Making Camping more Fun for all

January 5th, 2012

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: Making Camping More Fun for all:

If you have a camping trip coming up in the near future and you are thinking of a way you might be able to make it more enjoyable for you and your friends or family, then you are reading the right article. Many enjoy the great outdoors but some see camping as old hat and boring. When you think of camping you already know about the fishing trips and the hiking that comes with it but if you go to the same place or go fairly often and or do the same things all the time; I can identify with you, try to find another place just to break the routine and do some research on the area, such as are there falls or lakes or other scenic sites in the area? Knowing where you are going and what you will encounter will allow you to have more fun in knowing somewhat as to what you will be experiencing. For example, scenery and or old towns in the area and it would probably be far more interesting if you knew the history behind the mountain you are going to hike up. Along with that is being able to identify any wildlife or birds you may see along the way as well. Oh, don’t forget about the memories that are made in doing things together! Then when the day is just about spent and everyone is in camp, start a fire, as one of fondest memories I treasure is standing around a camp fire hearing people talk. That is a wonderful way to settle down after having a good or mediocre day! For that creates an atmosphere of sharing our views of the day as well as starting a reminiscing of past experiences and of course along with that we are roasting marshmallows for making some mores and for some just wanting a cup of coffee. Lastly, I will leave you with a tip that could make the difference between having a good time or a lousy time. If you are in a very popular area, ask how close your campsites are to others in the area as you sure don’t want to be around people that party half the night. Been there and experienced that! Hey, have a great time!
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Hunting Big Horn Sheep in the Strawberry Mountains

December 1st, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: Hunting Big Horn Sheep in the Strawberry Mountains:

Sometime back I was sitting in a barber shop and a fellow came in that had been hunting Big Horn Sheep in the strawberry range of Oregon. He proceeded to tell us he had talked to the Game commission first off to find out how many Big Horn Sheep were in different areas and how accessible the roads were as he had very little knowledge of the area. They told him what they knew and directed him to the local sporting shops to possible find others that had hunted the area that he could talk to as well as direct him to a possible Guide if that was what he wanted. The next few days were spent talking to a number of hunters that had gotten big Horned Sheep and others that had not! Before leaving each person though, he asks them where they would go if they had a tag. With the knowledge he had gained from others and for what they had suggested was all that was needed to get him excited about climbing hills and glassing for Sheep for the next several weeks. During this time he made a note of all the larger Big Horn Sheep he had found in each area he had went to. With the day fast approaching for hunting to start, he took long walks and did a fair amount of shooting. The first few days out hunting he got to see a number of Big Horn Sheep but could never get the largest one into the scopes view without another smaller one moving in front of it! So he made a decision not to spend more than 2 days at any one area as he felt it would incite the Big Horn Sheep to move around more! As it came near to the time he had to call it quits, he got to shoot at a fairly large one and missed it and left to go to one other place before he left for home. As he was driving into the area he realized that the road was on a slightly constant uphill slant and after a time, he thought he could see a couple of Big Horn Sheep out lined against the sky above standing on a large knoll. It was then that he started looking for a place that was level enough where he could unload his 4 wheeler if he needed too; but he never did find a level spot so he parked it and put a rock in back of the wheel. By this time he was aggravated but was still driven to go after the sheep and found a rock he could peer over and could make out several of them using his binoculars just under a rim. He had seen one that was very large but could never get a shot at it so he decided to shoot at the next largest one. As it was getting late in the afternoon and he wanted to get out of there before dark. The first shot found its mark and it fell! He then proceeded to go back and get his 4 wheeler out of the back of the pickup and was wrestling in his mind as to how he was going to do that with the pickup being on a slant. Without even thinking of turning the pick up around to where the tail gate was facing up hill he placed his gun back into its scaffold. Then he proceeded to open the tailgate; and take out one of the wheel ramps. The top ramp had the spare tire on it as he did not have room for it elsewhere and of course the top ramp could not slide over the top of the second one with the weight of the wheel on it. so he thought he would pull the ends of both ramps out and take the tire off of them but in doing so the tire came up on end and proceeded to roll down the mountain till it hit the road below and bounced very high in order to land up the hill in the high brush on the other side of the highway. Back at the pickup he set about putting the ramps in place and started rolling the 4 wheeler down the ramp, but he found he could not hold the 4 wheeler for he was facing the front of it and using the brake and ended up on the ground with him holding on to the bike with one hand and holding on to the bottom of the ramp with the other. He realized there was only one way to save the 4 wheeler and that was to kick a large enough rock in back of a tire to hold it in place! During this time he was crying out to GOD for help as it took several mins. to dig a rock out of the ground with his feet to push behind a tire. Tell me who put that rock there for him to kick out of the ground? If you answered anyone but God you are wrong! Did that fellow get his Big Horn Sheep out? Yes he did and the following day came back and found his tire across the highway fairly high up on the side of the hill. How many of us have pulled boners like this? Ha.
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Camping Safety for Beginners

November 22nd, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: Camping Safety For Beginners:

If you are a beginner camper or if you have not been camping for a few years, you may want to stay close to home and iron out any problem you may have. One way of doing that is too consider camping out in your very own backyard to find out if you are prepared as you really have need of being; as it seems like we always forget something the first or second time out. This may seem childish but it’s far better to solve any problem in your camping routine now and it’s a cheap way to find out if camping is right for you. Before you head out on your adventure, remember camping should be about fun and safety. I cannot stress how important it is to plan and plan some more. Make yourself familiar with the area you will be camping at. Check the short and long-term weather forecasts. Be sure to make a detailed list of things to bring with you. Be Prepared, here are a few items to get you started. Be ready for accidents and bring a fully stocked first aid kit with the know how to use it. A sleeping bag and ground cover or sleeping pad is needful to keep you cozy as well as a tent and basic camping tools. Unless you have had experience in setting and maintaining an open fire, consider using a camp stove or portable grill. Plan your trip so that you arrive early with plenty of daylight to choose your location and set up your camp. Be sure to inspect you campsite for trees with dead or diseased limbs. There is nothing worse than a tree limb crashing through your tent at two in the morning. Also, keep an eye out for insect nests, both on the ground, and in trees or brush. You may also want to spot and avoid poisonous plants and Stay away from any questionable areas.

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A Few Bumps in the Road

November 18th, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: a Few Bumps in the Road!

In 1980 we bought a new Pontiac phoenix that I had been babying mechanical wise every since we have had it. Over time though, I can honestly say I have worked on most every part of that car to keep it in as good a shape as I could to make it last, especially for the cost of another car now a-days! Along with that, the car had three different times of colliding with Deer! In the last 6 months though we decided it would be better to let it go! Not that we had the money for another one but because it needed another Transmission which would have been the fourth one, I would have put in! But I could not find another one around to buy! So I would be forced to take ours out and send it off first; so they could rebuild it and then send it back. So it could take several weeks to have it up and running again! That was why we decided to evaluate what other things should be fixed as well. One thing was the head liner, it had come loose again and I tried several things but I could not keep it from sagging. Another thing we had to consider is I had never replaced the brake lines and the car has over 200,000 miles. Yes, I could keep working on the car till the cows come home or until I get too old to able to do it. But another thing I had to address; was the mileage gotten for the cost of gas per gallon now! So it made sense to let go of it! I cared, but it was something mechanical and could be replaced. I have been thinking how the car story applies to its physical shape and how it affects our mental decision based on its well being. The same applies to a child getting some scrapes or bruises and or an occasional broken something but for the most part heals up and forgets about those times very fast. Yes there are some exceptions; but for the norm, as we get older there are some things that are far more devastating to us than physical. Now I don’t say that lightly, think for a few minutes about life’s potholes and what can come from them. One thing that has affected each of us back in the past and or now is not forgiving others! Remember we are all human and there is a saying that too error is human, that means we all need to forgive or we will continue to let things fester to the place where we will have problems and in the process possible explode and no one likes what can come from an explosion! There is also the other side where we go through life and continue to hit pot holes and are not able to pull out of them, thinking we are worthless and or no one cares and ends up doing something no likes to hear about! I know we can give all kind reasons why we won’t forgive others and have no intention of doing so! But do yourself a favor and think about the results that can take place physically, mentally and personally, if we don’t let go of these things as fast as possible trying to find a solution. This can affect every aspect of our lives and put us in a tailspin that we possibly may not pull out of and end up doing something that we may regret for the rest of our lives. For me there is only one solution to the problems that I have including forgiving others! I have found overtime that we in and of ourselves are not equipped to achieve that inner calmness, peace, or the satisfaction in life that we are all so desperately looking for. They come from one source only! The Creator of all things is the only one that has the answers we are so much in need of! That tells me then, to have a saneness of mind and heart, I must look to our God for the answers I don’t have! The way this comes about is confessing our sins that we have committed in the way we walked in this world, without looking to him to help us in all the hurts and the anguish we have experienced as well as the way we have hurt others along the way! This is the reason for all the hurts in our lives. The only solution is asking forgiven of our sins through the name of our Lord and Savior,( Jesus Christ , GOD’s only Son!) The only one who died for all of mankind that we may live a life worth the living; having possession of those attributes mentioned above! Remember this! GOD will not forgive our sins without a blood sacrifice: that sacrifice had to be holy and that is why GOD’S only SON came to earth in an earthy body and having not sinned; Died on the Cross for you and me! That we might have life and have it abundantly!

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Finding out where the Fishing Holes are:

November 17th, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: Finding out where the Fishing Holes are:

Want to go fishing but don’t know where you want to go? There are thousands of lakes, historic trails, campgrounds, sleuths, creeks and reservoirs to choose from. From Alaska to Florida and New Mexico to Main; there are fishing holes of all kinds waiting for you to find them. If you don’t know the area, you can always ask about places to fish at the local bait and tackle store or check at the local wildlife office as they can provide a map to most all fisheries in the area. They can also tell you what can be caught in each one along with which is private that you may fish in for a price and those that are open to the public. If you are looking too fish in another state, you can find the phone numbers by looking under the name of the state in the white pages of the telephone book. Make sure to find out if you will need a permit before fishing at a city lake or if you are planning on fishing on private property, you will have to have permission to fish. Be an explorer, if you have a car or pickup, gas money and an adventurous spirit, try the back roads of your county to look for public access sites near public roads to streams and rivers. You may also find fishing holes by joining organizations or clubs. Once you find your perfect location, learn what kinds of fish are present and what the rules are. What will you be able to catch and the number and sizes of fish you can keep. Is it just catch and release? Always, be respectful and leave the property clean and free of trash and fishing lines.

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Camping Safety Tips

November 4th, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: Camping Safety Tips:

Camping is a fun and enjoyable way for family and friends to get away and enjoy the great outdoors. Going camping is inexpensive and a great way for renewing the spirit. It is also a great way to get some serious family together time, to share stories, values and really get to know each other. Make sure to keep your expectations modest and focus on your goal to enjoy nature. Don’t overdo it by trying to hike 10 miles or think you have to sleep in the rough, be sure and consider all the campers abilities. Before you leave for your camping trip, make sure all the children are aware of all rules and that they must be followed. Plan ahead for the things you need to take as well as for what could happen as much as possible! Dispose of any waste properly and do not allow any food in the sleeping area. Children/kids should always be reminded to use the buddy system and never leave the campsite alone. another thing that should be said to the children is Not to run or play around the campfire or eating area, where there could be dangerous things around that they could hurt themselves on. Always teach children to respect wildlife and to be considerate of the other visitors. Every adult should be able to stop any child from breaking any of the rules to keep your camping experience a safe one.

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# 4 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

November 3rd, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on # 4 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

Now my wife was in a mini cooper with our Daughter-in-law and 2 granddaughters while I was with my son in their new 2012 mini cooper. I ask him how he liked this new one compared to the older one which is probably about 10 years old by now. He started telling me about all the advances between the two of them and the greater speed in takeoff which he had allowed me to experience out on the highway several times. He then shared with me how with the turbocharger he would get 44 miles per gal. Now my son is into speed as he is in a Cooper club and gets to race in the mountains a few times a year. So he really loves the mini Coopers both him and his wife have to drive. His prize though, was still at the house; it is a mini-mini Cooper made on some island back in the 60 or 70 era which he has all dolled up with the purpose of taking it to shows in the area! I am glad he did not ask me what I thought of his new mini cooper for I was not about to break his bubble as to what I thought of any of the three that I got to ride in. What I could not get over was how they rode down the highway. They are fairly smooth on good pavement but with the cracks and the often times dips Seattle has in their streets and highways; you got to love them if you like the sports car feel on all roads having cracks and or holes in them! Oh well, each his own! What I have gotten used to and still like is an American model that has some give in the suspension!
When the ferry had docked, we were one of the first on board and decided to just stay in our seats as it was windy and raining and just too cold to be outside; so we had a nice time just sharing with each other. When we had docked in Bremerton Washington we took the Mini Coopers just a few blocks and parked them and walked into a very nice Restaurant where we had a Wonderful dinner. By the time we got back on the ferry it was way after dark and the conversation had slowed immensely as my son and his wife slept some. One of our Granddaughters was very active though and stood outside under the roof looking at the lights as we moved along and later came back in soaked and sat down for a while to get warmed up. After a time our Granddaughters started shooting spitballs at each other using rubber bands. Then about 2 miles from the water front of Seattle my granddaughter and I went out on the front of the boat but stayed under the roof out of the wind. As we drew closer to the dock though, she again went out in the rain to the bow of the ferry to admire the beautiful, different colored skylights of Seattle, which I enjoyed immensely from underneath the roof of the ferry. By the time we had arrived home we were all ready for bed; as my son and his wife had to go to work in morning along with taking our granddaughter to school. So the following morning, we packed as fast as we could so we would not hold them up from leaving on time. As we opened the front door of the house to take the luggage out to the car, we found water running off of the roof. Upon seeing that, I sure was not looking forward to fighting the traffic again just to get out of Seattle and that’s what it seems like to me every time we leave and go to a large city, the reason being we live in a town of 2500 people with 3 stop lights and the nearest larger town is 132 miles away and I like it that way!

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#3 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

November 3rd, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on # 3 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

The next morning we had a late breakfast because of our son and his wife getting home around 2 in the morning. They did not say what we would be doing that morning and we never did ask, for we were there for the ride and whatever they wanted to do! Where we ended up was our daughter in-laws sister place again, with her husband preparing the barbeque and grilling pit to cook on as he had done the day before for the adoption celebration. It was then that we found out how Community minded this couple was and that they loved to entertain. On this particular day they were having their annual pumpkin carving time for their children and the children in the neighborhood. They had also asked a few men from the nearby college if they would come and help carve pumpkins for the children who were not able to do it themselves. Along with that, if the children did not have pumpkins; there was several setting around ready to be carved. It was not long after we got there, that a number of fathers and mothers had opened the gate into the back yard! Upon entering, the children saw things they wanted to play on like the slide and swing and the several other things they found enticing, including a nice sized tree house about 3 ft off of the ground located some 12’uphill, which was all padded inside and you could see quite some distance from there! As far as hospitality their house was opened to all who came and I would say no one went away hungry as there was more than enough food to eat. It was 4:00 before we left, as my son’s family wanted to spend time with just us, as we would be leaving in the morning. As we left, we still saw parents coming in with their children to have their pumpkins carved. I will remember that for some time for I thought that was neat, for normally you don’t see that kind of hospitality outside of your own family or church gatherings! When we reached the curb in front of the house, my son asks us if we would like to take the ferry to Bremerton Washington and eat at a nice Restaurant on the pier. We said we would enjoy that very much as that would give us some time to converse with each other as well. By the time we got to the dock, we had still had close to a 50 min. wait for its arrivial,so that worked out very well!

Written By Christian Outdoor Recreation:

# 2 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

October 31st, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation: Reporting on: # 2 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

By the time we reached our son’s place in Seattle it was very close to 10:00 and we had not eaten as yet, so they fixed us something to eat. The following morning when we got up, it was much like the previous times we had been there in the past. The back side of their house faces the down side of a hill with a balcony on the main floor, overlooking the back yard. All we could see was a light mist rising in the back yard with giant trees of all sorts. In that particular area they rarely see the sun till about 9:30, then you can see a portion of the park that lies beyond their fence along with Birds and Squirrels and an occasional Raccoon or Possum. About 9:30 we all left to go to our daughter in laws, sister place. This was where they were preparing the dinner that was to be served, celebrating their children adoptions being finalized. That’s for sure there was something there for everyone’s taste buds! There were several different kinds of cheese and meats including smoked and barbeque, vegetable trays, regular and dried fruits plates as well as a variety of nuts and candy’s. A real hit to me was the homemade Chili and lastly, deserts of all kinds. We had never been to a party with so much to choose from. The party ended with the children and the parents sharing with each other how much they appreciated each other as they felt more like a complete family now! It was 6:00 before we left to go back to our son’s place. My son and his wife had gotten tickets some time back to a concert they were going to that night; so we and our granddaughter were going to have pizza later on and play Mexican train. Everything probably would have been great except the TV was on to some kids channel and she paid attention to it once in a while instead of concentrating on what she was doing. Well after about 3 games we should have stopped and played a different game because on the next game she got twice as many dominos so she would have more numbers to choose from. After that game I quit. The next game they played, my wife took twice as many dominos also. She figured if that was what she wanted to do she would do the same thing! Later my wife told my son what she did and he just shook his head, probably because he could not believe my wife would indulge her by doing the same thing instead of correcting her, ha.

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#1 A Unique and Gratifying Trip

October 31st, 2011

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Christian Outdoor Recreation Reporting on: # 1 a unique and gratifying trip

Friday was a day we may not forget for quite some time. Several years ago, our son already having two children married a woman who had a young daughter of her own. Over time one of our granddaughters moved out of their home and the married couple wanting to be a more closely knit family with the last two, decided that each of them would adopt the others child. It had taken way over a year, jumping through all the hoops to finally have the adoption of each of them finalized. That same day they called and ask us to come to Seattle for a celebration. So on Friday we left Burns Oregon for Seattle Washington. Upon taking the freeway I-90 we figured it was only going to be a 2 1/2 hour trip; but by the time we were within around 90 miles of Seattle we hit a traffic jam on both lanes. That occurred about 5:30 pm; from then on it was stop and starts every few feet. About 2 hours later our Son called and told us there was construction going on and told us to turn around and go back to Ellensburg and go over Stevens pass as we would probably get there faster. Well we weighted the time going back and going over the Pass could take better than 3 hours, so we decided to stick it out in the stop and go traffic and by that time we had probably covered 10 miles. By the time we were at 78 miles from Seattle, I was flat out tired! A few minutes after that the traffic started to pick up a little as it was funneled through one lane back on to two. When we entered the two lanes, I thought to myself, those poor people behind us were probably backed up clear to Ellensburg. Then reality set in as I still had the task of fighting the traffic in the rain to reach our destination half way through Seattle.

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