Spring may have arrived a bit early
In my previous blog post I commented on how a year can make a huge difference in the weather. As I type this, the long range forecast for the next ten days is showing a few tips in the temperatures but still nothing like it normally would be in late February. Other than needing some rain to alleviate our drought, I am not upset by the warm weather. I rather be outside working than inside anyway, and the warm weather is allowing me to do that.
The girls and I went fishing a few days ago and we really got into some nice bass. I was a bit amazed how many of the bass had roe in them that was over halfway developed. It is not even March yet! I have heard reports of big yellow perch in the tidal rivers and tributaries, crappie reports and white perch near Tappahannock already. Add our pond bass to the mix and I think it is time to break out the fishing rods for good!

What a difference a year makes!
Last year on Presidents’ Day Weekend the girls and I went rabbit hunting with our friend Frank Spuchesi and his pack of four legged rabbit chasers. I don’t recall the actual official temperature but COLD would probably be an understatement. The wind howled, trees rattled and I wondered if the dogs could find a scent and keep on it.
The dogs soon proved that they could keep on the rabbit trail despite the winds and we had a dandy of a day hunting rabbits. It was brutally cold, the wind ripped at us and we were grateful for the fire when we got home that afternoon too.
This year we got the annual invite to accompany Frank and his hard charging beagles again along with his daughter Katelyn. This year the temperature was pushing 70 degrees! That was easily a 50 degree difference.
The dogs gave fair chase to a half dozen rabbits in the two hours we ran them offering us as many shooting opportunities. We ended up seeing the rabbits get sight chased a few times which was comical because the tempo of the baying chorus ratcheted up noticeably and then died down as the bunny darted and weaved through brush and the dogs went back to scenting and trailing.
Rabbit hunting is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon and one of my top five past times. I really enjoyed spending time with a friend, seeing the dogs run and getting in some quality time with my two daughters. Plus we got to take home supper too!