faster with age

     The bowhunt here in Idaho opened this morning and I headed into the hills here near home. I had 3 1/2 miles to hike on a trail back into the area I wanted to hunt. I got away a little late so I was in a hurry to get where I wanted before it got light. I was running when I could and power hiking when it was to steep. I was wearing a 28 pound pack and carrying my bow which made it tough. The trail climbs 1600 ft over that distance up to about 9,000 ft. elevation. Most of the climb about 900 ft is in 1 mile stretch and my calves were really burning by the time I topped out on that part. It took a little over 50 minutes going up about 14:30 pace. I left the trail and hiked down into some basins than I wanted to hunt. I ended up dropping another 700 ft and covering another mile over the next couple of hours while hunting before climbing back up to the trail. I ran the 3 1/2 miles back to the trail head in about 30 minutes [8:40 pace]. It was pretty tough running the steep downhills with the extra weight. I went about 9 miles total but just counted the 7 on the trail. I probably should count the mile hiking back up to the trail. I was hustling up that steep hill and breathing as hard as a 7:30/mile pace. I did come close to getting opportunities at 2 different big bucks but couldn't quite get close enough for a shot.