The Road Less Traveled By

Petrichor · October 08, 2015, 10:49:00 PM

To me being back in traditional archery has hit me like a disease. I find my thoughts straying into day dreams of hunts, and hours of being outside in God's creation. Even when I gun hunted the smell of whispering pines, drew me in like an intoxicating aroma. All the sounds the forest makes as it over takes your silence making you aware of things previously unseen. I have never felt closer to heaven then sitting alone in a tree stand taking in the creation all around.

It struck me today that traditional archery while considered by many as a sport, is not one at all; but rather a way of of life, or a mindset. The idea that one would not progress with time and all of technology in one way or another to get back to when man was not so distracted by devices, long work days, and shortened weekends. It takes a special frame of mind to appreciate/remember how things were not just how things are.

For me work is tiresome the days are long (but rewarding), and the haunting images I see everyday stick with me for days and sometimes even months or more. But as I draw my bow the images and shrills from work fade away and the calm surfaces like the spring air after a gentle rain. This is the first time in a while that something has been able to steal me a way from my thoughts.

Traditional archery simply put is like the road less traveled by,
As Frost puts it.

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

October 08, 2015, 11:22:00 PM

Bisch

4dogs · October 08, 2015, 11:33:00 PM

You have a way with words David, and an eye for them too.

Petrichor · October 08, 2015, 11:36:00 PM

Thanks 4dogs and bisch, full of inspiration right now. Just got done shooting.

akdd · October 09, 2015, 12:58:00 AM

well said

MR BILL SHORTY · October 09, 2015, 01:27:00 AM

Pheonixarcher · October 09, 2015, 03:13:00 AM

Your thoughts and feelings mirror my own. I'm grateful that the rewards of traditional archery are so many.

DDawg · October 09, 2015, 08:51:00 AM

Well Said!

Anointed Archer · October 09, 2015, 08:52:00 AM

John146 · October 09, 2015, 09:26:00 AM

Yes Sir!!!

CRS · October 09, 2015, 09:27:00 AM

There are few thing better than a traditional bow and a quiver full of arrows.

Except maybe watching the arcing flight of an arrow.

Or maybe stumblebumming through the woods with said equipment.

Or maybe having a tag in your pocket, giving a higher sense of purpose.

Or perhaps watching the spinning fletch disappear into the side of your quarry.

The moment of walking up and the realization you did it!

Or complete satisfaction that comes from the accomplishment.

Petrichor · October 09, 2015, 09:35:00 AM

Yes indeed.

highlow · October 09, 2015, 11:44:00 AM

Something like Yogi Berra. When he came to a fork in the road, he took it.

Petrichor · October 09, 2015, 01:41:00 PM

VA Elite · October 09, 2015, 02:06:00 PM

I agree with the following!

"We did not ask you white men to come here. The Great Spirit gave us this country as a home. You had yours. We did not interfere with you. The Great Spirit gave us plenty of land to live on, and buffalo, deer, antelope and other game. But you have come here; you are taking my land from me; you are killing off our game, so it is hard for us to live. Now, you tell us to work for a living, but the Great Spirit did not make us to work, but to live by hunting. You white men can work if you want to. We do not interfere with you, and again you say why do you not become civilized? We do not want your civilization! We would live as our fathers did, and their fathers before them." . . . .
Crazy Horse, Oglala Sioux

dirtguy · October 09, 2015, 02:06:00 PM

You got it

VA Elite · October 09, 2015, 02:09:00 PM

or this will work too!!

When the white man discovered this country Indians were running it. No taxes no debt, women did all the work White man thought he could improve on a system like this.
~ Old Cherokee Saying

Petrichor · October 09, 2015, 03:29:00 PM

I have heard that one.

Thumper Dunker · October 09, 2015, 08:55:00 PM

I think We were born 10,000 years too late. I know I was.

Petrichor · October 09, 2015, 10:59:00 PM

Thumper I share that thought. I read little house in the big wood to my daughter before bed... After she hops off to the covers I usually say to my wife.. I was born in the wrong century.