Huckleberry Country
When I saw the first crocus blossoms in front of my house this year, I almost cried tears of joy. This portent of spring is always a happy and welcomed sight. But this year, my first crocus sighting was especially rewarding.
The same day I saw my first crocus, my daughter looked at her phone and said, “Mom, it was two years ago today that we started online school from home because of COVID.”
The Washington Channeled Scablands, known as one of the 7 Wonders of Washington, covers the landscape from around Spokane west to the Columbia River near Vantage and then SW to the Snake River near Pasco, traveling more than 550 miles.
Autumn was in the air, early that fateful morning as the temperature was a cool 27°. Daylight started casting a golden glow across the valley revealing frost covered fauna in a field beyond the creek. I could see my breath as I started down the winding trail to answer the call of nature.
March arrived a bit sooner than some of us expected. Well, it is here and it is time to start getting your gear in order for the new season. Don’t delay maintenance until the last minute before your first trip to the water; you know there will be a disappointment in store as you try to get everything together at the last minute. Here are a few comments on various items to prepare yourself or take to your trusted expert to make sure your gear is ready.
l you a little story about a bear situation that was not only unusual, but had potentially devastating results. Fortunately, things turned out OK but it was serious enough to bring in the Wildlife people and a professional hunter.
Have you ever noticed that moment of bliss and calm as you’re driving from the nearest City back towards home? Those of us who are living in the smaller towns and communities in and around the Columbia Basin, can likely relate that there is a sweet moment when your shoulders drop and calm comes over you as you near home in your small town and little retreat in the world. This could be one of the reasons that more folks are moving out to rural areas with the hope of living more simply.
In Amy McGarry’s first book, I am Farang: Adventures of a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand, she recounts meeting her future husband, leaving questions unanswered about what happened after she and Mustapha went their separate ways. In her latest book, Culture Clash: My Marriage to a Moroccan Muslim, she details the four-year long-distance courtship that results in their marriage. She also candidly discloses the challenges of an intercultural marriage. The following is an excerpt from Culture Clash.
The majority of people who fish use factory made fishing rods and have very successful outings with friends and family. Production rods are typically designed and made for the average person with average skills using quality components and provide reasonable performance for most of us. Those who want a little more from their fishing rods turn to custom rod builders to acquire the tool they require for the style of fishing they prefer.
2020 was to be a year of celebration for the West Kootenay Camera Club. It was their thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the WKCC.
It’s early February, the power is out and it’s cold outside, but as I sit next to the warm fire with my coffee, I cannot help to think about the beautiful season that will be upon us within a couple months.
