Our elk hunting trip in 2010
Glen, our buddies Mike and Steve, and I, decided to go to Durango Colorado elk hunting. This was kind of a once in a lifetime thing for us, so we went first class. We booked a hunt with Waterfall Ranch Outfitters. Ed and Patti Zink run the outfit, and it's a first class operation. I hunted once with Ed's dad back in the 70's when I lived in Durango. Anyway, they do an awesome job. A lot of these pictures are just scenery pictures, but the scenery there is the best in the world, so why not? By the time we rode in to camp we had all agreed that even if we didn't see an elk the trip would be a success. As it turned out, Glen and I each got nice elk, Mike turned one down and had a rifle malfunction on another. Steve saw lots of mule deer and we all saw a number of bears. If it looks like we did a lot of riding around looking for nice spots to have lunch and nap, what's the problem with that?
This is editorializing, so skip over it if you wish. The wolves that have been re-introduced up north are thriving and moving south.On their way south they are decimating the deer and elk populations. They are also having a major impact on cattle. Keep this slaughter in mind when you hear the stories about the "success" of the wolf re-introduction programs. Hunts like we just did may not be possible in a few more years.
Although nobody said we had to, we figured sighting in after the trip, and at the different altitude was a good idea. The guys at the Cortez Gun Club made us very welcome, and it turned out that we needed the range time!
We were heading up into the national forest to look at where Rick hunted when he was a kid and living in Durango.
Glen is spoiling his reputation. He's actually a softie for nearly all animals. Raccoons are not included.
The ride up to camp is kind of like a conventional trailride. It's nice, but don't let it fool you. Ed and the guys are seeing what is good for you. After you get started hunting you will be riding at your ability level. If you are a beginner, they'll take care of you, and if you can handle the "Man From Snowy River" stuff, that's what you'll be doing! It was great.
Steve's back is held together with bailing wire. He never complained, but it was nice to have a valet for getting the shoes on and off. Glen was a willing volunteer.
This was a really comfortable camp.
Lunch was a wonderful time of day. Didn't matter if you had seen anything or not. You just felt good!
This is Ed packing meat down the mountain. He's an embarrassing guy to have around. He was older than any of us, but could walk or ride any of us into the ground! Never rubbed it in though. 
Cowboy Steve. He has rods (I was kidding when I said bailing wire) holding his back together. We were impressed at how well he did.
For us midwesterners, used to hardwood, it was amazing how fast we went through wood. Glen had a good time turning big pieces into little pieces though.
The gate into camp was falling apart, and Ed didn't mind, so we made a new one. It was kind of fun, and a good feeling that we were making an improvement.