The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradox (PB&JP)
April 17, 2008
I started keeping a fishing calendar this past year. My thinking was that I would somehow get to fish more. I was applying the business proverb of "that which gets measured gets done". Apparently this doesn’t work as well on the home front. Actually, MOST of the leadership tactics I bring home from work become useless when they pass between my lot lines. Kind of a Bermuda Triangle of management principles I’d say. I’ll share more on this once I fully understand the phenomenon. In the meantime, I’ve learned it’s best to just go with the flow most of the time and try not to get underfoot of the wonderful women in my life.
Sometimes the vehicle we call life can drive pretty fast and we’re not necessarily at the wheel. Although I love that my daughters stay busy, it does make me ponder what the heck empty nesters do with their time. The endless stream of sleepovers, homework projects, ball games, and the like ? easily displace the time that "coulda" been spent on a stream of a different sort. It’s "all good" though. I am happy they are busy well-adjusted kids that basically stay out of trouble. However, it sure is nice to have some "alone time" once in awhile to slow the pace.
7 Need to Know Campsite Cooking Strategies
April 16, 2008
Are you sick and tired of not knowing what to bring or what to cook when you go camping? Do you either pack the entire kitchen (including the sink) or you bring the absolute minimum and then have to use a fork as a spatula or two spoons as tongs?
If that sounds even the slightest bit familiar then you are in the right place. Over the past decade or so I have refined a list of 7 things that I use every single time I prepare for my next camping trip.
These strategies are relevant whether you are car camping, primitive camping, RV camping, scout camping or large group camping. You can very easily apply them across any type of trip, which is what really makes them worthwhile.
So here they are:
1. Plan the Meals ? Okay common sense right? Well If I didn’t include this as the first and most important item I would get hollered at! But seriously, if you don’t plan the meals ahead of time not only do you not know what you’re going to eat you also have no idea what to pack as far as cooking gear is concerned. Do you need a spatula or tongs? Do you need a strainer or a frying pan?
Ultralight Backpacks - The Lightest
April 15, 2008
Why ultralight backpacks? Devotees of ultralight backpacking know you reduce your packweight most by concentrating on the “big three;” backpack, shelter, and sleeping bag. Forget those 6-pound backpacks, 9-pound tents and 5-pound sleeping bags. Reduce that 20 pounds to less than 5, keep the other gear to 5 or 6 pounds, and you can chuck the hot and heavy hiking boots, put on the running shoes, and start enjoying those trails.
Four Ounce Ultralight Backpacks
No, that’s not a typo. One of the ultralight backpacking suppliers recently came out with a light pack with a capacity of 1800 cubic inches, plus more in an expandable rear pocket. Designed to carry just fifteen pounds, It may be more fragile than the average pack, but it weighs just 3.7 ounces! With a pack that light you’re well on your way to keeping your total packweight to fifteen pounds.
I bought a six ounce pack at Walmart. Maybe you didn’t know they sold ultralight backpacks, and niether did they. I’m sure it was intended as a daypack. However, it has 1200 cubic inches and weighs only 6 ounces, so I’ll use it for summer overnighters. At $4, it was light on the budget too.
Join The Vespa Fishing Team
April 14, 2008
High fuel prices got you down?
Imagine how most of us feel in the recreational fishing world.
Let me explain.
Here we are rounding into September, the time of year that all true “sport fishermen” look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, leaving the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with frisky hungry fish readying themselves for the fall spawn and feedfest that takes place in fall.
Most of us are not lucky enough to have a river or lake out our back door, so that means traveling to our favorite fishing spots is mandatory. Two hundred miles or better is nothing when it comes to our passion.
Most fishermen -and outdoor types in general–are usually heading for the great outdoors hauling their gear in SUVs , trucks or campers/trailers.
Not exactly what you would consider “economy” cars.
I can still remember the conversation I had with Ranger Kurt about three years ago, when I convinced him to purchase an old Ford Diesel f350 in place of his trusty Toyota fishing rig.
He would love the extra room, and heck- diesel was about a dime cheaper than regular to boot!!
Why Should You Use Hiking Poles?
April 14, 2008
Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first question that may strike in your mind especially when you are a beginner. To get the right answer for this question you need to consider two things i.e. Safety and Comfort. Hiking poles are just balancing sticks which help you maintain good balance that is closely related to your overall safety and comfort. When you use two poles you move as you have four legs which allow you better comfort and safety. Experts say that by using hiking poles you switch to 4×4 mode of driving, using your two legs and two hands.
As far as safety is concerned, a pair of hiking poles helps you prevent frequent fall downs on uncertain tracks, avoiding aches in ankle or knee or even back; and here comfort is pointing towards the convenience in walking such as maintaining right walking posture and pacing using two extra legs.
Although it is personal preference and an individual decision to use hiking poles but they can prove to be very helpful for you during your hiking. You must use hiking poles especially when you are on your first hike. And, I think next time you will yourself carry these sticks with you by seeing their countless benefits.
The Advantages of Underwater Fishing Cameras
April 13, 2008
Want to see what’s really going on under the water or ice? You can eliminate some of the mystery beneath the water or ice and expand your knowledge by using an underwater fishing camera. An underwater fishing camera can be a wonderful tool and great fun too. An underwater camera can show you many things about your fishing techniques. It can be your eye underwater and you won’t even get wet.
See more fish, catch more fish, and have more fun fishing with an underwater fishing camera. You can put yourself eye to eye with the fish in their natural environment. You will be able to identify different species and how they react to your bait presentation. With an underwater fishing camera, the ice angler easily can determine the size and species of fish. (Fish can be detected with sonar, but it cannot identify what kind they are.)
What is the lake bottom like? Sonar can tell you whether the lake bottom is relatively hard or soft, but it’s difficult to tell whether the lake bottom is sand, gravel, or small rock. The camera shows the bottom easily and can help avoid problems.
About Table Mountain Cape Town - Well Known in South Africa and Around the World
April 12, 2008
Table Mountain sheltered the original Cape explorers in the 16th century, the first European settlers and the many following generations of slaves, immigrants and Capetonians who helped to build and develop our special city.
Your first impression of Table Mountain from the city bowl and beyond from Blouberg beach, is almost misleading. You are confronted with a two dimensional image of a solid flat topped behemoth, sometimes draped in swirling cloud, trapped between two attendants - Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head.
Driving towards the city from Cape Town airport you get a different perspective, as you are confronted with Devil’s Peak and the rugged Eastern buttresses of the Table Mountain range stretching towards Kirstenbosch Gardens and the coastal towns of Muizenberg and FishHoek.
Head towards the cable station and over Kloof Nek towards Camps Bay, and you’ll see the peaks of the Twelve Apostles flanking the winding road to Hout Bay.
Table Mountain in fact stands at the head of an extensive chain of mountains extending south along the backbone of the Cape Peninsula towards Cape Point. It is the direction from whence the well known and respected Cape South Easterly wind originates, from faraway over the Atlantic Ocean, and it is the region now known as the Table Mountain National Park.
Fishing Alaska: The Alaskan Sampler Plate…Part I
April 11, 2008
I just recently returned from my first fishing trip to Alaska.
If you have ever dreamed of heading to the last frontier, but have continuously put it off because of this reason or that—STOP PUTTING IT OFF!!
I myself, found reason after reason to delay one of my “dream trips” until I could no longer stand it any longer.
“Damn the time constraints and load up the Visa card boys–were headin’ to Alaska!!”
What I expected was a : ‘you should have been here in the seventies’, “spawned out” fishing destination–but what I found was a place I can’t wait to return to.
The Kenai peninsula-which to a lot of fishermen is a place that is overfished and to easily accesible-was just fine to me. Eleven different types of fish, from fourteen inch Grayling to seventy pound Halibut found it’s way on to my fishing rod, and considering I only had one week to fish in Alaska, I would say the only way I could have experienced more fish …would be to order the Alaskan sampler plate at the Red Lobster!!
Each and every day seemed to get better and better.
Lake Winnipesaukee ? The Smile of the Great Spirit
April 10, 2008
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire. Centered in the popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year.
The lake is surrounded by the foothills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, which provides stunning backdrops to this jewel of a New Hampshire lake, and magnificent views for those prepared to hike a few miles to the summit of surrounding peaks.
The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake take their water supply directly without any filtering.
But the native people have known this lake and its beauty for 10,000 years. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning "Smile of the Great Spirit."
These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it’s shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and let the hours tick slowly by.
I’ve been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.
M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE
Fly Casting - the Overhead Cast
April 9, 2008
The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn to execute it well and you will be able to easily adapt the skill to the side cast and backhand casting.
Good casting starts with learning to grip a fly rod correctly and adopting the right stance to maintain comfort and balance.
Gripping the Fly Rod
The normal grip is with the thumb on top and slightly to the left of center (assuming a right-handed grip) so that the ‘V’ between the thumb and the index finger is in line with the top of the rod. Your grip should feel comfortable and firm - but not tight. Your rod and reel only weigh a few ounces, so it won’t require a death grip to contol it.
If you prefer, placing the thumb directly on top of the rod is acceptable, and you might find this useful if extra force is needed on the forward cast. Another variation is sometimes used for accuracy when casting short distances, or just as a “change up” to relieve fatigue during a long day of fishing. Instead of placing the thumb on top of the rod, try shifting the index finger around so that it lies along the top of the rod instead.
