tile.
I shiver on the rug
and think about the bed and
fuzzy blankets warm and snug.

I quickly don my long-sleeved tee,
my leggings and my jeans.
I pack my backpack for the hike
through mountain evergreens.
Pack matches, camera, frying pan,
two coats and hunting tags,
A can of soup, binoculars,
a spoon and plastic bags.

Range finder, jug of boiling tea,
some water, knife and snack,
my gloves and gaters, handkerchief,
and scarf go in my pack.
An extra pair of fur lined socks,
some chapstick and a pen.
The bullets, flashlight, bear spray, yet,
and I am ready then.

Put on my socks and hoodie
while Elias makes some food.
It’s ham and eggs with melted cheese
in English muffins’ mood.
Put on my snow pants. Lace my boots.
Grab beanie, hot seat, gun.
And then we both are set to go
two hours before the sun.

Put everything inside the jeep
and drive to Kitty Creek.
Put on our backpacks, grab our guns,
and hike up to the peak.
We have to stop sometimes to rest
but steady, make the trek.
My backpack starts to hurt a bit
on shoulders and my neck.

We reach our lookout happy
we can set our backpacks down.
We gaze upon the grandeur
that is everywhere around.
We stay alert for grizzlies
and we glass...