Your description of going up to "the mountains" for deer season was EXACTLY how it was for me when I first started hunting back in the 70s! Right down to the Eagles game (not so much now, lol) being played on the radio inside the truck on the way up. The anticipation for that ONE day was intense!
As far as tradition, the "camp" was officially open once the fire got going nicely. Those are some fond memories!
