WOW! This weekend went by WAY too fast!!!!!
What a great time.....even with the nasty wet weather.
First off.....a BIG Thanks goes out to Ken and Ken's Mom for hosting this ragtag group. You folks made us feel right at home. I can't thank you enough!
Chuck - it was great sharing the road trip with you.
It was great to see friends Ken, Charlie and Chris again and get to finally meet some other TGers including my fellow NYers Chuck, RonP, RonW, Brian, Justin, Drew and son, Casey and Izzy who are all new found friends (sorry if I left anyone out - I've got CRS), in addition to my new Canadian friend Manny and my new favorite MA chef, Nate. You folks are all great to share a camp with.
I can tell you that this group would never allow something like a bit of torrential rain ever dampen their spirits.
FOOD...let's just put it as "our larder runneth over"! I was only happy to be able to share some various moose sausage products (which gladly disappeared) and my 2011 bounty of morels and maitakes for Nate's wonderful stroganoff. Speaking of Nate....not only is he a great guy to hang around and a more-than-talented bladesmith, but this guy is a true chef!!! Thanks for all the time you spent preparing those great meals. You and Charlie also qualify as "Grill Masters". I know I came home a few pounds heavier!!! Bear backstrap, Venison backstrap, Pork loin, french toast to die for, breakfast, Charlie's poppers, hotdogs, moose and venison sausages, Brian's great baked beans, Nate's venison loin hor d oeuvres and of course, Nate's stroganoff. It was almost like a hunter's holiday weekend with all the food riches.
Thank you Charlie for the great wool coat. It will find lots of use this winter. Brian - I can't thank you enough for the great gift of your hand-made flute. My wife will force me to learn how to play it properly! A more generous gathering of folks you will never find!
The "Newfie vs cat" incident happened moments before Chuck and I hit the road...I almost dreaded hearing what that outcome would be. I hope the cat is alright. I could only imagine your Mother's reaction. Hopefully, she won't associate the cat getting injured with that hoard of hunters that took over occupation of her house!
Ken - Brother, thank you so much for hosting this hunt. I had a wonderful time. Please thank your Mother for me for sharing her house. She is a great Lady.
To the rest of the "gang" - I would share a fire anytime with each and every one of you. You are a great bunch of folks to spend time with.