Recently I had the opportunity to gather with several friends in a late winter camp. This has been an annual event for many years with much the same group, although with some guests and some absences of regulars due to health or family concerns. This annual camp has been eagerly anticipated from year to year to mark the meteorological transition from winter into spring and to renew the fellowship of friends. One of the reasons we were drawn together was a love of history, especially the western fur trade. So we attend this camp wearing 1820’s clothing (often of our own imperfect making) and carrying our flintlock rifles.
Each year the core group remains generally consistent with special guests welcomed in various years. However, the most notable variable has been the weather. Often conditions are cold (but not every year) and the snow cover can range from a few inches to several feet. At least once, multiple feet of snow fell over the course of three days. Our attitude is to persevere through the conditions no matter what is presented.
It is appropriate for this year’s camp that I am posting this account on April first, “April Fools Day”. This year the group was “fooled” by some of the warmest and driest conditions that we have experienced. There was no snow, not even in the deepest part of the woods. Temperatures ranged from the low 30’s to the mid-60’s. The sky was mostly sunny and rain fell only once, in the middle of the night.
This particular camp started with a very special greeting. As everyone was gathered at the camp site, we were scolded at close range by a red-tailed hawk. After a few minutes of agitated “hawk music” we were able to locate the nest that the hawk was obviously protecting. Having the chance to observe this behavior up close gave us yet another appreciation of the site and our connections with each other.
Due to the lack of deep snow, we were able to spend some time wandering throughout the woods without the usual winter hindrances. The non-existent snow cover allowed us to see abundant animal sign, particularly porcupine and white tail deer. As is often the case, red squirrels and chipmunks were also present, looking to steal food when we weren’t looking. The honks for geese could be heard above and the hoots of owls reaffirmed their presence in the woods. Even the far-off cries of coyotes were reassuring, confirming the wildness of our surroundings.
Our enjoyment of each other has grown deeper over the years. Beyond this particular camp, we often gather together for other weekends. We have hunted, fished, and sometimes traveled together. We know each other’s families, preferences for food and beverages, favorite vacation destinations, sense of humor, and so much more. We have all become close and we stay in touch regularly, thanks for email, texting, and social media. Positive companionship in the woods helps cement our friendship every time we see each other. Our time together improves year after year. And that is a wonderful addition to our lives.