The Next Ridge
Chasing the Unknown: A Journey Beyond Promise
Lyrics
I was feeling nice and warm, 'til my sweat froze into ice
I was initially comfortable, but the weather turned harsh, making my sweat freeze.
I started shedding layers quicker than a lady of the night
I quickly removed layers of clothing due to the worsening conditions, similar to a person in a hurry.
Cuz we still had a good long ways of hiking left to go
We had a long way to hike despite challenging conditions.
Side hilling rough terrain in at least of foot of snow
Navigating difficult terrain with significant snow accumulation.
There must've been a good strong gust of wind come through last night
Wind likely caused fallen trees along the trail, making progress difficult.
The blow down on the trail is getting worse every quarter mile
Obstacles on the trail are increasing every quarter mile.
I can't feel my fingers and the storm won't settle down
Extreme cold and a persistent storm make it challenging, and fingers are numb.
Let's just hit the next ridge and head out
Suggesting a desire to reach the next ridge and move forward.
The next ridge
Reiterating the importance of reaching the next ridge.
Oh, the empty promises you hold
The next ridge is metaphorically described as holding unfulfilled promises.
The next ridge
Emphasizing the distance and proximity paradox of the next ridge.
So far away, but then again so close
Despite being far, the next ridge feels close in some way.
We picked our knees up one by one and reached the other side
Describing a collective effort to overcome challenges and reach a destination.
The fog began to lift enough for us to see the sign
The fog clears, revealing a sign of progress or success.
A bed and tracks were on the ground. It seemed we finally had found the bull we were hoping was back here
Discovering evidence (tracks and bed) of the sought-after bull elk.
He can't be far, the tracks are fresh, there's barely snow upon the bed. I bet if we hurry now we can catch him
The excitement of potentially catching the elk by moving quickly.
And a spike of adrenaline gave new live to my legs again
An adrenaline rush revitalizes determination and energy.
I just know he's over the next ridge
A belief that the elk is just beyond the next ridge.
The next ridge
Repeating the importance of the next ridge in the pursuit.
Oh, the empty promises you hold
The next ridge is again seen as holding unfulfilled promises.
The next ridge
Reiterating the paradoxical distance and closeness of the next ridge.
So far away, but then again so close
Despite being far, the next ridge feels close in some way.
The wind was at our backs now as we began to crest
Changing conditions as the wind is now at their backs while ascending.
Slowly we glassed across the way
Gazing across the landscape while reaching a high point.
Stopped in our tracks for nothing less than some stumps that were easily mistaken
Pausing due to a misunderstanding, mistaking stumps for something significant.
It's time to throw the towel in, we haven't seen a thing
Feeling disheartened as no significant discovery has been made.
If we carry on the pack-out will be hell
Considering the challenges of carrying out a successful hunt.
So much to my dismay we turned to walk away when I just know he's over the next ridge
Despite disappointment, the belief persists that the elk is just over the next ridge.
The next ridge
Emphasizing the importance of the next ridge despite setbacks.
Oh, the empty promises you hold
The next ridge is once again seen as holding unfulfilled promises.
The next ridge
Reiterating the paradoxical distance and closeness of the next ridge.
So far away, but then again so close
Despite being far, the next ridge feels close in some way.
We were sulking in our failure as we headed toward the truck
Feeling dejected after an unsuccessful attempt.
Why couldn't we be the kind to have a little luck
Expressing a desire for better luck in hunting.
Then the wind shifted in our favor and he gave his final tell as I recognized the musky, Copenhagen scent of elk
A sudden change in wind direction reveals the presence of the elk.
And echoing down the draw, a sound so divine
The elk emits a bugle, a thrilling and defining moment.
He let out a mighty bugle that sent shivers down my spine
The bugle sends shivers down the narrator's spine, a powerful experience.
I whipped around and there he was, a six-point silhouette
Spotting the elk, a six-point silhouette on the next ridge.
Broadside on the next ridge
The elk is within reach, aligning with the earlier belief.
Just like I said
Confirmation of the earlier belief that the elk is on the next ridge.
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