This Friday I’ll be leaving again for my beloved mountains.

I’ll be gone for 10 days. 10 days of shooting clays, hunting, fishing, sitting by the fire, drinking beer and rum, hanging with the guys, sleeping in a nice warm cabin, eating tri-tip every night, waking with the sun, and counting the stars at night.

The Compound. It’s such a wonderful place. Up there I can hike for miles and never see another soul, never hear a car or truck. At The Compound there are no radios, TVs, or computers. The cell phones work, but we turn them off when we arrive, and only use them for emergencies or the mid-week spouse check-up.

This year Scott and I sneaked in a quick trip. It hurt to leave, but we knew we’d be back soon. Post-mountains depression didn’t stick around very long. This year we’re extending our trip to 10 days. When it comes time to leave on Monday October 24th you can bet I’ll be heartsick.

Who is this mountainous man? Or is it a bear? See that look in his eye? He is thinking, “That tree stump looks like a buck!” Yes, he is clearly in the throes of Buck Fever.

Click here for pictures from our short little trip to The Compound in Trinity… the trip, before The Trip… the “pre-trip”!

The Mercedes Benz UNIMOG

This particular model was commissioned by the Swiss Army in 1970, and was meticulously maintained for 35 years. Every oil change, lube, and flush was recorded in its log book. Earlier this year, the Swiss surplused this unit. It had only 8,000 original miles.

Scott and I didn’t like the name “UNIMOG” though, it didn’t sound cool enough. So we thought for half a day and came up with The P.A.V. (Personal Assault Vehicle).

The P.A.V. is fucking sweet. It has an absurd gear ratio that allows for the climbing of “anything”. And chicks dig it.

As you can see, The P.A.V. is covered in German warnings and instructions. This only adds to the coolness factor. It makes everything look quite official. When The P.A.V. drives around, people get out of the way.

Look out! The P.A.V. is not friendly.