First outfit of hunters to stop at my check station this morning arrived as I was setting up my surgical bench on the tailgate. Two fellows from across the state, wanting to know how to get a hold the the local landowner that controls much of the access to the available deer hunting in the muzzleloader area.

Ummm, if you want to get permission to hunt on his land, maybe eight o'clock on the morning you arrive is a little too early in the morning to call, and too late to plan your hunt.

Second outfit out wasn't with the first, but with the same question. Although they were hoping to hunt elk. But since two of the three landowners in their limited area either close their lands or charge high trespass fees, if the father can't find the landowner, the entire day he planned with his young son is shot.

Again, maybe ten minutes before you want to go hunting is just a little late to be doing your homework. But I gave him directions to the rancher's house, just the same. But wake him on a day when he's trying to rest, and I'll bet the answer is 'No.'.

Then there was the SUV that came out from town, then circled back into my pullout and pulled up alongside, asking directions. A man from two states away, his young daughter, and a female who I assume is either wife, ex-wife, or girlfriend. The license on the SUV is neither our state, nor his.

"Which is faster," he asks, "Central City or University Town?"

Depends on where you're trying to go.

"Either one. Which is closer?"

You mean you're just looking for a city, any city, it doesn't matter which?

"Yeah." She's smiling like she knows this is strange, but it feels really fun just the same.

University Town. It's interstate all the way, about an hour and twenty minutes. Central City is almost two hours up this way.

And they thank me, and head for the interstate.

Now, I know that urge. To get out of this little berg and into someplace bigger, different, unboring. Heck, even going to a Wal-Mart is still a treat for us. But they didn't ask which town has such a place (they both do), nor which has a mall (only Central City), or the best restaurants (again, Central City).

All they cared is that it was bigger than this town, and different.

And for a few minutes, I had this strong urge to go home, grab the wife and hit the road, too. A real Italian dinner would be nice...