The final push

Soreness has spread to the legs. Getting up a chore but than there is 22 miles on the legs and today and possibly tomorrow to go. more coffee needed this morning along with something more than a banana and Pop Tart, I'm going all out and have a slice of toast with butter. Juice and the daily dose of pills bring the body bake to life.
I again start the day returning to the home of Mr. Bone himself to see if he will appear, fresh scrapes and rubs indicate that indeed he has been back so I settle in and wait,. Since I am alone I make several small moves looking for the optimum vantage point but realize that I am a guest in this house and he hold every advantage there is. There is weather moving in but you would be hard pressed to tell by the blue bird skies and mild temperatures.
My mind starts wondering back to the trails I was on yesterday and make a late morning decision that I need to be close to water.Leaving was tough but I believe I made this one wary of showing himself again.I tell myself that it gives me something to look forward to next season if he can survive another week.
Refueling for a quick lunch I head North to the Dark River as there are a number of stands not being used today as some of the guys prepare to leave for home. I head the opposite direction as yesterday and and am payed dividends immediately by jumping a deer but no visual other than the white flag indicating he is moving very fast to avoid me. I head North as I feel I may jump him further up the trail. about a mile up the trail I find the stand I have been looking for as it over looks the river and has a very clean view of the river bottoms. i settle in and in a matter of time the sun has disappeared and the clouds begin to thicken. I remember walking past a field with a ditch leading to the river and there was a stand there that would be good and allow me to cover more ground. I climb down and begin to walk as it begins to snow.
In a little less than a half mile the snow has become thick and is heavy and wet, I cover the scope with a bag ,climb the stand and settle in. A half hour passes and the trees and the ground are now covered making the woods more visible. An Hour passes and than two and my rear is crying. I leave the confines of the stand to sit beneath a spruce tree that is blocking the snow and the now North East wind blowing steady. Another hour and the sun is setting behind the clouds and it is time to make track back to the vehicle.
No tire marks ,no tracks no one is out. Back on the highway there are no vehicles with the exception of mine . The snow has been coming down hard for a few hours now and it is amazing on how quick the colors of autumn are covered in a blanket of white. back at camp there is a sense of urgency to stack wood by the sauna and getting the big meal ready.
BBQ Venison Roast served with Carbonara and a salad. Wine to chase it down and for the most part lights out at ten. The snow has now been falling for several hours.......