Sunday dawned clear and gorgeous and for the first time all summer, Miss Trixie and I had the whole day to ourselves. Which was a welcome relief after a hectic past few months shuttling Mountain Man Rafting up and down the river almost every day of the week. We lazed around some and didn't get out of bed early so it was a definite late start to the day. But fill the day we did as anyone that knows Miss Trixie understands that no grass was going to grow under our feet once we hit the ground running.  

For even though we were out and about on our own mission, Miss Trixie was burning up the cell phone signal helping her dad find a cabin to stay in, tracking a cell phone to Grand #2 via FedEx tracking, checking on Roy, Susan, Janet, Christy and god knows who else while Ol’ Dutch dutifully drove to our first appointment of the day.  

Our first stop was as fun as we could get as we went to look at a small camper to be used for short trips and hunting season. Pulling the big one we have currently is just not possible considering the roads we plan on traversing. The one we have now is a behemoth. And with that, your new word for the day to use at the next church potluck or PTA meeting.  

Faster than you could say Jack Sprat, we became the proud owners of a 17 foot off road camper with visions of new adventures rattling around in Ol’ Dutch’s head like marbles in an empty coffee can. At least that is what Miss Trixie says. The compliments never cease to come from her, so it seems. So now the beatings begin so to speak as we have to do a deep clean and fix up some things which are normal for any camper a person has new or used.  

Several pending big game hunts necessitated the need for said camper and so Ol’ Dutch and #1 son Bubs are gonna be living in style. And will be great to have Miss Trixie along too although a small tent is sufficient for her since she actually led some expeditions to Mt. Everest herself, but Ol’ Dutch is not that tough or at least I don't want to be so camper here I come.  

And just when I thought the day was already fun, we went looking for petrified wood and other rocks and gems, and even though we didn't stay there too long, we found some pretty rocks to bring home and throw away. That's how rock hunting usually goes, at least at our house. Then to top it off we got to spend the rest of the day with our dear friends Gidget and Moon Doggy. They treated us to a meal, and we talked non-stop and finally ended the day with a great game of cards.  

So even though we had “the day off” it was filled top to bottom with activities because that is what Miss Trixie does.  

You know how when people have kids late in life and all their friends say, “well it will keep them young.” And while the same may be said for how Miss Trixie keeps Ol’ Dutch a running. To keep him young. But mostly I don't feel young, I just feel tired. However, Miss Trixie says a guy can rest aplenty when he is dead and gone so I just do my best to keep up without getting run over.  

So packing activities high and tight is on for the week what with helping Moon Doggy load a washer dryer, picking up my aunt from the airport, Bingo at Creede, an ATV ride and cookout, picking up the camper, cleaning it up, and on and on and on ending with the Amish Benefit Dinner and Auction on Friday.  

It's gonna be a wild ride for Ol’ Dutch for sure. Arriving home late last night, Miss Trixie stated it all so well when she said, “Well, we started this day in the morning.” No kidding? I think even she was tired for once. 

Kevin Kirkpatrick spends his days fishing, hunting, ATVing, hiking or making people laugh. His email is Kevin@TroutRepublic.com. Additional news can be found at www.troutrepublic.com or on Twitter at TroutRepublic.