Goodbye 2017 - What Stood Out For You

[AxeMan]

Another year almost gone.  Just thinking about what stood out in 2017 for me.  Add your thoughts.
Off the top of my head, these are some of the things that stood out for me:

• Year of blowdowns and deadfall in the bush.  Wow, those winds this fall absolutely swathed so much bush in north west and north central Alberta.  Never had to use the chainsaw so much just to get around.  So much country just closed up from blowdowns, maybe not a really bad thing after all, but it sure will change things for years to come. 
• Another year of draw priority inflation.  This year really put hunting planning changes front and center.  I could get my moose draw every 2 years for so long, but now on priority 5 in my zone and no draw and inflation has no guarantees in 2018 now.  So many moose in my zone too, tripping over them everyday hunting and couldn't pull the trigger.  Time to maybe pull out the bow like so many others are doing, the rules are dictating that.
• Another good year for chickens for me in my wmu.
• BC fires this summer, sure changed my holiday plans....wow!
• 2017 - Year of Liberal tears in the US.  Never realized that they could cry so hard; I think they will continue to cry for the full 4 years of Trumps term.
• 2017 - Year of Liberal tears in Canada.  Trudeau cried enough tears all by himself....nuff said.
• The mainstream media was exposed more than ever for their complete bias, stupidity, and attempted political influence.  I think their gig is up though (especially CBC and CNN), even the sheeple are onto them now.
• Another year of NDP debt for Alberta, totally expected and on track for them.
• Ending the year on a good cold spell...yay!  Media is acting like it is abnormal.....lol.
• Oilers sucked so far.    2018 might be different, hope not though.

[Walleyes]

Lots of good points Axe.

The blow down wasn't so bad up west in our hunting area but holy man around home it's bad, worst I've ever seen. Be good in a way it will close off lots of trail to the weekend warriors.

2017 for me.
- one year closer to getting the commies out of power in Alberta.
- finally got the conservatives united in a party now we can move on.
- just over all grateful for the graciousness bestowed upon my family once again being blessed with good health, good employment for myself and all my boys and the time I was able to spend with family this year.

[LeverAction]

It was a busy year for me.
1. Daughter was married in July(to a good guy)
2. My wife and I built a new retirement home on our land, moved out of the old farm house that we lived in for years. The new digs are smaller and just right for the two of us.
3. Semi-retired this year, working a few days a week to get me out of the house, still with the same company I have been with for years so it worked out great.( Come summer it may only be a few days a month.)
4. Like most of you, doing time till we can get rid of the two worst Governments we have every had. .
5. Spent lots of time this last year in the mountains on horseback, with my fly rod getting lots of use on the small mountain pools.
6. Hunting was a bit of a bust because we where delayed moving into the new house until hunting season , (next year I'll hit it hard.)
 7. And all my family is healthy, youngest is in collage and doing well. The newly wed's are trying to get me a grand kid, and I have the best wife in the world, that hasn't killed me yet.
So a good year overall, and I think the best is yet to come. Hope this years trip around the sun is a good one for you and your family.   

[Sooner]

Turned 50 last week, no real life changing moment though as I feel younger.

Kid got a super nice bull Moose and I was along for every walk as the guide/teacher since the tag opened with a bow, then finished with a rifle. So happy for the memories made. But look out kid, I can draw the same tag next year (evil grin).

My teenage kids are growing up to be super people and it's an interesting ride watching them spread their wings, each time they fly higher, its a bit further away from the nest & needing the parents. Just like our parent's had to watch us fly.

My parents are healthy and doing good. My sister and 2 kids the same. That makes me happy 24/7.

I really want to camp and fish more this year(maybe upgrade to a older 16 ft open bow and leave the topper home). Try to visit the far away family more.

Continue to look at my glass as half full and try not to let life get too much in the way of doing what you want & spending more time with family and friends.

[sonny]

I don't have a long list as most of the year was average at best except for..

That 4 seconds of sheer terror when we got caught in some slush on Obed hill.

Sideways left..then right..then left again..and then right again before I steered out of it.

Thank you to the Angel who was guiding my hands on the steering wheel.

[BruceW]

Just a crazy year for us.  Been helping son start farming in another location(and you simply could not have better neighbors here).  Another place came up for sale close to son and we were looking for more land.........so ends up we're moving as well.  Since daughter was living in Leth. and would be far away;  and she loved the area and wanted to move, got her a house in a nearby town.
So between being free farm labor in an unknown area on, "new" land for son, moving 3 households, father died, an uncle whom I loved dearly (and hunted with often) died, fixing up farmyards, going to more auctions than I ever wanted to go to looking for machinery, etc, etc, etc.  Just stupid crazy busy, and I'm, "retired"   

The most positive thing outside of family changes (and it was simply the smart move in the long run for future generations of our family) IMO is the new POTUS.  Going to change the world for the better, and none too soon.  The msm's constant spewing of complete garbage only reinforces that.