Author Topic: TWO VESSELS (Read 5799 times)

Marksman Quivers · « **Reply #20 on:** December 18, 2020, 12:17:42 AM »

We had some blue skies but the river remained too high to cross. The weather was due to get worse.

Marksman Quivers · « **Reply #21 on:** December 18, 2020, 12:21:39 AM »

Then the weather moved in. We spent a few more days in this winter wonderland then made preparations for the 7-hour hike back to another cabin.

Marksman Quivers · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2020, 12:23:20 AM »

hybridbow hunter · « **Reply #23 on:** December 18, 2020, 02:03:52 AM »

Thank you for sharing with us that GREAT tribute to Paul.

Wudstix · « **Reply #24 on:** December 18, 2020, 08:58:54 AM »

Beautiful country, plenty of room for a man's spirit to roam.

Mighty Big Country · « **Reply #25 on:** December 18, 2020, 10:53:50 AM »

What a wonderful tribute to a great friend and story. God bless you both during this Christmas Season!

hessian · « **Reply #26 on:** December 18, 2020, 11:22:15 AM »

What a beautiful tribute to your buddy. Thank you for sharing

ozy clint · « **Reply #27 on:** December 18, 2020, 05:18:45 PM »

I have many fond memories of hunting with Paul in NZ.

His smile was contagious and his story telling was enthralling.

Paul fording the river. His memorial tree is beyond the boulders in the background.

Paul once had a fantastic stalk on a bull tahr.

The smile says it all. drying our gear at the motel before flying home.

ozy clint · « **Reply #28 on:** December 18, 2020, 05:31:50 PM »

I was blessed to share some amazing experiences with Paul. He was with me when I found a Bull I shot. Couldn't wipe the smile off our faces.

Between Mark, Paul and myself we are all genuinely happy to see others have success. We would all be as happy for the others as if it were ourselves.

ozy clint · « **Reply #29 on:** December 18, 2020, 05:54:43 PM »

Before Paul was sick I wrote a poem inspired by our adventures in NZ.

After his passing it seemed so fitting that I read it aloud after returning his 'empty vessel' to the earth.
A fitting tribute.

Mountain Bowhunter

From river bed to mountain summit
The forecast is rain then mercury plummet
A hunter goes forth with hope and a smile
Driven be destiny, persistence and guile

A relentless pursuit in a land that is frozen
Hardship and challenge the reason he's chosen
To hunt the most majestic and noble of beast
So that his soul and his body may partake in a feast

He marvels at a landscape that is icicle encrusted
Having emerged from his shelter keener than mustard
Feeling on his face chilled wind from the pole
Freedom's sweet breath giving life to his soul

Soon he feels warmth from the sun's life giving rays
Surrounded by beauty he takes time and prays
That this day he'll remember from now until when
His number comes up and his own life must end

He looks for some sign while walking the trails
Moving so slowly, no faster than snails
Not giving up even beyond when he tires
Till at last he has found what his heart so desires

There right before him the beauty and grace
Of the animal that drew him to this time and place
Fate has so ruled that these two shall meet
Parted by distance best marked in feet

When said destiny comes time to fulfill
The hunter moves in and prepares for the kill
He draws on the string and shoots an arrow well aimed
The animals body and spirit is tamed

When at the end the beast has been slain
The hunters emotions include sorrow and pain
But he knows life's circle of which death is a part
And knowing this fact he has comfort of heart.

ozy clint · « **Reply #30 on:** December 18, 2020, 06:03:51 PM »

Paul was a Lord of the Rings fan. In fact some scenes were shot in this valley.

This led me to paraphrase a famous scene.

"One does not simply walk into Westland.
Its white tops are guarded by more than just bush.
There is weather there that does not sleep
and the great mountain is ever watchful.

It is a rugged wilderness riddled with rivers and glaciers and peaks.
The very air you breathe is an intoxicating vapour.
Not with a weak spirit could you do this.
It is folly."

ozy clint · « **Reply #31 on:** December 18, 2020, 06:13:12 PM »

I also wrote a Haiku.

Thick fog slowly lifts
Jagged peaks and hairy beast
Food for soul and body

I'd like to think his soul is in a place of abundance.

It's ironic that Paul said to me upon finding a tahr skull in a beautiful spot on a mountainside on our first trip to NZ, that he couldn't think of a better place to lay to rest.

Rest in peace, Brother of the bow.

Marksman Quivers · « **Reply #32 on:** December 18, 2020, 11:44:16 PM »

I think it was around here in 2011 that Paul found that Tahr skull, I also remember that comment.

Marksman Quivers · « **Reply #33 on:** December 18, 2020, 11:47:09 PM »

We made it back to the other cabin and spent a few more days hunting and gathering firewood to restock the hut supply.

Marksman Quivers · « **Reply #34 on:** December 19, 2020, 04:42:50 AM »

Here is a link to a few photos Paul's wife and daughter put together for his memorial. It really shows what kind of man he was.
Enjoy.

Patknight · « **Reply #35 on:** December 19, 2020, 06:54:24 AM »

You guys are just a fantastic example of what real men are made of,, i am humbled just to read your words. Thanks for sharing a very difficult time. That is a beautiful place.

Phillip Fields · « **Reply #36 on:** December 19, 2020, 07:03:31 AM »

Thank you for sharing this.

shankspony · « **Reply #37 on:** December 20, 2020, 02:34:21 AM »

Mark and Clint. That is a special little piece of forest! If you get to it the same way that I do, then you follow for a short while a small stream of such beauty and peace that I can never pass it without stopping. This photo was taken on the trip I met you guys, and I'd guess Paul's tree is within 100 yards if its not visible in the background.

I could not think of a better spot!

ozy clint · « **Reply #38 on:** December 20, 2020, 04:58:18 AM »

Yes Shanks, we follow the same stream that you speak off. We call it Rea creek now. (Why not? it has no name on the map) the natural course you follow down to the river crossing is indeed beautiful temperate forest. it is clear of undergrowth and a pleasure to walk through. Paul's tree is what we feel, 'on the path' to the river crossing. your are naturally guided to it by the bush when seeking to cross the river there. the path of least resistance so to speak.

we left the GPS co-ordinates and the reason of it's significance in the hut book. it was the last page though. don't know what happens to old hut books, whether they are left there and a new one placed there???

We had a thought that it would be great to return there one day and see that more arrows had been added by hunters as they passed by. A small token gesture of acknowledgment.

I never knew you took that photo as we left that hut that time. I like it. The anonymity suggests it could be any group of friends heading off in search of adventure.

Meeting you guys that night at the hut was a trip highlight. May we meet again someday.

shankspony · « **Reply #39 on:** December 21, 2020, 01:31:28 AM »

I can promise you guys that when I get back there, I will search out Paul's tree and leave an arrow.

Somehow this brings to mind one of my favourite poems.

For Whom the Bell Tolls
by
John Donne

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.


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Author Topic: TWO VESSELS (Read 5799 times)

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