I just got back Sunday here in Colorado. Took my 86 year old Pop up and played guide for him. I sent in tag applications for both of us, but he drew and I didn't. I luckily got him in front of a small herd and he whacked a big old dry cow leading the pack. Pretty cool and I keep thinking how special it was, and it might be his last trip. He drives out from Kentucky by himself and at his age, how much longer can he do it?
My new Hard Rock was awesome and I couldn't have done the trip without it. I was amazed how nice it handled the rough stuff and would climb anything it was pointed at. The 34/10.50/17 KO2s handled the snow very well and even in the mud, plowed through with little problem. I have a small utility trailer and we have always used it to tote critters out with, but this year I had an idea with the new Jeep. I picked up a hitch rack from Harbor Freight and brought it along. When we get an elk, we gut them, leave the hide on, and get it to a meat cutter in Gunnison as soon as possible. This year I just motored around with the hitch rack on and when Pop got his elk, we didn't have to go back to pick up the trailer. I just got the Jeep in a low spot and we were able to roll the critter onto the hitch rack. We tied her legs up like a calf at the rodeo, pulled her head around and trussed that up. and off to town we went. Probably a little small for a Bull, but OK for a Cow.
The new Ruby was spotless when we got to camp, and I have been hesitant to even take it out in the rain, but not anymore. I popped her cherry and even got a few scratches, and the blood and mud, oh the mud. $20 worth of quarters at the car wash and I got most of it off. I guess she is an official Jeep now.
