You are pushing my thinking, which is awesome; I’ve been wholly focused on destination and rifle when there is so much more to consider. Yeah, destination and timing will partially dictate equipment and clothing, but it’s got to be on the radar. Bean Maine hunting boots and Academy silks might not hold up on this trip, for example. Plus, a new pack is always fun. I use V-Tac padded slings on all my rifles (but I’m willing to learn), and I have decent Vortex and Zeiss glass, but I need a harness. I assume guide will have a rangefinder, but I can pick one up if needed. Good to learn DSC will offer opportunity for serious gear. I’m planning on spending 2 days there at this point. Please keep it coming.
These right here. The extended family ranch is 3.5-4 hours away, and dragging my nuclear family (kids are 5 & 7) there is tough. My farm is 1.5 hours from our home, and we can go there almost every weekend. I can make day trips to check on things while using modern technology to conduct business/work and be home for dinner. The fact is that the more accessible (read: closer) the property is, the more you will use it.
This matters everywhere and can’t be emphasized enough. If not living there full time, we are visitors, and hopefully guests. And it’s critical to have local resources to help when needed and with which to socialize.
csb/ Not long after we bought our farm, against my recommendation, Mrs. Sola (no pics) tried to mow some very dead 5 ft hay with our riding mower instead of the tractor. Hilarity ensued. Well, if you consider a melted mower and grass fire as hilarity. But the local volunteer fire department showed up to save the day. Now we are all friends/acquaintances, and that has been a great avenue into the community. This year I got to ride with the VFD in the local Christmas parade. That was awesome. /csb