Phil has returned.  He returned in advance of the appointed time, but in this trip he left only footprints, and took only memories, as the saying goes.  My abbreviated version of his hunt report:

Day one:  Hike in.  Set up camp. Look around.
Day two:  See sheep.  Snow. 
Day three:  See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day four:  See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades.  Eat granola.
Day five:  See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades.  Eat granola.
Day six:  See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades.  Eat granola. Sheep leave territory.
Day seven:  Move base camp.  Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day eight: See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day nine: See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades. Eat granola.
Day ten: See sheep.  Snow.  Climb rocky grades.  Sheep move.
Day eleven: Get tired of Sheep Hunting.  Call wife.  Catch Red Eye.

The country was beautiful.



It snowed - did I mention that?  $100 to anyone who can find the white sheep in this picture.



Day one - before the snow, and later in the week.  When it snowed.

 

We are very glad to have him home.  I think he is very glad to be home.  We are all sorry he came home sheepless, but he came home, which is what really matters.