Free Essay About Hunting Camp Tradition

Every family has their own tradition. The tradition of my family had long been going to the hunting camp. In the middle of September, my mother and I would go grocery shopping and buy tons of food for hunting camp. Having spent what felt like eternity among the food shelves, we would be on our way to Black Mesa to meet my dad and my brothers. Hunting camp was the highlight of my year. We went to the same campsite for 17 years. I loved this campsite for its fresh air and the beautiful sound of the calm river flowing downstream. My brothers and I would always entertain ourselves throwing rocks and sticks into the river. We used to love watching the huge fish jump above the water and dive back. In the mornings, I could feel the moisture of the cold air from the inside of the camp trailer. Every morning, my dad would wake up to go hunting and our whole trailer would be filled with the luscious smell of freshly made coffee that my mom would make for my dad, and it was extremely pleasant to wake up to.
I remember the feeling of anxiety lurching in my stomach while waiting for dad. Did he get anything? Did he meet a bear or did it meet him? I would always be nervous and worrying about him. I would motionlessly sit in front of the campfire impatiently waiting for his return. The bright sun would gleam on my cheeks as I sat there. All the green around me would always bring a smile to my face. Even though Hotchkiss had beautiful plants, they never seemed to be as gorgeous as the plant growth in Black Canyon. There were so many different types; I could never choose a favorite. I could hear the blissful birds chirping in the blue, clear sky. Sometimes the birds’ song would be interrupted by the call of an elk shouting out to the cows. I loved that noise! Every time I heard it, I would call my mom from the camp trailer so she could hear this sound of wild nature.
If I was lucky, my dad would let me take the four-wheeler out for a spin. I would start up the engine and hear its loud roar. I shifted the gear, accelerated and went out for an adventure. I would drive about 25 mph, just enough for the chilly wind to blow through my hair. Every so often, a bug would hit my face; the feeling of it would always despise me, because it felt as if a tiny pebble whacked me on my cheek. As I drove, I couldn't believe my eyes observing the gorgeous forest scene that lay directly in front of me. As I looked through the trees, I could see horns from a buck, and his doe wondering around it. After spending about five days at hunting camp, I knew why I loved it so much. Even though I would get filthy from all of the dirt, I still loved it. It was the place, where I could get away from the mundane routine and take a break from the pressure of school and sports. There, I could spend time with my family without thinking about cleaning my room to make my mom happy, or feeding the dogs instead of my dad. At that specific location, my family and I would forget about the stress, and would have the time of our lives. That is why that place is filled with so many memories which unite our family together.