Looking back on 2021, high hopes for ‘22

Well, here we are again. It doesn’t seem possible, but yet another year is in the books.

As was the previous, 2021 has been filled with uncertainties, and sadly enough, we’ve likely all been faced with telling people we loved goodbye.

Just about the time the numbers began in the direction we had hoped for, along came another variant of the COVID-19 virus. In turn, we experienced yet another spike in numbers and no chance of returning to a sense of normalcy.

But on the bright side, 2021 has not been all bad. In fact, I can remember several experiences that I will recall with a smile.

I’ll not soon forget the morning I embarked upon what I was led to believe was a day trip to the northwestern section of the state, with my friend, Taylor Bellott.

Little did I know that we would eventually end up meeting our wives at a cabin, where we would spend the entire weekend. I’ll have to admit that they had pulled off the perfect birthday surprise.

And to top it all off, Sandy had not randomly chosen a time and location. She purposely scheduled the excursion on a new moon at a destination where the night skies were notoriously dark. In turn, I had the luxury of capturing star trail photos with little light pollution.

Then there was the record-breaking snowfall that fell just hours later. In fact, we found ourselves in the early stages of the weather event during our journey home. Granted, the driving conditions were somewhat treacherous, but the snow-covered landscape was a sight to behold.

Then came more tolerable temperatures with the arrival of spring. And although the annual spawn was somewhat short lived, we did experience one of the most action packed outings that one could ask for.

The bite was slow upon our arrival, but the bass grew far more aggressive as the day continued. Although most of the bass were of average size, the numbers were staggering. In fact, we culled keepers for several hours before a line of severe thunderstorms demanded that we call it a day and head home.

The fishing excursions slowed as the summer months neared. However, I was perfectly content, as it would have proven practically impossible to fish during the day and pursue my newfound passion for photographing the night sky.

Although clouds often dampened my success, I did managed to capture several scenes of the Milky Way glistening in the moonless heavens. In fact, I’m confident such conditions deemed the luxury of shooting on those clear nights even more grand.

And let’s not forget about the lightning shows that occasionally came with the blankets of clouds. Again, I found myself

at the mercy of conditions that one could not control. However, I did manage to capture several scenes with bolts dancing across the sky.

I also experienced my first stint in true vastness as my wife and I embarked upon an excursion to Colorado and Utah. The scenes were a sight to behold, and I truly enjoyed the excursion. However, I was more than eager to get back to the hills we refer to as mountains back home.

I found the opportunity to hunt new territory exciting and rewarding during the recent deer season. And we’ll enjoy the bounties during the months to come.

So what lurks in the future? I suppose only time will tell. However, I do have some sense of what I hope for.

I plan to gather more star trail exposures during the brunt of winter. And of course, I’m eagerly awaiting the annual spawn with the arrival of spring. I anticipate clear skies during the Milky Way season, and I have hopes of capturing even more exciting shots of lightning dancing across the sky.

I also anticipate yet another exciting and productive hunt beginning with the muzzle loader season during the fall. And I’m already looking forward to the modern gun season as the upcoming year nears her end.

But I also have other plans. As simple as it might sound, I have intentions of dedicating time to recognizing and appreciating my surroundings. And I am most anxious to cherish the time I spend with those who I consider as friends and family in the midst of the wonderful outdoors.