~~~

Monday Evening, October 16

~~~

Nate’s birthday was earlier this year, and after a few delays, we decided to wait until mid-October so we (especially grandpa) could hear about his elk-hunting trip to Montana.

Lauree, Nate, Cerwin and Me. He chose Blackworth Live Fire Grill for his birthday celebration.

I enjoyed watching the traffic and people as our table overlooked this area of Lititz.

We were each a bit surprised when Lauree’s Whole Branzino came with head and tail. I guess we shouldn’t have been surprised because of the word “whole” in the entree’s title. 🙂

Lauree looked at it and asked, “I wonder where I start.” About that time a server came to our table with a plate, spoon and fork. Lauree asked, “I was just wondering where to start.” She replied, “That is why I am here. I am going to take away everything that you won’t be eating – head, tail and bones. She certainly knew what she was doing.

Lauree offered me a taste. I replied, “Is this not the best fish you have ever eaten.?” She agreed. It was a very white meat.

Nate’s steak.

Cerwin and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Nate’s first-hand experience of hunting in Montana – without a guide. Nate did a lot of research for this hunt with three friends.

I “stole” this photo from his Facebook page. This is Nates elk. Tyler (left) also had a bull elk tag and got one that was very large, but not quite as big as Nates. I don’t remember the name of their friend next to Tyler. He had a cow tag and was not able to get one. Our grandson-in-law, Zach, had a cow permit and did get one. Nate (right) said by the time they “butchered” his elk, each one had about 120 lbs. of meat on their back. Nate had the head, rack, hide and a small amount of meat to equal his 120 lbs. The next job was hiking 4-5 miles to meet the “real” butcher who took it to his shop. I think Nate said it was about an hour away. We know the outfitter and butcher at Rawhide Guide Services.

Then, they hiked the 4-5 miles back to their camp. This is why the four guys made sure they were in shape for this hunt.

While we were visiting, Nate received a text from a friend who was sitting a few tables away from us. Imagine our surprise when we stopped at their table on our way out and knew his grandparents – Fred and Julie. We don’t see them real often, even though we live in the same area, but stay in touch at times through Facebook. It was fun to know that our grandsons are friends. Nate’s friend, his girlfriend and grandparents also made a special effort to have a meal together.

I never tire of hanging out with our family.