Brian drove from Des Moines to Denver, from Denver to Chama where he arrived the day before the hunt to acclimate to the elevation (7,500 feet, camp would be at 10,000 feet). In Chama, he walked and walked and walked, briskly to push himself to see how he would respond in the thin air. He said the experience helped him in knowing what to expect and as a bit of conditioning.

Just over the border into New Mexico. Mountains in distance.

Truck at a scenic outlook near Chama, New Mexico the night before the hunt. Chama is at 7,500 feet, so good place to acclimate.

On the road from Chama to camp, about 40 mile drive, to Carson National Forest.

Brazos Cliffs - Brian could see them from just about everywhere around camp and where they hunted. Cliff is composed of the oldest rock known in New Mexico of the Precambrian era, about 1.7 billion years old. Vertical distance of the cliff is about 2,000 feet, at elevation 10,000 feet.

The road to camp, off the main highway. 2 miles of goat trail with HUGE rocks. Brian said he never left first gear. Still, only took him about 10-15 minutes of a very bumpy ride.

Coming into camp, sitting on 13,000 privately owned acres in the Carson National Forest. This is a permanent "tent" camp, except the "tents" are made of aluminum sheeting and some corrugated steel with wood floors. There are no bugs of any sort, so being "buttoned up" isn't as critical as it is in Canada or Minnesota. The beds, not quite "real" beds, were better than cots and had actual mattresses. Quality camp by man-camp standards.

Foster, the outfitter. 60 years old, been outfitting here for over 20 years. Brian said, he's a great guy.

Camp. Notice one of the "tents". The pickup truck belongs to Joe, 56 year old guide who guided Brian. He built the bed of the truck himself. Big fire pit over which they BBQ'd. Notice the interesting wood bench chairs, one over the log on bottom left and two free standing at about 3 o'clock. They are made of two boards, slot cut into one which provides the back, into which the other board slides with a narrow end which goes into the slot and the wider end which sticks out as the seat. Brian said they are actually very comfortable, especially if you bring a little cushion.

The dining hall.

The kitchen hall off the dining hall. Is propane fridge. There is also a freezer at camp for the elk meat and cape.

Hunting terrain. Alas, the rut was late this year ... too warm yet. Brian saw elk during his week there, as did the other hunters. Three of 6 hunters took elk.

Brian did get a shot at bull. At last light one day, finally got into within 35 yards of a rambling bull. Was setting up the shot, he stood up slowly, waiting for the bull to take a couple more steps to get a good shot off. All of a sudden, the bull stops, lifts it head and takes off running. Brian says to himself What on earth did I do that I spooked that bull? Then here comes his guide, walking up behind him. Moral of the story? Agree on a CLEAR SIGNAL with your guide that you are done hunting.

Joe, Brian's guide, out at the remote cabin. Was only place where there was one certain spot in the field where there was cell phone reception. That spot was marked with a stump, perfect for sitting on while calling the wife. Also of interest, out in the wilderness they got around by ATV.

Sam, the cook and chief bottle washer. He is also an artist, wood sculpture kinda art that he sells. Brian said he cooked very well.

One of the other cabins at base camp.

Well equipped wilderness outhouse.

Decent shower at base camp, complete with one of the on-demand hot water heaters and private alcove. Ah, the simple things !! Brian said it worked pretty good.

Youngest hunter in camp, a very nice kid absolutely thrilled with his elk, very representative for the area (scored 258).

Brian and his guide Joe. Brian said he and Joe got along fabulously, and they had a great time hunting together despite it all. Foster works hard at trying to match up guides and hunters, to make a better hunting experience for all.