As we scanned behind us to ensure that we had not inadvertently left a torch or net lying on ground my mobile began to vibrate under many layers of clothes. On retrieving said handset I found that it was Neil Pretend Traveller on other end. It quickly transpired that there was a couple of spare places available out with a pirate pack of hounds and would we like to go? Our all too predictable answer was, of course, “Yes”. The following morning we journeyed up A1 with high hopes.

This pack is called Deerness Foxhounds and there were about 10 couple of mixed hounds out with us today. Neil introduced me to a few lads and we saw a few familiar faces too. The hunt uniform was quite distinctive to say least: A pair of sturdy fell boots, a frighteningly bald head sporting a couple of heavy gold earrings and a neck like a silverback mountain gorilla completed huntsman's attire. Needless to say, banter and general Mickey taking was order of day and we were kept laughing by usual jokers.

Several lads with Lurchers and guns spread out over a long valley and hounds were unleashed at far end. Walkie-talkies were used to communicate and eavesdrop on each other. This modern equipment proved to be a boon as we were able to relay to others when a fox had risen. Unfortunate on this first valley only one fox was found and this evaded capture, seeking sanctuary of a massive forestry block. Undeterred, we moved onto next place. Being a regular follower of hounds I was not too bothered, not every patch of cover will hold and you have got to take rough with smooth. Sandwiches were quickly demolished and much coffee was quaffed in an effort to keep hypothermia at bay. I don't mind admitting that I was absolutely freezing; all standing around had practically given my toes frostbite!

In next bit of cover hounds found scent of a vulpine almost immediately. The canine voices grew in number and volume until full pack was away in full cry, hot on brush of old redskin. Such was pressure these hounds were applying to Charlie that he only had two options: either go to ground or break cover. I was out with my camera today trying to get a good pic of Lurchers killing foxes. I had chosen my position best I could but, as per usual, I was in wrong place when fox broke cover. A decent dog fox had tried to make a break for a distant wood, but Neil's lurcher had other plans for it. Once fox had committed himself to his line then Neil had slipped his Bull cross lurcher and, despite hard ground, this muscular running dog had managed to make a good catch on very edge of a sheep wire fence. The hounds had quickly caught their, now deceased, quarry up and both lurcher and hounds broke carcase up. A great start. I realised that my hands were no longer numb from intense cold. Its funny that a bit of action warms you up even though you may not have done anything. Perhaps it’s all in mind? Neil's dog had not been bitten at all and it was stood their as if to say “Right, where's next one”.

This dogs name is Gypo, but I call it “The Tapeworm” due to fact that it was a mite thin when a young dog. We had a good laugh one day when dog was only a juvenile. A big fox had been dug with a strong black dog, we let it bolt for lurcher but inexperienced dog managed to let it escape through its legs. It had done good for a young one, but obviously it needed experience to become a better dog in tackling creatures that bite back. On way home I kept saying to Neil

“The only way that dog will kill a fox is by giving it tapeworm, if we see any really malnourished foxes about we know they must have been in contact with your dog”! We had a good laugh about that and name has stuck ever since!

Whilst remains of fox was buried hounds were allowed to try back in cover and it was not too long before whole pack got on scent of another red skinned deviant. Through dense ground cover they pressurised fox, never loosing it for a moment, even though plenty of deer abounded pack ignored all cervidae scent. Suddenly a brace of shots echoed down valley and crackling radio announced that fox had expired.

I was impressed with display of pure, unadulterated, venery that we had been privileged to witness. I have hunted with a good number of fox packs and have heard so many excuses as to why hounds had lost scent.

“Too dry”

“Too wet”

How many times have you wondered what's on other side of that mountain or what's beyond next river bend?

Sure, topo and road maps provide part of picture, but to get a real sense of a particular area, I find it easier to use a combination of topo and aerial photography maps. For hunters, anglers, 4-wheel, camping, hiking, and other outdoor enthusiasts, Google Maps provides a great perspective on outdoors with its new satellite imagery maps.

On April 5, 2005, Google announced integration of its Keyhole digital mapping service with popular Google Maps service (http://maps.google.com). In addition to a great overhead view, Google Maps allow you to click and drag maps with your mouse, zoom and pan, search for specific locations, get detailed driving direction, and more.

How It Benefits Outdoor Enthusiasts

Google Maps benefits outdoor enthusiasts for a number or reasons. The main benefit is that Google Maps allows you to see what you couldn't see before, at least without spending money on aerial maps, as they provide free access to their satellite imagery.

I live in Springfield, Oregon near McKenzie River and Willamette River. Both rivers are great for fishing trout, steelhead, salmon, and more. With so much river frontage passing less than half a mile by my house, you'd think it easy to find a new spot to fish. The only problem is that area is riddled with housing and farm tracts, with no easy way to access river without traveling a couple of miles near edge of town or several miles outside of town.

McKenzie River in Springfield, Oregon

Plus, topo and road maps only tell part of story. In regards to fishing, what about current, trees, weeds, rocks, gravel, and other structure? We all know that aerial maps answer a lot of these questions. With Google Maps' satellite imagery, I've already determined several locations that I'll be trying this year. With deer hunting season around corner, I'll also be using these maps to scout out some new hunting locations.

I also recently visited Moab, Utah for 2005 Easter Jeep Safari, and could have benefited greatly from use of such detailed maps while traversing many of offroad trails in area. 4-wheel and offroad enthusiasts, bikers, hikers, and scenery buffs will notice trails, trailsheads, and landmarks such as Lion's Back, Arches National Monument, and other spots of interest.