Our National Parks - Your American Heritage

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
Haida Indian Saying

Ownership has its privileges, as they say. And you, my friends, are owners of our national parks (assuming you are an American citizen, and if you are not, you still get to enjoy them). When I was a boy, my family took a long trip west and hit several of our national parks. At the time, it did not mean all that much to me other than taking the family car on a long trip one summer. We went to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. We also stopped at a few other interesting places along the way. I remember thoroughly enjoying it, but the magnitude of what I was experiencing escaped me at the time. Looking back now, I realize that it was a life changing trip for me. It was the beginning of a love for the outdoors that has been my theme for most of my years (and that has been a whole lot of years!).Thanks Mom and Dad for exposing me to something that changed my life.

I have wanted to write a column on the national parks for some time, but I kept procrastinating about it. The recent Ken Burns special on PBS put it right in front of my face and it was a message I could not ignore. We have talked about taking our grandchildren to some of the parks, but can never seem to get our calendars synchronized. Everybody is so stinking busy…but that is beside the point. A few weeks ago I sat down the watch the Ken Burns series - The National Parks – America’s Best Idea – and was moved in a very special way. The six part series was well done (is anything by Ken Burns not?) and really told the story of how the park system came together. It was a long hard road and the battles were fought by some very courageous and determined folks. When things got tough, they kept at it. Many of the struggles occurred over decades and through various Presidents. They fought the good fight, never gave up, and good things happened. Really good things…lots of really good things. If you have not seen this program yet, make it a priority to watch it and if you feel really motivated, buy your own copy when it comes out. You can even host your own National Park Parties…you will be the talk of the neighborhood. But, most importantly, watch this show!

This series really inspired me to fight the good fight in our conversation efforts. It reminded me that we must take the long view and stay the course, even if the benefits might not occur until after our lifetime. We can study how the heroes of yesteryear did the right thing and because of their courage and discipline we have a number of natural resources that we enjoy because of their efforts. Thanks so much to those heroes – past, present, and future. May all of us pitch in and do what we can to make a difference. Future generations will thank us.

I am also going to suggest that you add to your “Bucket List” visiting the National Parks. As an owner, you really do have an obligation and you won’t be sorry. To help you get going, I am going to suggest you visit three national parks and here are my top choices – Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), Olympic National Park (Washington), and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee). I happen to know the best ways in and the best places to go and if you send me an e-mail, I will give you my tips. There is no shortage of national parks to visit and there are plenty of things to do while you are there (plenty of fly fishing opportunities among other things). Take your significant other, take your kids, take your grandkids, take a few friends, but don’t delay. You will be glad that you did. It is part of our American heritage.

John Muir was quoted as saying, “the clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.” I think I agree with him. I would imagine that you might too. I hope so. You think about that…TL

BEER...IT'S NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE!

Last month I missed my column deadline because I was on a fishing trip with some good friends. I totally zoned out on the date (which is a good thing) and by the time I got back to civilization it was too late. For many of us fisher folk, one of the common denominators of our experiences include a good, cold beer at the end of the day. Some camp coffee to kick-off and a barley and hops beverage to celebrate the day’s end makes for great bookends.

Like so many things in life, we all have very different tastes and preferences. Some like food spicy, others mild. Some like blondes, others brunettes, or maybe even a redhead (or something in between all of the above). Some like hot weather; some like it cold…some like rain, others like it dry. Some like their coffee strong, others weak. Some folks like fishing for bass (the coarse fish, as the snooty among us refer to it) and some like fishing for the small scales (trout)…saltwater, fresh water (budget determines some of this)…worms, lures, or flies…and so on and so forth. Different strokes for different folks makes for an interesting tapestry…and as I have mentioned before, makes for a better trip around this ball we call earth. And, that my friends, brings me to BEER.

If you are a beer drinker (and you know who you are!), you have certain likes and dislikes (or degrees thereof). Some like the Anheuser Busch family of beers (also now known as Belgium beer, not to be confused with Belgium-style ales) and some like Miller (now a South African company). Within those families you have the Bud and Bud Light fight (for my palette, Bud Light is the poorest excuse for beer known to man – the AB attorneys can contact my attorney – Sal Schmuck – if need be). Coors (now a Canadian company) used to be smuggled across the border in car trunks (what a special and exciting time that was for us). Others like their microbrews (my preference…and maybe the only real American beer). These loyalties are bonds that compete with allegiances to political parties, union affiliations, nationalities, regions, sports teams (Cubs vs. Cards, etc. – and by the way, the Cubs suck), chocolate preferences (white, milk, and dark – and even here, semi-sweet, bittersweet, and extra dark), and everything in between. So, we have our loyalties and at the end of the day, you are allowed to drink any damn thing you want to (until the government tells you otherwise…or taxes it until you can’t afford it). What you do with your money is your business.

Which brings me to my point…because I care about my readership (does anyone really read this column? I have no idea, but if you are out there, I have your back!) and want to help you save some money in this time of economic turmoil. You can’t be deprived of your beer, if nothing else. I want you to think about making the most of your money. Beer costs money. Water is free (unless you pay a buck a bottle for it…I have already randomly ranted about the evils of bottled water in previous columns, so I will not do it here…what you waste your money on is your business). For many years, we had nothing but regular beer and all of the variations. Near beer (non-alcoholic) has had various incarnations and reincarnations (even LA Beer, low alcohol beer) without much success. Light beer stormed on the scene with Miller Lite (Tastes Great! Less Filling! Maybe Both? Neither? Depends on your taste buds)…then speaking of buds, out came Bud Light (another Belgium beer, not to be confused with Belgium-style ale) and after spending a gamillion dollars on advertising has become the number one beer in America. I thought we had hit beer bottom (or is that beer belly?). But, NO!

The masterminds of Beer Universe met secretly in the bottom of a Free Mason Temple, did séances, and solicited advice from the Dark Side. They got approval from the John Birch Society and a final sign-off from the International Conspiracy Triumvirate and were allowed to pour water in leftover beer and market it as a healthy alternative to the existing beers on the market. As a result, we were exposed to Michelob Ultra and Bud Select. Less than 100 calories! Take half a beer, add water, and market it. Not to be outdone, Miller rolled out MGD64…64 calories…take half of a half beer, add a little more water, and market it. Again, not to be outdone, that Belgium company, Anheuser Busch took half of a half beer with water added and added a little more water and chiseled those calories down to 55 – the new BudSelect55. . Most amazing of all, is that people actually buy that stuff…and it is not cheap. Coming up next…beer flavored water with negative calories. You will loose weight when you drink it.

What exactly is my point (and do I really need to have one)? Tip of the day…if you like the “lighter beers” on the market, save yourself some serious money…buy what’s on sale and just add water. As for me, I am going to buy the good stuff and drink less of it. It is the least I can do for myself. You think about that…TL

THE GOOD OLE DAYS…OR NOT!

My guess is nobody noticed, but just in case you did, I wanted to let you know that I took the last two months off from writing. I was not experiencing writer’s block (known as Verbiage Expulsion Dysfunction in medical circles) but rather was battling a bad attitude. My mother used to say “if you can’t say something nice about somebody don’t say it” and frankly, I just could not think of one damn nice thing to say. I had been struggling with the national news getting me down and just when I thought I had a handle on my emotions Michael Jackson went off and passed on. I think we saw that one coming. Anyway, I was trying to get positive and just could not get out of my rut. So, I listened to dear ole mom and didn’t say anything. However, I felt compelled to write this month and thought I would just rattle off a few “random thoughts”. Here goes.

We struggle with the present…we look to the future with uncertainty…we look back at the past with a fuzzy perspective. What do you mean by fuzzy you say? We romance that which wasn’t so great. So I am driving down the street the other day and I see a bumper sticker for McCain / Palin and I says to myself, “myself, the election is over and those folks need to get over it.” A few miles down the road, I see a Kerry / Gore bumper sticker and it dawned on me that this a very common occurrence. And to be very honest with you, I don’t get it…they look like sore losers. If your team does not win, you need to move on. Work hard on the next election, campaign, game, whatever…but let the past go (writer’s note: I am preaching primarily to myself here). Move on…heal thyself…put your energy into something that will change the world – at the very least, take a kid fishing. Pay it forward.

On another topic, what is up with people talking at the movies…the movies are too darned expensive these days (even with my senior citizen discount) and they usually aren’t worth the shekels. But the least several times that I have gone and have had people around me talking to each other during the movie. They run the “friendly reminder” prior to the show and you think they would get it. Kids texting, adults talking, phones ringing and on and on. I start with the dirty look, graduate to loud sssshhhh’s and eventually change seats. None of it seems to work. Woe is me.

Next rant – Major League Baseball games…baseball used to be a quiet sport (now, I think fly fishing has the lock on this market) and we would go to games, keep score, converse, and enjoy a hot dog and a beer on a summer day. Now, we have big screens everywhere, images flashing, music blaring, stuff being shot into the stadium and more. I feel like I am watching the MTV version of baseball and the whole experience is on steroids (well now…maybe it really is on steroids!). I find myself going to less and less games. It is more about the money than good baseball fans. Most folks are not even watching the game. If you are watching on television, you have the guy behind home plate in the expensive seats talking on the cell phone and waving at the camera. Does he realize how stupid he looks? Apparently not.

And now, for my final rant…folks that make a conscious decision to run red lights…not only do they run the risk of getting a ticket, but they could kill somebody. In fact, they do kill people. It is absolutely nuts! I will just say this about that – if somebody runs a red light and hits me, they better kill me or die, because if I can crawl out of my car and make my way to them, I will finish the job if necessary. Okay…now I feel better that I vented.

Now for the good stuff – if you need some therapy (and I apparently do!), take yourself fishing. Better yet, take somebody you care about with you. Even better, take a young person. You think about that…TL

A BEAUTIFUL WINTER BASS

On Saturday, March 21st, 2009 I packed up some of my favorite microbrew beer (I happen to like Cutthroat Ale), a journeyman’s lunch, a few cigars, the obligatory single malt scotch in my flask, and my favorite bass fly box. I loaded the car with my gear and snuck off to my favorite super secret bass pond (might be a lake, might be a pond…not sure which, but I do know I had it all to myself). The significance of this day was the last day of winter. Sunday would officially ring in spring (which I was desperately longing for) and I was fishing on the final day of this winter season…and for largemouth bass no less. I was reaching the outer edge of my winter blahs and felt like if I didn’t get out, my chest might explode (or implode…not sure which). If one of those two things did not occur, I was fairly certain that my better half might find a way to dispose of me. The last thing I heard before the door hit me on the bumper was “out you go, old codger!” Let’s just say I wasn’t experiencing a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

The weather was crisp and cool and the morning brought a cloudy sky. On the way to the water, I saw lots of worm and bait fisherman out (getting their bass the easy way…I was going to earn mine!). As the day went on, cloudy gave way to a high and bright blue sky with a beautiful color that seemed to have no end. It was exactly what the doctor (and the Mrs.) ordered to bust up those “waiting for spring” blues. It was the fix I needed. I was bound and determined to catch something this day on a fly rod. I am sure the worms were drawing the demons up from the dark, but I was going to get mine the hard way…my favorite way…on the fly. I worked my butt off and had a number of different flies on but when it came to “nut cutting” time, it was my trusty ole Clouser Minnow that snookered the big mouth. I had the get the fly deep and “tease” the fish. They were a little lethargic, but I got some interest and capitalized on a weak moment. The water was crystal clear and as I was fighting the fish, an even larger fish was chasing it…almost had a twofer, but no such luck. When I finally had the fish in hand, I felt like a kid again. I suppose it was the time of year combined with my temperament, but at that moment it was the most beautiful fish in the world to me. Everything slowed down, I cracked a smile, and I am pretty darn sure that I was giggling. It was just what I needed. Everything came back into perspective…all was suddenly right in the world. I could return home to the wife unit, my soul replenished, content and ready to join civilization.

Now, time to change gears on you. Enough of that sappy crap…time to climb up on my soapbox and do a little ranting. My last few trips to the water have spotlighted how much trash there is lying around. I guess in the winter, you see more and it stands out like a sore thumb. Nonetheless, it is UGLY! Litter has always bugged me to the point of near insanity (some of my acquaintances would suggest that I am already there) and I recognize that some of it is accidental. However, much of it is created but ignorant, stupid, lazy, sub-human, moronic miscreants. If you want to know how I really feel about, I would be happy to share more with you. Anyway, I have two take homes for you – if you are one of those folks that litter, please stop. If I catch you doing it, out comes my can of Whoop Ass, and it will be game over. So…STOP littering…immediately! Secondly, if you are out in the woods, pick up all the litter you see and bring it out. Maybe even bring a small trash bag in your vest (or pocket) and make it a habit to pick up all you can carry on the way out. Leave it better than you found it. The Native Americans did…we should follow in their footsteps. It really is a small and random act of kindness that goes a long way. Not to mention, if you get rid of the litter, you won’t have to listen to me complain. There is even the possibility that I get to return to my “happy place”.

You think about that…TL

LEANING TO THE LEFTY (KREH, THAT IS…)

“Knowledge is to be shared, not displayed.” – Lefty Kreh

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet the Legend several times, but never the chance to hear him speak all day. I was anxiously awaiting his trip to the Ozark Fly Fishers all day meeting in February and when I heard that he could not make it, I was very disappointed (Ed Jaworowski came in his stead and he did a pretty fine job). I am not sure why Lefty could not make it, but I do think that anybody who has more than four score under their belt can do just about any dang thing they want. Maybe Lefty can make it next year. I certainly hope so. Lefty is the big jewel in the crown of fly fishing and there is only one of him. An Australian magazine referred to Lefty as "one of America's national treasures." He has been honored around the world and sought after for speaking engagements from the Far East to New York City. He is characterized by his unique fishing hat with ear flaps…I bought one like it and look like a fool when I wear it…Lefty slaps it on and he just looks cool in it.

You most likely know quite a bit about Lefty Kreh. He has been involved in much they innovation and evolution of fishing with the long rod. He has been an ambassador for fly fishing internationally and, at the end of the day; he is one of, if not THE, most entertaining characters among us. He is a special gift that we have enjoyed for decades. His spirit, his attitude, his ingenuity, and his “life well lived” is an inspiration to us all. Having said that, what I am about to share with you is some things you may not know about Lefty.

There aren’t many folks who get their own postage stamp…but then, there aren’t many Lefty Kreh’s. His Lefty's Deceiver fly was reproduced and named on a United States postage stamp. If that weren’t enough, Lefty has an anthrax strain named after him – BVK-1 (as in Bernard Victor Kreh – known to us as “Lefty”) – that he contracted at Fort Detrick. His two co-workers did not survive the incident. An accomplished outdoorsman and naturalist, while he was in his army training, he identified and spotted some Ivory Bill Woodpeckers near Camp Shelby. At the time, no-one believed him, but recent sightings have proved he was most likely right. He served in World War 2 during the height and heat of battle and escaped death many a time. The horrors he witnessed during the war and his battlefield bravery shaped much of his character. Lefty’s upbringing – the oldest of four children that lost their father to an accident during the height of the Depression – was the foundation of a gritty and determined soul. In essence, Lefty has been forged in the fire and is the poster boy for “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” I don’t know about you, but this guy is one of my heroes and I truly look up to him. On the lighter side, he got his nickname by pitching, hitting, and shooting with his left hand, but he dribbles, passes, and plays billiards right handed. He can cast a fly rod with either hand, and do it damn well, thank you very much. And, if that weren’t enough, Lefty can toss a metal washer up in the air and shoot a bullet through the hole. Really. No, really!

A Lefty Kreh along comes along once every so often. It is a monumental and time changing event. Enjoy it while you can. And if you run into Lefty, tell him you love him. Thanks for everything, Lefty. We appreciate it. You think about that…TL

KEEP YOUR STIMULUS…GIVE ME A STIMULATOR!

I have to beg the forgiveness of my readers as I begin my random thinking…I try to keep myself on the topic of the great outdoors, first and foremost fishing, and even more to the point, fly fishing. Every now and again (okay, maybe more often than that), I stray a bit and for that I apologize. Even worse, occasionally I dip into the well of politics and religion (which I really do try to avoid) and this winter I have had a difficult time containing myself. It has been, after all, an election season and we have a whole new team in Washington, D.C., and it has been the focus of attention for many. With every new election cycle, whether your team won or lost, there is a sense of anxiousness…perhaps hope, or uncertainty, or some other emotion that each of us goes through. This year in particular has churned things up a bit…we all lost money in our investment accounts…some have lost their jobs…many of us have lost our confidence in a number of things…scary times, these are. We also wonder what the implications for the conservation cause will be and we hope for the best and work hard for the worst. The times they are a changing…

Our new President, Barrack Obama said during his inauguration speech, “We have chosen hope over fear.” Within 2 weeks of taking office, he said, “A failure to act, and act now, will turn crisis into a catastrophe.” From hope to catastrophe in two weeks…are you kidding me? This is the candidate of change that Americans voted for. As his cabinet nominees have been exposed for income tax evasion, we “ordinary people” (his words, not mine) could never get away with that stuff. One of our past Presidents, Ronald Reagan said, "Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." I don’t know if you liked the “Gipper” or not, but I have never been a big fan of big government. When I was a young man (a long, long time ago) I read the book Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand (first published in 1957) and it really changed my thinking on personal responsibility, capitalism, the force of government, and what fly I should select when I am streamside (well…maybe not…not really). This book actually used to be required reading in the schools where I grew up. I know a number of people that name it as one of the most influential books in their life and I would encourage you to read it. In fact, I challenge you to read it and drop me a line on what you think about it. Warning…the book is over a thousand pages, but it is worth the read. I think most reasonable people can agree in a government that is responsible, accountable, and at the very least efficient.

So, the geniuses in Washington, D.C. (see my rant on throwing the bums out last fall) have all the answers to our problems…have no fear…the government is here. Drum roll please…gigantic, obese, government bailout (the so called “Stimulus” plan) So, I says to myself, “myself…what are these people thinking?” I was getting my car worked on at the shop the other day and had a conversation with the “ordinary people” in the waiting area…everyone thought this thing did not make a lot of sense. People are wondering if it will really do any good. As of this writing, the total is more than $800 Billion. Most Americans oppose it…the amount of “pork” spending in it is absurd…if you don’t believe me, look at this partial list:
•$850 million for Amtrak.
•$650 million for the digital television convertor box coupon program.
•$600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
•$500 million for repairing the National Institutes of Health facilities in Maryland.
•$246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers.
•$200 million for alternative energy vehicles for the military.
•$150 million for the Smithsonian museum.
•$150 million for livestock insurance.
•$110 million to the Farm Service Agency for computer systems.
•$88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker.
•$75 million for “smoking cessation activities”.
•$10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.

I could go on, but you get the point. These things may be reasonable on their own merit (although I really doubt it), but not in this bill. The most disturbing thing to me is the money that they doled out earlier, only to find it was not being used properly, and then watching our leaders express outrage after the fact. I think that tells you all you need to know. And now, they want more…and more…and more. This will help the economy as much as me sending a letter (instead of calling) to the fire department when my house caught on fire. Too little and too late.

Now ladies and gentlemen…here is Ty’s plan – I am calling my version of the bailout, the Local Economy Stimulator Plan. Each and every fly fishing person in our community needs to do the following; plan your next trip (and soon!) – even if it is only a day trip…go down to your local fly shop and gear up…purchase plenty of tippet and flies (in particular the Stimulator – I like mine in a sizes 12 and 14 in orange), and go fishing. Enjoy yourself, drink some scotch, smoke a cigar, laugh with a friend, and if you are so inclined, catch and release. Forget about all of this other nonsense for a little while and have some fun. It will still be there when you get back. You think about that…TL