The Next Ridge

I was feeling nice and warm, 'til my sweat froze into ice

I started shedding layers quicker than a lady of the night

Cuz we still had a good long ways of hiking left to go

Side hilling rough terrain in at least of foot of snow

There must've been a good strong gust of wind come through last night

The blow down on the trail is getting worse every quarter mile

I can't feel my fingers and the storm won't settle down

Let's just hit the next ridge and head out

The next ridge

Oh, the empty promises you hold

The next ridge

So far away, but then again so close

We picked our knees up one by one and reached the other side

The fog began to lift enough for us to see the sign

A bed and tracks were on the ground. It seemed we finally had found the bull we were hoping was back here

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

And a spike of adrenaline gave new live to my legs again

I just know he's over the next ridge

The next ridge

Oh, the empty promises you hold

The next ridge

So far away, but then again so close

The wind was at our backs now as we began to crest

Slowly we glassed across the way

Stopped in our tracks for nothing less than some stumps that were easily mistaken

It's time to throw the towel in, we haven't seen a thing

If we carry on the pack-out will be hell

So much to my dismay we turned to walk away when I just know he's over the next ridge

The next ridge

Oh, the empty promises you hold

The next ridge

So far away, but then again so close

We were sulking in our failure as we headed toward the truck

Why couldn't we be the kind to have a little luck

Then the wind shifted in our favor and he gave his final tell as I recognized the musky, Copenhagen scent of elk

And echoing down the draw, a sound so divine

He let out a mighty bugle that sent shivers down my spine

I whipped around and there he was, a six-point silhouette

Broadside on the next ridge

Just like I said