The call came just an hour or so ago.

The helicopter is on its way.

Now, this isn't the helicopter I've been expecting. That one shouldn't arrive for several days yet, weather permitting. This one is from the folks just to the east of us. In past years they have had one of my wardens fly the rims just south of town for deer classifications in their herd. They made no mention of it again this year, and I assumed we were what they dropped when the budgets were cut.

Nope. Things have been going well. They've got money for up to two hours of flying on our side of the river. Chopper will be here 0730 tomorrow morning.

Oh, joy.

The guy who called, knowing of my problems with airsickness, asked if the warden might be available again this year to fly.

Well, I don't know. She just gave birth to twins, via c-section, on Thursday. And is out of state. I kinda doubt it.

But I'll ask.

Just for the record, she said "no."