A Stroll with a Purpose

Before you have children you do not really appreciate the luxury of spending time together without kids.  Once you have them, they seem to always be around (go figure!) and your time spent as a family involves significantly more child rearing than adult bonding.

This afternoon Ian and I were able to spend an hour together while the big boys were in school.  Even though we were strolling with a purpose, I thoroughly enjoyed our forest hike together.

And yes, Alistair came with us but he does not talk or whine yet so he was a welcome third wheel on our deer hunting preparation date.

There have definitely been deer hanging around Ian's hunting spot.  The trail camera caught photos of them as recently as last night.

They also left fresh hoof prints everywhere!

We spread some more apples on the ground at the base of the tree stand.

And Ian checked the safety straps on the tree stand.

Lastly, we put some buck urine scent on our boots for the walk out and soaked and hung two strips off of nearby trees.

Alistair had a great time for his first foray out to the tree stand.

It is the first of many, I hope.  Deer hunting season starts on Monday.  Hopefully we will be back at the tree stand again very soon to field dress the deer that is going to feed our family for the winter.