After a day out hunting on Wednesday, Jeff Powers and his son, Josh, 9, wait for their beagles to come back to the barn on the family's property near Moneta.

A quiet, cool breeze sweeps through the trees as a father follows his son into the woods on an early-morning hunting trip, a fall ritual that has been repeated for generations. It is squirrel season, and Jeff Powers and his 9-year-old son, Josh, are hunting together, just as Powers and his own father did long ago.

"We come from a family of hunters. My father used to take me when I was Josh's age," Powers said. "The biggest thing I remember is the time I spent with [my father] learning about the outdoors. That is what Josh and I are sharing now. ... I think he has the love of hunting just like the rest of the family does."

Their time together in the woods is special. Powers was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago and Josh was born a year later. After multiple surgeries and many prayers, Powers was declared cancer-free. "It was a miracle," he said, "and it makes me think about how special every moment is that I get to spend out here with Josh. It doesn't even matter if we find any wildlife; just having this time together is what counts."

As the two make their way through the thick pine trees, birds flit about and dry leaves crinkle underfoot, but the squirrels remain elusive. After several hours with no luck, it's time to head home. Powers wraps his arm around Josh's shoulders as they make their way through a meadow back to their truck.

"We can talk about not just hunting, but his school week, or whatever," Powers said. "It's a special time."