Even though its early in the morning I don't feel in the slightest tired. Food doesn't appeal so I'm going to stay satisfied with a big cup of coffee...
I drive around to a friend's place. He is already up and waiting ready to go so we quickly load my vehicle and start the drive.
Ideally I'd like to just lie back and have a snooze but that's impossible. Perhaps it's my personality but I can't be totally relaxed and laid back about these early morning starts.
My friend starts talking about other hunts, reminiscing about an exciting stalk he had ten years ago while I try to sound enthusiastic.
We watch the temperature reading on the dashboard for what's going on outside. Ideally the temperature will go down as we drive further inland because that means the conditions are calm and the sky clear. If the temperature remains the same it means a westerly wind is moving large air masses down from the mountains to the sea...probably not good weather for hunting.
The road follows alongside a large river and I notice trees shaking  in the wind. The air outside is suddenly a few degrees warmer but after a few kilometers the strange wind disappears and the temperature drops again.

Now this is different. I can hear the rattling of someone in the other room. This is not a flash lodge but the bed was comfortable last night. In the night I could hear the strange sound of some kind of bird calling..a slightly annoying sound but I enjoyed it because it was different.
I don't really feel like getting up. My muscles are a little sore and my body is feeling weary. I should have spent more time getting myself into shape.
Boots are good. Camouflage gear is comfortable. The guide is really good. He offered to carry my pack but I am good for that. Even my right arm is a bit sore. The .300 Weatherby Magnum shouldn't make my arm sore...it isn't bad. A hunter has to carry his own musket. That's part of the deal.
If a coffee appeared through the door right now, I would be embarrassed but I wouldn't be complaining.
Should have done more training.

Getting There

The alarm clock, stumble into clothes on the floor, switch on the jug, the first coffee, find the car key, put on a headlamp, chuck everything in the car, turn off the house lights, shut the door, balance the coffee between the seats, put on seatbelt, start the car, ease out of the driveway with coffee in hand. Turn the steering wheel one-handed.