Last November, I purhcased a land owner Muledeer tag in Colorado from an outfitter. The outfitter gave me maps and pointed me in the right direction prior to opening day. Other than that, it was a DIY trip. I had never been out west. Opening day, I started at a trainhead at dawn and hiked several miles UP into the back counrty (9000-10000 ft) alone.

Thinking back on the experience, I'm thankful nothing went wrong. I wasn't worried about getting lost (GPS), but I was physically not prepared to carry my gear (35lbs + rifle)at 9000 ft elevation. I remember my knees were killing me on the way up and down. I ran very low on water (no streams at the higer elevations). So many other things could have gone wrong.

The funny thing is, I wouldn't change a thing about the trip. It was a great experience and I will remember it forever. I was just crazy doing it alone.

Have you ever done anything you look back on and thought - I was lucky?