...Hank's brother Dan ran a guide service in
the Big Hole. He enjoyed much repeat business due, according to other
outfitters, to his reputation of having the most entertaining camp in
western Montana.
The star of the Big Hole Wilderness
Experience and Wildlife Procurement Extravagance was Big Eddie, a
puppy-hearted Pit bull/Power Wagon cross. At 6 foot 6, 280 with a full
beard, he took up a lot of room in a two man tent. He was, officially,
the camp cook.
There was a natural hot spring near the
camp. Dan had tapped this resource by installing an 8' stock tank in the
spring thus creating the only hot tub on the mountain. One twilight a
member of the hunting party came in dog tired. He swung up the trail to
the hot tub anticipating a good soak before supper.
Unknownst to him, Big Eddie was basking
in a little hot water therapy. As the hunter stumbled into the clearing,
Big Eddie rose to his full height, shedding water like a 300 pound
buffalo robe and covered himself in surprise! The frightened hunter
wheeled and ran into camp screaming there was a grizzly bear in the hot
tub!
On another occasion Big Eddie had stayed
in camp during the day to watch the sourdough rise. From his tent that
morning he spotted a nice cow elk ease into a clearing near camp. Eddie
grabbed his gun, chambered a shell and stepped through the flaps. His
dangling suspenders caught on the upright and jerked him over backwards.
A shot rang out! The propane tank exploded! The supply tent caught on
fire disintegrating a pack train full of expensive, down filled, water
proof, brand name, guaranteed, color coordinated, Davy Crockett
recommended, eco-approved, nothing under $300, stuff. Not to mention a
couple of Weatherbys.
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