Holiday Challenge

My love of the outdoors, hunting and fishing, is born out of a need for a stable existence. Nature has always followed her own rules. Man can lumber, mine, and build many things but nature will always return to a wilderness driven by natural law given time. That fact draws me to nature as the ultimate escape from the pressures civilization can bestow upon us. Trout don't celebrate the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. I can say with certainty that they don't even know what a holiday is. So if the wrong Christmas tree, poorly strung Christmas lights, or just forgetting to pick up whip cream & eggnog gets you in trouble, head for the river. Peace on earth, good will towards man is supposed to be the theme. I try to keep that philosophy on page one of my "Holiday Survival Kit".
Many years have passed since those early years after World War II when my mother baked cookies for the holidays. I sat at the kitchen service table that had a quasi mother of pearl top and chrome tubular legs putting green & red sugar crystals on Santa Claus and Christmas Tree shaped cookies. The anticipation as she slid the cookie sheets into the oven was paramount. We always say, "Those Were Simple Times", but not so. I only remember the good from those days. My mother, who was Thanksgiving and Christmas, would struggle with my father to get a family Christmas Tree. You see some things never change.
What has changed is our appreciation of all that is natural. Here in Northern Michigan we have taken huge steps to preserve land, nurture the fish and game, so all can enjoy. Non-profit foundations like The Little Traverse Conservancy and many fortunate but generous people have made this area a beautiful place? It is the time of year we evaluate our bounty and good will to each other. Northern Michigan is a leader in natural beauty and land management that sets the bar for a healthy environment.
Learn to use our natural resources. Much of today's technology has brought us high tech snow shoes, cross country skis, back packs, and very functional winter gear. Even four wheel drive cars were non-existent in the 1950's. Your only option to travel the snow bound back trails was in a World War II army surplus Willys Jeep. In this modern time, I have traveled to the river during this time of year in a 4X4 Ford Explorer, with winter fishing gear, and caught trout on a Hairs Ear nymph...on New Years Eve! Unheard of 50 years ago. When winter closes in on us fly fishing enthusiasts, we still can follow our desires. So this Holiday Season when the boss of the house tells you..."If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen"...get into a river. 
Keep the peace on earth and enjoy your Holiday Season.

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