Trad Gang

6/23/10 - We have 5 hunters now with room for 1 More...gonna be a great time! Guaranteed fireworks!
******************************

Well looks like Ray Hammond's Hog Heaven has July 2-4th weekend open for 6 hunters.           :help:        

       http://www.hammondknives.com/hogs.html        

(see his post in Pow Wow         http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=088942#000000)

Wish I could get back there but grad school is a killer to the wallet. Anyone who goes will have a blast for sure. Ray and his gang are great hosts on an amazing piece of property!

Yeah, I'd love to make it back too, but just not in the old budget right now.

That should be when the blackberries are ripe- and the hogs will be going nuts in the berry patches! Wild and wooly hunting.

Nothing better than early July in the Savannah River swamps. Don't forget the Permanone! d;^)

Cant wait to hear how this one plays out.  Good luck guys take pics.

Hope you can shoot from all the laughing!!!

Yep, you will crack up listening to them SMACKING on the black berries!!!!!

  :campfire:

Well I certainly can't wait! My first ever hog hunt.

I hope the smacking keeps them from hearing the thorns and brush ripping at my clothes and legs and my cursing aback at them...lol

I now have a back up thermacell, permanone, and insect repellent on the way. Any other survival tools I might need?

I feel like a kid during the last week of school.

ttt

How many guys ya got?

Chopx2, bring a pair of prunners that you can carry on your belt.  Trust me...it makes stalking through the thick stuff much easier and quieter.  Also forces you to slow down, which is often a good thing when stalking.  When I was at Rays, the hogs were buried back in the really thick nasty stuff.  Good luck!

Bel007 Just me...with room for 5 so I'm hoping and praying this plan comes together...

Great tip on the pruners!

Well I just snagged some more OT this week that will pay for the trip...and I am off work those days.. and the Mrs said OK.. so...

Looks like we need 3 more.

Should I send a deposit noew, or wait till we get the 5.

Awesome!

I sent my deposit into Ray to hold the spot since I was the first, but I would call him to see.
1.678.300.2883

BTW he is far better with phone than email...so if you need him I would suggest calling.

What kind of temperatures can be expected that time of year?  Chad

Avg temp 89H/72L and of course it'll be humid. I expect to have a bad hair day every day...of course that's no different than now...lol

That's the Southeast in the summer...but, hey it's way better than 4 weeks later!

I'm bringing some lightweight camo and plenty of bug dope...can't wait!

ttt

Only 4 spots available!!!

We were there in March, and had a ball Ray is a great host.

What type of non resident tag do I need? Cost?

John III

Ray said the tag is $40 and covers the 3 days. BTW if you were bore after a certain date you will need a copy of a hunter safety course or Bowhunting safety course certificate. I think the date is in 1979...unfortunately I'm grandfathered in ...lol

Forty bucks for the license

Hey Ray what time is quitting time on Sunday?

When I see these prices that people pay to hog hunt..I am so sad for the people. Hell where I live people pay you to kill those trouble makers.

Awesome...how much they pay, I'm open to moonlighting with a second job   :biglaugh:

Ray's prices are "cheap" when you look at all the extra stuff that's included in the trip. And then you throw in his story telling and culinary skills, it is a down right bargain!

I can almost taste the sausage...

.....and the steak.....

And my favorite.........pepperjack grilled cheese samiches!

John3, if you'll go, I'll spring for your license!

JOHN ONLY! SORRY GUYS!

My deposit is on its way !!

Can't wait to see who else joins this little adventure !

Come on guys !!!

Might be interested, what time do you start on Friday?  I would have to drive down Thursday late afternoon?  It's Friday-Sunday, leave on Monday?

Dan

We meet in Estill Friday at 10am to buy the 3 day license at the local store...Unclear about quitting time on Sunday...

Ray's thread has a bunch of other info of interest too..
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=000908

As an extra incentive, I'll bring my secret ingredients for my kille Pina coladas...or do you guys prefer daquiris?

Ray, they do have ice available in town don't they...

I'll top that...I'm a beer distributor in ohio, so refreshments are not a problem.  Let me see if I can make this work.

Dan

A match made in Hog Camp, I'm in plumbing distribution...or would it be more accurate to say I'm in beer RE-DISTRIBUTION...lol

:biglaugh:

Ray...one question before I decide...is it better to come down in July or Oct-
Decmeber when the weather is better?  Just curious??

That's an easy choice...this is copied directly from the post I linked to above regarding available dates for 2010
************************

June 11, 12, and 13.

July 2, 3, and 4th

September 2, 3, 4th

contact me by phone
678-300-2883

I'm already booking groups in as far out as the fall of 2011...so if you're coming, you ought to get in touch ASAP

I can accomodate as many as six hunters, one or two hunts per month only..it all depends on how the moon falls vs. the weekends.

It's best to call and discuss 678-300-2883

Could I sleep at camp Sunday night and head out early Monday the 5th for Missouri...?

I am covered up at work esp. on holiday weekends but have missed too much this year due to work...
They can spare me for a few days of all important pig chasin in the crazy heat...!

I can't come in Sept. because of a bow trip out west.  

If someone could let me know about staying Sunday night in camp I will call Ray after this weekend and set up my deposit...

John III

I'll give Ray a call tomorrow and update the post about Sunday since I have a few questions too.

Feeling piggy...

Count me in...let me know on the deposit.  Does Ray do credit cards, check, pay pal?  Anyone interested in coming from Ohio, let me know, I will be happy drive. Also would be interested in sleeping at the camp Sunday night???

Regardless, count me in!  I'll bring the beer.


Dan

Heard back from Ray this afternoon...

For the deposit mail a check, paypal all are fine with him...

Drive down Thursday and stay at the Palmetto Inn ($48+tax) in Estill.  Ask for the "hunter" rate at the hotel...

Hunt ends Sunday between noon to 2-3 pm... Camp gets shut down so staying overnight Sunday is not possible.  Plenty of time to get my hogs out of the cooler and head home Sunday noon time.

All I need is the official OK about being away from work over the holiday weekend..

John III

Guys, I spoke with Ray today and I'm going to offer to pay for one wounded, disabled, recovering (not all wounds are physical) or deploying vet to join us. I'm going to start a new post asking tradgangers to help me find someone who fits the bill. Watch for it.

Anyone serving today is a vet. A vet on the Fourth of July, I like the idea. If you include any person actively serving today, that can use a little R and R in your qualifications, I am in for $100 of it.

Let me know.

Gil

PS - I am going to Rays May 2010. good luck.

Certainly would. I have personal reasons for prioritizing the less able, but if that doesn't work out I will definitely offer it to an active member.

Antonio I am with you. I will help no matter what vet you decide to take. Ray I am in for $100 of the hunt. Antonio PM me with the results when you get-r-done and I will send Ray a check.

Thanks
Gil

Thank you for your generocity!

No thanks neccesary, it is nothing compared to their sacrifice and your generosity. I just sent a post in the other thread, i didn't see that you answered this one. I am going to PM you and and Ray to let you know whats up.

Thanks
Gil

Sorry, it was bedtime for my son so I had to step away for a while.

Sound like nothing but fun chasing hogs...looking forward to trying it.

ttt

I emailed Ray.. I had a getting the time off issue.  I will try again over the winter or next summer to head to SC after hogs...

Everyone have a great hunt!  We want pics and the story...

John III

:(  

John sorry to hear you can't get off. We'll try to leave a couple for you later in the year  ;)

So we have 4 guys and room for two...it's going to be a rip roaring great time given the collect of guys we have.

You don't want to miss out!

Chopx2 and Ray:

I also am going to have to pass, I won't be able to take off Thursday for the drive...sorry about that.  Hopefully I can do it some other time.

Dan

:(

Well we're in a bit of a pickle, because we have to find a 4th to make a quorum to go on the hunt...

Calling all hog hunters!!!

Come on someone out there has gotta want to go.

if the dates in sept. are still open i would like to get in  on it

You'll need to call Ray to find out about September. Unfortunately I can't make that work for me.

ttt

ttt

Still got room for three...actually we need one more to make a quorum...please don't make me beg....pretty please with sugar on top...  :)

Still looking for a few good bowhunters

Does the fee include license?

No license is only $40 though

Man I wish I could swing this right now!  I might have to try and sell a boom stick or 2.

Antonio,

Sent you a PM. Thanks!

Antonio,

I think that we met outside of that auction house in Annapolis a couple months ago. Let me check with "the boss" and see if I can make this happen.  :pray:  

Doc, it would be great to go hunting with you for something other than foam.

Larry "Snakeeater" Schwartz

Dave and Larry,

I know you guys would love hunting at Ray's. I've been there twice and have the next trip booked or I would be all over this.

Dave if you're going to Standing Stone next week I can fill you in on all the details.

Too hot for me but I too have spent some time at Ray's. You're gonna like it!

I'm counting on the heat help me melt a little off if you know what I mean in time for deer season
 :biglaugh:

I wish I lived on the east coast sometimes, then I remember my Navy days in SC and Georgia and I am glad I am in the NW.

Per our emails...Tony, I'm in!!

Will call Friday at the # you gave me.

Red Beastie Boy, I'm going to try like crazy to make it up for Fri to Sun. AM and then boogy back to be with Dad Sun... he's not doing well with the rehab from his small stroke... just enough to knock him down at 88.  :(

Be good to see you if the Lord's willing and the crick's don't rise!

Yeah, NWB, I'm gonna croak in the heat and humidity... but I'm gonna give it all I got!

That's awesome Doc Nock!

Make sure to check out Ray's post I found it helpful from a planning/packing perspective. A few things you need to bring.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=000908   :clapper:

Doc Nock... glad to have ya.  Look forward to meeting you in person.

Man I wish the had the cash. I'm off for two weeks at that time. maybe next year. Sounds like it's gonna be a blast.

ChopX, Congrats on winning the bunny hunt I had up give me a holler and we'll start planning it out and hammering all the details.

looking forward to it.

Stiks

Can't wait!

Hey Brian, did you win anything in the auction? I saw a lot of losing bids...  :banghead:

Nothing that my wife knows about....

two bows, a quiver, Guru's water btl, and some cordial glasses.

Missed the 9pm deadline on auction 4   :mad:  I was working and we were slammed!  Figure that saved me quite a bit cuz I was gonna bid a sizeable chunk on that 59 Kodiak.. quess I was just not meant to have that bow.

Heading up to Compton's with some extra fun money now   :goldtooth:

Well my loot was far less extensive...1 wabbit hunt (very excited about that), Piggly Wiggly T-shirts and the original floppy bowyer's ruler.

If I get them in time I will be in Piggly Wiggly's finest attire in camp...hell might hunt in them could be good luck! My own secret Mojo   :D

I will look forward to seeing that

:saywhat:    :saywhat:    :saywhat:

Great...so now we can use just two more to fill the camp.

Anyone else have any questions?

Can you send me some do's and don'ts?

chopx2@gmail.com

What are the exact dates for this hunt? Trying to make it happen. Thanks.
Magnus

July 2, 3, 4th.

hey ray how far are you approx. from southern jersey trying to see what i can come up with thanks

I think about 8.5 hours - there's a couple guys coming in from Maryland- Snakeeater and Chopx2 are both driving in from that area...so check with them see what you might be able to do hooking up and combining the drive to save gas and all.

According to Google, Philly would be 12 hrs to Allendale.

Google says its 10 hrs from Anapolis...if that helps.

Doc,

Nobody drives 55 though...at least nobody I know...and that's what googles drive times are based on.

Google doesn't have to stop to pee.

yeah but twice in 8-10 hours ought to be enough.

Man up!!!!!!   :bigsmyl:

Now... I didn't know that Ray. You're just a treasure-trove of trivia and other good stuff, aintcha?   :bigsmyl:  

Seriously? That is just amazing. I know I won't use Mapquest, cause they'll take ya round back side of Robin's Barn to get to the henhouse!

And they routed it down 95 almost all the way from S. Jersey... what are they thinking figuring at 55? Must be allowing for rest stops like us old(er) guys...

Wonder if I could get fitted for a catheter for the trip?  :)

Doh...2x in 8 hrs...? Now Ray... tsk, tsk...    

While I was typin you was already call me a wus for havin to stop every 2 hrs... I got that 3 letter acronymn thing... and my insur don't cover meds...   :eek:

Ray,

So that's not a spit cup in your truck?

Doc, you gotta get a Traveling Johnny like Rays. One of those big Guzzler's oughta be about right.

Just a tip, take out the straw.

That's right-  make sure it's a wide mouth too

and see from a car you don't have to worry about it coming back inside when you dump it out the window- like on a plane ride- a la  Jay Massey

you just need to drive fast enough for it to dry off before you get out- or don't touch the outside when you do!

Straw size hole?

Out plane winows?

OMGosh...this is going to be sumpin.

 :scared:    :saywhat:    :biglaugh:    :laughing:

thanks guys really appreciate the help get back to you guys by monday

Just sent my payment to Ray via paypal. Now I just need to practice some more of those off angle shots  so I can get past all those roots and stuff I see in those pictures.

Binos...check
Thermacell...check, better buy another just in case
Wide mouth bottle for trip down...check
Hunting with new and old friends...priceless!

Snakeeater

Welcome aboard Snakeeater.

ttt

Ray,

Would 45# be enough for the hogs? How about a 3-blade 125g Snuffer?

Thanks,

Larry

yes...if it doesn't weigh 500 lbs....and yes, if they're sharp.

T minus 18 Days, 9 hours and 48 minutes

Stop it, Chop! I'm no where near ready enough t have you doing THAT!   :saywhat:    :knothead:    :D

So the crew so far is:

Chop2x

Chris Surtees

Bel007 (      :readit:       licensed to kill... hogs that is!)

Doc Nock

Snakeeater

anybody else I haven't seen? There is room for six.

Chris Surtees is coming too!

Chop,

Any word from Timmy C?

nope, probably wou;dn't hut to drop him a note.

Sorry looks like I was the one who missed Chris...lol

I did that, sent an email and a PM. Just waiting for him to respond so we can figure out who's driving with who, etc.

Snake,
Check prayer page. I just posted about Chop.

I'd pinged Tim the other day as well. Also threw out to some others to consider, but nobody else can swing it...yet.

We do need another NE-er to make the drive thing work better...

sorry guys for taking sooo long to get back,bummed that i can't make it .hoe to see some hogs later in the year. Thanks  TC

WE're sorry too, Tim. YOu'd have made good company!  :)

Anyone...?  We need another person from NE to share driving in one of the vehicles?

I'm checking on some folks around my way Doc. A no go on the first two...wonder if it's my aftershave?

- Larry

More likely the insane heat that time of year and holiday plans on the 4th. I'm shocked Momma let you have her rig!   :eek:

yeah, but pigs don't care how hot it is....they move that time of year!!! The blackberries are ripening nicely boys

I'm figuring on getting in a knife fight with some pigs cause I love dem blackburries too!

Wanna hold the bets on winners, Ray?  :)

If de brings a snake along... I'll scream like a girl and run away! Place yer money wisely gents!  :)

Heck Doc,

The piggies will be sleeping, just tiptoe up to em and put an arra in one. Piece of cake, right Ray. LOL.

You ever see a arthritic 6'2" guy weighin in at 225 "tip toe"?  :banghead:  

Be like something outa the Mel Brooks movie, Men ini Tights!

ttt for good luck.

OK guys, T minus 13 days, 12 hours and 7 minutes

And I am hoplessly behind in preparations!

And that was yesterday....geeze this is gonna run close!   :eek:

I may have found our final person, and my ride share partner, Rob Burnham, aka Paleface. If he can get his shifts covered on Thursday and Friday then he is in.

Larry,

You got mail.

I called and reserved a room at the Palmetto for Thrs night... nice little discount for mentioning I was going to Ray's and wondered about a "hunter's special".

OK here it is T-minus 8 days, 10 hours and 30 mins!

S**T am I behind getting ready!

It'll be hot for sure but like Ray said, the pigs don't know any better. Matt killed his monster last Saturday when it was 95 degrees.

Down here we have more trouble on the few cold mornings we get. It's like they know that it will warm up after while so they just lay in a pile for a few hours.

Words of wisdom, Biggie...but with hogs' great nose...and all that sweaten in the heat... maybe we should just eat corn for the next week so's our sweat smells like squeezins or a feeder goin off?

According to accuweather Highs in Estill that weekend are

Fri 7/2 90
Sat 7/3 86
Sun 7/4 89

Looks like we are in for a cold front so bring your overcoats   :smileystooges:

Hmmm....eau de maize by Jack Daniels??? Yeah, that could be an interesting cover scent.

Looks like there will be lots of Fumunda cheese for your cat heads and sausage breakfast!

Doc, I forgot to explain the cheese thing to you last week. Oh well, you'll find out soon enough.

Well, it looks like Paleface (Rob Burnham) won't be able to make it. Does anyone know someone from the NE or a state that touches MD who would like to go and share the ride? I'm in Annapolis if someone would like to meet me there, or I can hook up with them on the way down in MD or VA.

T minus 6 days 20 hours and 53 mins

Shiite! I need to get cracking!

Antonio, how much stuff are you taking?!?  :p   Good luck to you guys and remember...it isn't the heat that will get to you in the south. It's the snakes and...oh wait a minute. I meant the humidity!  :thumbsup:

Randy,

THAT IS NOT FUNNY!

Larry,

Did you contact your two membership groups to see if you can't pry onea dem guys loose from MBS or TBM? Seems someone oughta want to get away from a family cook-out with Aunt Bertha pinchin their cheeks or sumpin!

I have sent emails out to those I know who might want to come down. I thought that they had to be TradGang members to hunt there. Is that right?

No!!! But they have to know someone from tg

rastaman...are you jealous or just making excuses for not manning up    :p

Jealous   :cool:   The snakes don't bother me.  The heat will suck you dry though if you don't stay hydrated.  Yeah, i guess you nailed it though.  It sounds like just a bunch of excuses to me.  Wish i could be there with you guys so take plenty of pics.

If you guys have daypacks with hydration bladders in them we'll freeze the bladders and that will go a long way toward keeping you cooler during your hunts.

The pigs don't care how hot it is...fortunately for us.

This is my favorite time to hunt hogs- because everyone hangs out in camp from 10am through 4pm and you can get some serious bull shootin' in during that many hours!!!!

Larry/Ray,

The only restriction, as it were, is they had to shoot Trad gear...Right??

I had a few folks I could've tagged, but we've not quite converted them yet...away from the dark side! All those who shoot trad were booked for the holiday w/ family stuff!

Larry, that 2nd vehicle will be a God-send if either Tony or I have to vamoose...don't forget my offer if you come solo and take the li'l rig.

You just get the stuff to Tony before Wed night is over! It will ride nice in the big truck.

Oh, Ray...NOW you tell us about the frizzen hydration thinggies...I'd always thought they were stupid for us E. guys...but see your point. Alas, ain't got the bucks to go get it for just this hunt...

I'll be packing hot power-aide!   :)

I had a blue camelbak day pack that ws a god send hiking in hot weather. The bright blue won;t cut it hunting so I bit the bullet and picked up a small back pack at bass pro for 49.95. I think it will work great.

Doc give me a call tomorrow whhen you have a chance. I'll be home all day

Tony,

I'm going over to Anne Arundel Fish & Game in the evenings this week to practice on a hog target they have. Want to come along?

Larry

Doubt I have time. Trying to get things ready...this is my first trad big game hunt in 17 years so I'm starting all over with everything...I'd forgotten how long it takes to sharpen broadheads and get gear ready when you don't have a "system" wored out yet.

Washing my clothes tonight and tomorrow they get permanoned and when dry packed.

Guys, I am heading out in the morning.  Making a stop over in N.C. to see an old bud since I'll be in the "neighborhood".

Will be meeting up w Snakeeater on Thrs.

Till then if you need to reach me I'll be checking my email on my Iphone or Snakeeater has my cell number.

Looking forward to meeting up w everyone Friday in Estill.

Good luck guys. Stay hydrated hopefully there will be a great hunt story.

BTW I'm bringin fireworks...figured we could have some fun blowing stuff up Friday or Saturday night....remember hold the fireworks in your bow hand not your string hand.  :scared:

Weather's going to be about as ggod as you could ask for this time of year...
Fri 7/2 - Hi 85 and periods of sun and clouds
Sat 7/3 - Hi 89 partly sunny and less humid   :D  
Sun 7/4 - Hi 89 mostly sunny

Of course Sunday's weather won't matter since we'll be sleeping in because the cooler's too full to pack any more bacon in it!  :readit:

You guys are lucky on the weather.  It hasn't been below 90 for a month!

Hey Duckbutt, If I remember I'll take a picture with my new t-shirt on!

Hopefully we'll be as lucky with the hunting too!  :pray:

You got that right duckbutt. The Lord is smilin on us

I bet we won't even have to take anyone to the infirmary for heat stroke!!!!!!

It looks like a cold front is coming through for ya'll. Should be perfect!!  

Good Luck
Benjy

This is it. Truck's packed. Travelin food only thing left to put in truck in AM... Lordamighty!

Couple hours of work, then 83 S. to B'mo to pick up Tony and off we goes...  

Whatever I forgot, we goes without! Bow & arras and camo and boots..rest is luxury anyway.  :)

Now for my Pop to stay stable till I get back and to hope for a cell signal down there in Estill so's I can drive in to check in on him Fri/Sat.

T-minus 23 hours, 16 minutes!

My last post until we have pics.

Be safe, have fun, take lots of pictures, shoot lots of arrows, bring home some pork!   :thumbsup:

Snakeeater took a bunch of Pics so hopefully he'll post some here. I'm a bit camera shy (that whole witness protection thing you know...just kidding) not to mention I forgot my camera

Everyone one had a blast as far as I could tell. Even Doc Nock athough given the aches and chigger bites it might be a week before he realizes it  :p  

No pigs were taken and just 2 shots at them between the 5 of us. One the first evening which I was unable to recover and one the last morning that resulted in a miss with a few almost shot opportunities.   :(  

Ray was a great host and the steaks were almost worth the trip on their own! I can't wait to go back.

We saw a lot of other critters including Chris who saw 2 coyotes one of which gave him a long shot after running off the hogs he was hunting, too bad. Watching him trail the hog and seeing multiple Coyotes that never knew he was there makes we wonder if he isn't part wolf or coyote himself. He impressed me greatly with his woodsmanship.

I started this thread looking for some guys to hunt with, but instead found friends of a caliber I rarely see. Let me tell you joining trad gang was more like joining a family than a club.

Sorry we don't have any trophy shots, but maybe next time. I haven't had this much fun in a long, long time and I really needed it so thanks to Ray and my camp mates. You guys were great fun and if there is ever a chance or need you are welcome at my fire.

I echo Chop's sentiments about Ray's camp. Great location. Good cover and there was plenty of sign. Excellent food and a great host. Wonderful camp mates!

Danged arthritis sure is a terrible task master! I was dead tired from the drive and didn't sleep in the hotel worth a tinker's _____. So sneaking along alert for several hours Friday took the startch right outa me! The Permanone didn't work or I got all the bites sitting on the porch Sat night too tired to even notice!  :)

But yeah, I had fun. It was hunting as hunting is: Wild game does and goes where it wants...way it should be.

Swamp was a gorgeous diversion for this ole ridge runner! Should've spent more time there, but it was a bit more of a hoof than I was prepared for by Saturday...next time.

I'm bringing a golf cart next time, too. Quiet, swift and get us ole buggars back where the river meets the swamp! Whooie!  :)

13 hr ride back and back through DC traffic after the fireworks, well..it wsa 2am when I hit home... still not rested up!  :)

Maybe Brian will come on and talk about the 20 hogs he saw Sunday morning in a couple different bunches.

(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/rayhammond123/trail%20cam%20pics/IM000051.jpg)

For the record, I saw pigs every time out bu one. They just seemed to get the draw on me all but the first night.

Any time you can go hunting is good  :)  Glad you guy's had a good time.  :wavey:

:campfire:

Sorry I have not posted yet.. back to work and busy as a mouse farting in Dave's house...

Pigs... oh yeah... Ray's got 'em.  He just gives them LOTS of room to hide out.  You gotta go get them sometimes.  They also have some good ESP going and know which spots you're gonna hunt and when you're gonna leave and slip in there either before ya or after ya.  They aint no farm hogs.

I saw hogs Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning.  One lucky little squeeler took advantage of my being a knucklehead on Sunday morning and is still roaming around down there instead of filling my freezer.

Honestly though guys, just getting a chance to meet Ray was worth the trip.  A finer gentleman will you rarely ever meet.  And man can he cook up some camp food.

Had a great time, with a fantastic host, a fun bunch of guys and some very smart game to chase.  I'd repeat that trip in a heartbeat.

I like that hat, Brian!!!!

Next time a bunch of from up more North go, we should rent a winnabago and be able to move around and drive straight through...just avoid DC even if it means an extra 2 hrs actually "DRIVING" instead of sitting there watching the concrete bloom.  
:saywhat:    :knothead:  

Once there, the country charm of the locals was amazing. We had a flat tire en route and found a place on Chop's GPS in a tiny town near Estill we hoped would fix it. We stopped and as soon as he had his peanuts on to 'bile' he fixed us up gooder'n good!

As Larry mentioned, country looked a bit like the E. Shore of MD down around Blackwater, but far more wildlife I'd say...and way different flora! Amazing country. It'd take me a week to really get the lay of Ray's... or a few return trips!  :)

Hey, Ray...it's been 100 here and got hotter the farther north we came and it was dead dark 30... We lucked out big time--thanks for pullin string on the weather for us!  :)

Hogs: Po' man's Grizzly Bar!

I forgot about the mouse farts...  :saywhat:

Hey... I'm about deaf...but them mice can be a turrible disturbance to a light sleeper...