It is a good day in the neighborhood...

[ISS]

Saw the Neurosurgeon today. Approved for spinal compression fracture asap. February 1st of 2022 I fell at the VA Hospital and L3 suffered a Compression Fracture. Three years later, and they are finally going to repair me. I will be able to load my rifles and gear and head to the high country after Rockchucks after one trip last year. It was a scary thing, being out of cell phone range up 12,000 feet.
God Bless my Dr.

ISS

 

[TonyinKY]

Good for you! There’s nothing like the high country

 

[Rick in Oregon]

I love the high country too....big time. There's just something special about cruising those high altitude meadows with a pet rifle at timberline, glassing for these guys sunning on a rock outcropping. It makes for a great day.

We've got beaucoup rockchucks right here at 3,700' elevation. This one pictured below is the equivalent of two blocks away from the house. I use this area as my "rockchuck barometer" to see if it's worth a trip a whole six miles away for some great chuck shooting at a local ranch. When "my guys" are up, it's time to grab a rifle and kit and head to the ranch.

Taken with my Nikon DSLR and a 300mm lens:



When it's "chuck time", it's a good time (for me, not so much for the chucks..... )



One very good morning a while back with my Cooper 20VT out for a walkabout:



ISS, glad to hear you'll be getting 'fixed' soon for that back injury. I suffered four compression fractured vertebrae's from a plane crash, then one on my Harley some years ago (to really do it up right), and along with spinal scoliosis, I'm usually always in pain, but have learned over the years to deal with it. I've resisted letting the surgeons get to cutting on my back (they've cut about everywhere else though). Good luck on your upcoming surgery, I sincerely hope it gets 'fixed' and ends the pain for you so you can get back out doing what we both love.

 

[ogre1911]

This “Chuck” you speak of…….do they taste good?

Anything like a black tailed Jack rabbit in SW AZ? We eat their back strap

 

[ISS]

They doe at them quite a bit in the Eastern part of the country. Mine are in pieces or rally bloodshot.

Surgery: I can deal with the pain, I have since the day I fell. I just need my balance and mobility back. I do know God has a plan.

thanks guys,

ISS

 

[TTE]

Saw the Neurosurgeon today. Approved for spinal compression fracture asap. February 1st of 2022 I fell at the VA Hospital and L3 suffered a Compression Fracture. Three years later, and they are finally going to repair me. I will be able to load my rifles and gear and head to the high country after Rockchucks after one trip last year. It was a scary thing, being out of cell phone range up 12,000 feet.
God Bless my Dr.

ISS

So when's the surgery ? Have to get you on the prayer list for a speedy and complete recovery

 

[OMW57]

will offer up some prayers for a very successful surgery & speedy recovery!

 

[FNSafari]

This “Chuck” you speak of…….do they taste good?

Anything like a black tailed Jack rabbit in SW AZ? We eat their back strap

When I was in college in the late 1960's, there was an ad in the Bangor Daily News for woodchuck meat, 20 cents a pound or 50 cents fancy wrapped...no kidding!!

Oh, and that tractor trailer full of eggs heist in PA the other day...I was at the local store for coffee yesterday and they told me about it. At first I thought it was a yoke.

 

[Bill K]

Flat out love hunting the Rock Chucks in the high Lava and Juniper areas around here and deep rocky canyons.

 

[tred1956]

Prayers form SC for a safe and successful surgery
Safe shooting
Doug

 

[Steve Donlon]

I'll be praying for you and your VA surgeons. I've had a few VA surgeons work on me, know what you are facing, glad they can fix you up now.

 

[Bill K]

You will do fine with the surgery. I had the L-5 disk crushed in 74, they just removed it and let things settle ( I did not want fusion) and it has worked out fine. Just do the Therapy when you are recovering, as that will aid in less or further issues, after the surgery.

 

[Uncle Bruce]

I'll be praying for you and your VA surgeons. I've had a few VA surgeons work on me, know what you are facing, glad they can fix you up now.

 

[ISS]

The 14th I get a weird X-Ray. They do a video with me leaning forward 90* and then slowly rotating backwards as far as I can. Looks like the surgery would occur within two weeks of the review.

I am grateful beyond the telling for all the prayer and well wishes. You guys are the best!!!!!!!!!!

ISS

 

[Old Navy]

Saw the Neurosurgeon today. Approved for spinal compression fracture asap. February 1st of 2022 I fell at the VA Hospital and L3 suffered a Compression Fracture. Three years later, and they are finally going to repair me. I will be able to load my rifles and gear and head to the high country after Rockchucks after one trip last year. It was a scary thing, being out of cell phone range up 12,000 feet.
God Bless my Dr.

ISS

Why you hunting them so high?

 

[old_heli_logger]

Praying for you

 

[divingin]

Why you hunting them so high?

Cuz that's what painkillers do?

Actually, I was surprised at the elevation as well. Had to look up where OP was from.

Best of luck on your treatment, ISS!

 

[Doug Casner]

Got my neck broke in 94 about c5 I think. Amazing what they can do. Patched me up . Supposed to be flat of my back the rest of my life. Go out everyday and walk with a walker. Life is good. Good Luck. Doug

 

[sacre]

Good luck, see you at the Quigley shoot!?

 

[MTPaul]

As has been mentioned by others, there is something extra special about the pursuit of Rock Chucks in high and rocky elevations that makes for an exceptional day. The combination of crisp clean air and magnificent scenery, coupled with a few Rock Chucks, just makes for epic afternoon spent at and above timberline.



ISS. Best wishes for a successful surgery and for a recovery that allows you to again enjoy the great outdoors.