It was a beautiful weekend!

I'm back in town; it's midday, Halloween. It was an absolutely georgous weekend. It was cool at night (Friday was cold, mid- thirties) and warmed up comfortably at mid- day. There was a sliver of moon, and the days started quiet and still, with some breezes starting late mornings.

Armadillos are out in force. Perhaps the drouth has them working overtime. I should be hunting them instead of deer. Anybody got a good armadillo recipe? I googled up some for fried, baked, and barbecued, but chili looked the best; probably could substitute into my own favorite chili mix.

I did see three deer grazing in the cutover part of the field. I started sneaking their direction, but the litter of leaves and twigs from the storms made it like stalking through cornflakes. They made a hasty exit with white flags flying. I took a few pictures, they're on film, so I must edit them in.

Map of "thePlace" from Louisianamap

Hickory Cuttings

The squirrels were busy, eating hickory nuts. I also saw a large owl, a few other birds, and a pair of young 'coons. The thing I like most about bow- hunting is its camoflauge requirements. To even hope to see deer, one must be still, quiet, hidden, and wind- aware. The discipline required for deer is ample for most other critters, too, so I get to see lots of the woodland's daily routine.

Lots of Critters

I saw more than a dozen armadillos. This one was working down the hill toward me, but the shade was too heavy for pictures. He came to within a foot of me, before the camera beeping frightened him away.

Few fungi were in the woods

I found these devouring a log, saw a beginning puffball, and a few shelf fungi. Usually, at this time, there are many varieties to be seen. Perhaps it has been too dry, maybe the hurricanes had some effect.

Found a fresh deer rub

This rub was fresh and green on October 16. I have read that the boss bucks will make small rubs in their bedding areas during September, and I have seen those. But I can't figure this one. It's all wrong. Mid- October is too early for rut to start. This is the peak of the full moon, and rutting is supposed to start after the full moon. The weather just turned cool and maybe that made them frisky, I recall it having the same effect on me.

Coffee- time at Creek Cottage

Coffee breaks afield are a great pleasure. I try to keep them simple and convenient. For quite some time, my daypack has included coffee bags, a cool- rim camp cup, and a lightweight alcohol or trioxane stove.

Safer Tree Stand

I got a tree stand for this year that isn't so high. The crash of '04 has made me leary of ladders. For the present, I'll opt to take my chances with the ticks, and snakes, and mosquitoes.

Red Stick Fly Fishers

This is my local flyfishing club.

Smoky Pots

This must qualify as an antique by now; I still use my Boy Scout cookset sometimes. And I've found many uses for those curtain snap- rings besides keeping food away from critters.

Campdaddy's Recipe: GORP

Campdaddy’s Recipe: GORP

Good old raisins and peanuts (GORP) has long been my favorite trail mix. Energy- snacks are important for a vigorous day outdoors. Here is a combination I like. Mix them in about equal amounts; start by mixing a half- batch, then adjust proportions as desired.

• Raisins- plain, seedless
• Peanuts- roasted or dry- roasted, salted in summer; unsalted in winter.
• M&M Plain candies, in summer; semi- sweet chocolate chips in winter.
• Goldfish snack crackers; prefer original flavor.