In what turned out to be a grueling test of equipment and endurance Sandi finally came out on top. We all thought that Sandi's 108 elk tag would be a quick opening day hunt. The only determining factor was just how big she was going to hold out for. We soon learned that access was critical and the herds were down in numbers with the bulls scarce and small. Sandi turned down bull after bull as the miles on the boots kept mounting. By the time we watched this bull (the largest we saw during the hunt) take the herd away from his predecessor we were over 70 miles and counting! In a very unfair gear test Sandi had unwrapped her new Lowa boots that last morning in the hotel room. They had arrived the day we left for the latest sojourn and she had no time to break them in. I convinced her to give them a try just for the morning hike which was planned to be less than two miles. By the time we stumbled our way back to the truck in the blazing light of our Genesis head lamps she had put 13 miles on the boots. Her feet felt great she said as compared to the rest of her that was dragging - badly!
Another big thumbs up to the X-Bionic Energy Accumulator shirts we wore through out the hunt. The shirts are designed to slow fluid loss and maintain energy levels. With daytime temps pushing 30 C we pushed the claims to the limit and were amazed at how well the shirts worked. Add to that the fact that the shirts never held body odor and it was a perfect application. I could have done with some other color than black in all that heat though! This was a real test of gear not a hundred yard stumble from the electric golf cart to the tree stand.
Sandi made a perfect 400 yard heart shot with her RMR 7/08 AI and the rest you will have to watch the show for!
