Episode 66 — O’Hare? Oh No!

Mike opens this episode with a rare confession: he doesn’t usually listen back to the podcast once it’s edited—but last week’s episode with Uncle Sim was different. After going back and listening as a fan, Mike reflects on just how special it is to hear firsthand stories from someone born in 1932, whose lifetime spans from horse-powered farming with barely any electricity to smartphones and space travel. He shares why that episode mattered so much, wishing Uncle Sim a happy 94th birthday and talking about the importance of preserving voices, stories, and a sense of community that feels increasingly rare.

That reflection sets the tone for a thoughtful episode about community, perspective, and knowing when to keep going—or when to bail. Mike talks about how the family farm wasn’t just family-centered, but a hub for a broader community made up of different cultures, languages, and traditions, all coming together through work, food, hockey, and shared effort. It’s a reminder that what many people miss about “the past” isn’t the hardship—it’s the connection.

The episode then shifts to the present, where plans don’t always work out as hoped. Mike and Caitlin recount their aborted attempt to fly to Pennsylvania for flintlock muzzleloader season—a trip derailed by mechanical delays, missed connections at O’Hare, sick kids back east, and a tough call at the ticket counter in Albuquerque. Disappointed kids, cancelled hunts, and a quick pivot back home lead into a broader conversation about outdoor judgment calls: when to push forward and when the signs are clearly telling you to walk away.

Caitlin shares a vivid story from a turkey hunt near Abiquiú that perfectly captures the theme. Ignoring her gut feeling led to a dangerous cliff descent, a falling slab of rock, and Mike crawling out of the woods with a badly sprained ankle. It’s a funny story in hindsight—but also a powerful lesson in listening to instincts, especially in wild places.

From there, the conversation opens up into what’s ahead for Outdoor Ruhls. Mike and Caitlin brainstorm future episodes inspired by recent conversations and family history, including deeper dives into Pennsylvania farm life by season, local mining and ironworks history in Lebanon County, and the story of Hershey and its connection to regional dairy farming. They also talk about honoring dogs as true family members following the loss of Mark and Rachel’s dog, Hatch, and tease a future episode dedicated entirely to dogs and the roles they play in outdoor lives.

The episode wraps with practical updates and anticipation for the months ahead: New Mexico’s big game draw season is open, Mike and Caitlin explain the basics of how the draw works, and they hint at a future episode featuring an official Boone and Crockett/Pope & Young scorer measuring Caitlin’s elk live on the podcast. Despite cancelled flights and derailed plans, the takeaway is clear—sometimes bad luck leads to better paths, new stories, and deeper gratitude.

In this episode:

Why last week’s episode with Uncle Sim hit differently

One lifetime of change—from manure forks to smartphones

Community, culture, and what really gets lost over time

Cancelled travel, O’Hare delays, and choosing to bail

A turkey hunt cliff fall that still hurts when the weather changes

New Mexico big game draw basics and strategy

Upcoming episode ideas: family history, mining, Hershey, dogs, food, and more

Good luck, bad luck… who knows?

Follow along:
Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls
Website: www.outdoorruhls.com
Email: [email protected]
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