I've been super fortunate to have some amazing outdoor adventures over the years. But, on a long cabin fever day of January, I came up with 3 future goals. I figured if I wrote about them that would make them real.
At first pass, I concluded this list was extremely random; one from the Caribbean, one in the western backcountry, and one in the freshwater rivers. But, as I thought through it some more, I eventually put it all together. If there was one common thread between all three, it is that they are really difficult to do. Sure, there are bigger, badder, more dangerous and extreme things out there, but these three are just difficult to actually achieve. Now, it makes total sense.
Maybe these goals will evolve over time. Maybe I will add more. But for now, this is the short bucket list:
1. Permit on the Fly
Approximately 10 years ago on our Honeymoon in Belize, I decided to chase permit and my life would not be the same. My wife and I had spent the week catching bonefish, snook, and baby tarpon. We were high-fiving and having a blast. On the last day, the conditions were right and our guide asked if we want to go after permit. I just happened to have the 10 wt Sage my Dad built us for our honeymoon, so after a few confidence building bonefish, we went to chase tailing permit. I had plenty of legit chances on tailing permit, but in many instances I fell apart. When the pressure was on the line and you had one legit shot to make that cast, I flubbed. I did make a couple nice leads and i thought i did every thing right, but at the last minute, the permit refused. I walked away empty, humbled and changed forever. This permit sickness had entered my head and I will be going back.
2. DIY Elk Bowhunt
Let's be clear about one thing...the chances of seeing a bull like this picture I found online on a DIY OTC hunt in Colorado or Idaho are slim to none. But, I want to experience an extreme back country adventure and if i can couple that with a raghorn bull or cow to fill the freezer, then i will be stoked. I want to completely immerse into the Rocky Mountains and experience waking up in the vast back country to the sound of distant bugles. And I want to chase him with a bow. No exceptions.
3. Musky on the Fly
In the latest addition of 'things-i-like-to-do' because they are incredibly hard, I would like to add the 'fish of a thousand casts'. I don't know what has drawn me to this toothy predator fish, but the idea of watching a 4 foot river monster eating a fly I spent the last hour tying just cranks my tractor. I have every thing needed to fly fish for musky...I just need to convince one of my friends to forego the treestand for a day in the fall to chase the esox and maybe hook into one fish all day.
