Ground bound

I took the opportunity to try for my first airtime of the season, even though the forecast was for strong pre-frontal winds and mostly cloudy skies. Upon arrival at launch, my hopes were dashed by the obviously blown-out conditions of 30 mph winds, gusting to 38. I have flown 30 mph winds before, but only when they were smooth and steady. On this day the gust factor and lowering wave-like clouds convinced me that I was much better off to stay "on the ground, wishing I was in the air" rather than be "in the air, wishing I was on the ground." So I decided to make the most of the blustery afternoon, and went for an exploratory hike up the mountain, to check out potential "upper launches". While roaming along a high wind-blown corniced ridgeline, I suddenly came upon a big elk shed antler! I looked for the matching opposite side, but no such luck. Nonetheless, the fortuitous find caused my bummed-out lack of airtime attitude to flee as I made my way back to the pick-up.

The elk shed measures about 47" long, weighing just over 10 lbs. Keri was quite concerned about "that thing" being inside the house. I told her I would keep it in the garage, but apparently that's still too close for her comfort! It is a good thing that I have my Utah Antler Gathering Ethics Certificate. Yes, believe it or not you need a "license" to legally gather antler sheds between February 1st and April 15th. The reason is to protect the big game from any harassment induced stress after a long, hard winter. Late Winter and early Spring are critical periods for big game, who at this point may be barely surviving on what little fat reserves they have left. http://wildlife.utah.gov/news/09-02/shed_antler.php

Anyway, It was a fun afternoon - even if it was on the ground. I am still looking forward to my first flight of 2010. I guess I needed to learn a bit more patience, but I know it won't be long now - if only it would stop snowing!!