This is an unbelievable way to see the sun rise. This was my 6th year to go on this trip to Realfoot between Christmas and new years. My friends, Tommy, Von and Johnny and I took the trip on December 26th and were joined for the 3rd time by Steve. This year we had Chris come over for 2 of out 3 day trip.
The boat ride to the blind is always a treat. the picture above is the trip back in, but you can see how everyone is bundled up. When we head out to the blind it is 5:30 am and about 20%. The boats have no permanent lights on them, not even the green and red markers that are required by law. The guide has a large handheld spotlight that he turns on for about 10 seconds at a time to line up on reflective markers. The lake is only about 6 feet deep and full of stumps. When he is lined up on the markers all lights go out and they floor the gas. You are headed in to total dark at 45 to 5o miles an hour.
Every once in a while the spotlight goes on and the boat turns. the next thing you know you are still at full blast in a narrow channel.It is crazy. As you so deeper in the channel it gets narrow and they slow down.
Once they see trees fallen across the path everyone gets up front so the boat just slides over the blockage.
Realfoot is an eagle sanctuary, and they are every ware. This one was hanging out in a tree next to our blind. At one point we shot a duck and an eagle came down and took it away before we could get it. (Our National Symbol on Welfare)
As I said earlier it was cold. Here is Chris and Steve covered up from the wind.
This is the blind we were in for the first 2 days. The boat goes in a carport like place on the back.
This is where we stand to look and shoot. The black mats behind us hold the heat in the back of the blind.
Here is the back of the blind. See the heater on the wall. The Door leads to the boat port. That is a full size stove in the back. We get 2 meals a day in the blind.
Here is my new screen saver. This is what reminds me of how good life is. BIG GREEN EGG NEWS.
To day I go for BGE101 cooking class. Last night I did salmon on a cedar plank and it was great.
