California Dreamin

As I awoke to the meteorologist talking about our impending 4 inch storm, and temps next week barely able to reach the double digits for highs, I began to chuckle a bit. Its exactly 12 days, 11 hours, and 7 minutes until I'm boarding a plane for the sunny and upland dream that is California, ESPECIALLY this time of year.
I've been working my tail off on the treadmill with a 10 pound backpack strapped on my shoulders, the incline has been at ten, and my waistline has shrunk. I've packed away my cold weather upland gear and boots, and have packed my mother bird vest complete with hydration bladder, and the absolute lightest shotgun I can find.
In pursuit of valley, mountain quail, and chukar, there is simply no substitute for lightweight gear. When climbing from anywhere form 3 to 6 thousand feet, the depleted oxygen and grade can turn  men into mice.
Its a pursuit that while taxing, is usualy reaped with huge benefits of giant coveys, and one fantastic tasting game bird.
I'll give daily updates from my hunts, until then, Merry Christmas. Lets remember the reason for the season. God bless