Well, its dark now and I decided that we would walk out. The mutiny started- “what if no one can come and pick us up?” blurted Rock. “Don’t worry, if worst comes to worst we can stay at the old ranch house two miles away” I asserted. “What if there’s no body home, or we can’t find the ranch” Mick stated excitedly! “I apologize for getting us stuck but its just a short walk out so bear with me” I stated. These guys probably were feeling afraid out here in the middle of no where, I’d be way more afraid if I were stuck in the Bronx where these guys are from.
“I think we’re walking da wrong f@#%ing way, we should be headed towards the lake” Rock frantically errupted. Mick jumped in “Yeah we’re going the wrong way the hotel is that way,” Mick points in the opposite direction of where our hotel is. “Guys you need to settle down, we are on a peninsula, and we have to follow the road out. On top of this next hill we will see the ranch house porch light” I yelled. “Don’t worry I’ve came out of here 100 times in the dark” I exclaimed.
About then a couple of coyotes started howling. If you have never heard coyotes, one or two sounds like 20. “Holy shit, that sounds like a pack of wooofs, and those motherf@#$ers are coming after us” Rock cried out and tried to get closer to Mick and myself. “Rock those are coyotes and they are harmless” I tried to reassure them. “Coyotes have been known to kill people back in Jersey” cried Rock. “I’m gonna put one in the chamber” said Mick, frantically working the bolt on his rifle that he wanted to carry out and not leave in truck. “Dude, don’t load your weapon, those coyotes are as harmless as a jack rabbits, mellow out” I insisted.
We crossed one more hill and could see the light of the ranch house. I try my cell phone again and I get enough reception to call Carl, our outfitter to come get us. “All right guys, we have a ride coming” I said in relief. “Sorry about having to take a 2 hour hike in the dark, but Carl is on his way” I sighed. Carl eventually gets to us and we are happy to hop in and get back home for some supper.
The next morning we got dropped off and walked in to where my truck was. Things dried up enough and with some persistent digging, shoveling, and creative road making we climbed out of that hole. We found some more forgiving terrain, found some more deer, harvested one and headed home. Another lesson learned in the Missouri River breaks and the land of gumbo!!