It's the stuff we like to pour over hot pancakes or waffles usually at the morning's breakfast. Maple syrup, or the main ingredient it's made from, begins flowing this time of the year.
All around Michigan, maple trees are being tapped to capture that delicious, sweet sap that's boiled down to make syrup.
It's a practice that has been going on for years and hasn't changed too much. Other than large, commercial syrup manufactures utilizing plastic pipe in an intricate system reminiscent of an irrigation system to collect sap from lots of trees, it still comes down to tapping at the correct time.
Here in southeast Michigan, Huron-Clinton Metroparks offers programs on sap collection and demonstrations on how sap is converted into syrup. Throughout Michigan, farms and other sap-producing facilities have similar programs.
Now, plan your outing to see maple syrup production, take the family and bring your camera. All you need is a destination. For information on the Metroparks, visit http://www.metroparks.com/.
Watch for my story about maple syrup in this Sunday's Oakland Press.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Quiet Water Symposium headed for MSU
If you are considering a summer spent paddling either in a canoe or kayak you may want to attend the Quiet Water Symposium at Michigan State University this Saturday, 9a.m.-5p.m. It's located in one of the agriculture buildings on campus on Farm Lane. Great directions and other information may be found at http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/.
Besides paddle sports there may be information on hiking, biking or other non-motorized activities. You'll see first-hand perfectly crafted canoes and paddles all built by hand.
Riverside Kayak Connection will have booth space devoted to touring and fishing kayaks along with related equipment.
Chris LeMessurier and I will be near RKC in our own area representing Kayak Fish the Great Lakes. That's a web site for those interested in fishing from a kayak. Visit http://www.kayakfishthegreatlakes.com/ for a look.
We'll have several kayaks on display rigged for fishing and available to discuss fishing from kayaks, answer questions about equipment, and provide any assistance or advice to anyone interested in learning more about this growing sport.
Last year we had a great response. Our booth was packed at times with potential kayak anglers, but most of the day found a steady stream of foot traffic in to see what was up with these boats sitting on racks, adorned with fishing rods and other related equipment.
See you in Lansing!
Besides paddle sports there may be information on hiking, biking or other non-motorized activities. You'll see first-hand perfectly crafted canoes and paddles all built by hand.
Riverside Kayak Connection will have booth space devoted to touring and fishing kayaks along with related equipment.
Chris LeMessurier and I will be near RKC in our own area representing Kayak Fish the Great Lakes. That's a web site for those interested in fishing from a kayak. Visit http://www.kayakfishthegreatlakes.com/ for a look.
We'll have several kayaks on display rigged for fishing and available to discuss fishing from kayaks, answer questions about equipment, and provide any assistance or advice to anyone interested in learning more about this growing sport.
Last year we had a great response. Our booth was packed at times with potential kayak anglers, but most of the day found a steady stream of foot traffic in to see what was up with these boats sitting on racks, adorned with fishing rods and other related equipment.
See you in Lansing!
Monday, February 28, 2011
VanDam wins fourth Classic-Breaks $5 million in total earnings
Call him the Kalamazoo Kid, KVD, world class fisherman, or anything else you choose. Just remember that Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Michigan's own, is the best fisherman we'll probably ever see in a long time.
Last weekend, VanDam nailed his 3rd Angler of the Year in a row and sixth total, along with back to back Classic and AOY wins. He has a total of four Classic wins.
He owns or is a part of nearly every bass fishing record including most top 10 finishes, smallest winning catch, most Classic appearances, and cumulative weight for a Classic career.
From here on, VanDam writes the record books. People wonder if he's done fishing competitively. Not by a long shot. As long as there are bass tournaments, Kevin VanDam will be a part of them, competing as only he knows how. All out to win.
Like a champion in other sports, VanDam is gifted. But he works hard at fishing constantly trying new things, tweaking here, adjusting there in an all out effort to take out any possible chance of error by controlling what he has the power to control.
And in the end, it boils down to experience, equipment, and what he has going between his ears that makes him a winner.
Get a copy of his newest book, "Kevin VanDam's Bass Strategies-Revised Edition, Hot new Tips," and read it. Really read it. If you do, you'll learn more about what he ties on when it's windy.
You'll begin to get the insight as to what a champion is and how he thinks. Congratulations Kevin, and happy reading to all of you.
Last weekend, VanDam nailed his 3rd Angler of the Year in a row and sixth total, along with back to back Classic and AOY wins. He has a total of four Classic wins.
He owns or is a part of nearly every bass fishing record including most top 10 finishes, smallest winning catch, most Classic appearances, and cumulative weight for a Classic career.
From here on, VanDam writes the record books. People wonder if he's done fishing competitively. Not by a long shot. As long as there are bass tournaments, Kevin VanDam will be a part of them, competing as only he knows how. All out to win.
Like a champion in other sports, VanDam is gifted. But he works hard at fishing constantly trying new things, tweaking here, adjusting there in an all out effort to take out any possible chance of error by controlling what he has the power to control.
And in the end, it boils down to experience, equipment, and what he has going between his ears that makes him a winner.
Get a copy of his newest book, "Kevin VanDam's Bass Strategies-Revised Edition, Hot new Tips," and read it. Really read it. If you do, you'll learn more about what he ties on when it's windy.
You'll begin to get the insight as to what a champion is and how he thinks. Congratulations Kevin, and happy reading to all of you.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Snow got you down? Head for Outdoorama and take the chill off!
It's sure to be warmer at Outdoorama this weekend. That's because of all the people who attend will be generating good old body heat.
As I've written before in this space, there is plenty for the entire family to enjoy. And once you tire of walking through all of the displays, take a seat. There is plenty of seating adjacent to refreshment stands.
But it's the show that you have no doubt come to take in. With small children, be sure and get them around to see things that would be of interest to them.
Many of the wildlife exhibits do just that. The older generation gets a kick out of seeing these animals and learning about them too.
Spread your time out with visits to outfitters and equipment retailers. Nothing lights up the eyes of a youngster when he or she is involved with the purchase of a rod and reel combo or sees pictures of the trip you are planning for warmer months.
And don't forget to take a breather and learn something at one of the many seminars offered with your admission.
If I were you, I would take a small shoulder bag or pack to put all the promotional material in you are going to receive.
If nothing else, it makes for good reading and lets the imagination run wild with those trips we often dream about.
Enjoy the show!
As I've written before in this space, there is plenty for the entire family to enjoy. And once you tire of walking through all of the displays, take a seat. There is plenty of seating adjacent to refreshment stands.
But it's the show that you have no doubt come to take in. With small children, be sure and get them around to see things that would be of interest to them.
Many of the wildlife exhibits do just that. The older generation gets a kick out of seeing these animals and learning about them too.
Spread your time out with visits to outfitters and equipment retailers. Nothing lights up the eyes of a youngster when he or she is involved with the purchase of a rod and reel combo or sees pictures of the trip you are planning for warmer months.
And don't forget to take a breather and learn something at one of the many seminars offered with your admission.
If I were you, I would take a small shoulder bag or pack to put all the promotional material in you are going to receive.
If nothing else, it makes for good reading and lets the imagination run wild with those trips we often dream about.
Enjoy the show!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Something for all ages at Outdoorama
Outdoorama has come a long way since it's beginnings at the State Fair Grounds. I used to attend with the late Bill Baker. We booked out first (and only) week-long Canadian fishing trip one year. In those days, outfitters were in the main part of the building. Equipment booths were located in the rear, making it a large show.
Today's version is also quite large complete with outfitters not only from Canada, but places out west and right here in Michigan.
The differences in the two time periods probably has more to do with the environment message and things for children to do.
One year, a company was promoting how to properly recycle any battery. The interesting parts were what a battery does to environment; none of which is exactly complimentary, and how much of a battery can be re-used. The answer is just about all of it. Since then, I go to great pains to find sources I can properly dispose of all those triple and double A's along with the rest of them.
Children will love the animal exhibits as well as hearing experts talk about the various species they have brought to the show.
Yes, those outfitters and the booths with new equipment will be there. And so will on air personalities Jenny Olsen and Jimmy Gretzinger.
But if you bring children, be sure and show them the exhibits they will mostly appreciate. There is even some fly tying for kids and a pellet range allowing them to shoot safely. Happy show-going.
Outdoorama runs this Thursday-Sunday at Novi's Suburban Collection Showplace. For more information visit http://www.outdoorama.com/.
Today's version is also quite large complete with outfitters not only from Canada, but places out west and right here in Michigan.
The differences in the two time periods probably has more to do with the environment message and things for children to do.
One year, a company was promoting how to properly recycle any battery. The interesting parts were what a battery does to environment; none of which is exactly complimentary, and how much of a battery can be re-used. The answer is just about all of it. Since then, I go to great pains to find sources I can properly dispose of all those triple and double A's along with the rest of them.
Children will love the animal exhibits as well as hearing experts talk about the various species they have brought to the show.
Yes, those outfitters and the booths with new equipment will be there. And so will on air personalities Jenny Olsen and Jimmy Gretzinger.
But if you bring children, be sure and show them the exhibits they will mostly appreciate. There is even some fly tying for kids and a pellet range allowing them to shoot safely. Happy show-going.
Outdoorama runs this Thursday-Sunday at Novi's Suburban Collection Showplace. For more information visit http://www.outdoorama.com/.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Back to back Bassmaster Classic wins; another first for Kalamzazoo's Kevin VanDam
Bookies will tell you that there is nothing such as a sure thing other than trotting out the time worn adage of death and taxes
That is until Kalamazoo, Michigan native and resident Kevin VanDam came on the bass fishing scene. A northerner, the odds have been stacked against VanDam in a sport where the good old southern boys always seemed to have a lock on fishing.
That's probably due to a longer season, warmer weather that allows fish to grow larger, and that many tournament anglers hail from the south.
VanDam doesn't seem to have let any of that affect his performance from the first time he stepped into a bass boat competitively right up to Sunday's win the the Bassmaster Classic held on the Louisana Delta.
The world's best fisherman not only added back to back Classic wins-accomplished only once before by Rick Clunn-VanDam's Classic winnings of $500,000 put him over the $5 million mark in earnings, not to mention holding Angler of the Year the same year he won the Classic.
What's left for VanDam to accomplish? School is still out on that question.
That is until Kalamazoo, Michigan native and resident Kevin VanDam came on the bass fishing scene. A northerner, the odds have been stacked against VanDam in a sport where the good old southern boys always seemed to have a lock on fishing.
That's probably due to a longer season, warmer weather that allows fish to grow larger, and that many tournament anglers hail from the south.
VanDam doesn't seem to have let any of that affect his performance from the first time he stepped into a bass boat competitively right up to Sunday's win the the Bassmaster Classic held on the Louisana Delta.
The world's best fisherman not only added back to back Classic wins-accomplished only once before by Rick Clunn-VanDam's Classic winnings of $500,000 put him over the $5 million mark in earnings, not to mention holding Angler of the Year the same year he won the Classic.
What's left for VanDam to accomplish? School is still out on that question.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Todays -Campers; all the comforts of home and then some
The current RV and Camper show in Novi's Suburban Collection Showplace (Formerly Rock Financial Showplace) is all about big. Make that huge.
Motorhomes and fifth wheel trailers seem to have taken center stage. While there are travel trailers, and a few pop-ups, along with some customized vans, everything seems to be made for all the comforts and at hefty pricing.
There are some nice deals on small, introductory pop-ups and a couple of smaller travel trailers. While motorhomes are offered at special pricing, $400,000 is still a lot.
We looked at coaches with solid wood interiors. Trim was all wood, cabinets and drawers were cherry covered.
Bathrooms; large enough to stand in the showers, seemed to be the trend. A couple had electric fireplaces good enough to heat part of the unit.
One sported a plasma TV. At the push of a button, it lowered into a cabinet allowing a clear view through the large window behind it, in the event you park in a scenic area.
Microwaves are as common as are queen-sized beds, allowing access on either side rather than being shoved up against a wall.
Some closets are cedar and walk-in and may have a chair or stool inside for one to sit on while putting footwear on.
Slideouts are as common as the mosquitoes you won't have to contend with as you sit at your dining table for dinner.
All you need is the money and a few personal items to set you up. In no time at all, you too can be off and down the road driving your home on wheels.
Motorhomes and fifth wheel trailers seem to have taken center stage. While there are travel trailers, and a few pop-ups, along with some customized vans, everything seems to be made for all the comforts and at hefty pricing.
There are some nice deals on small, introductory pop-ups and a couple of smaller travel trailers. While motorhomes are offered at special pricing, $400,000 is still a lot.
We looked at coaches with solid wood interiors. Trim was all wood, cabinets and drawers were cherry covered.
Bathrooms; large enough to stand in the showers, seemed to be the trend. A couple had electric fireplaces good enough to heat part of the unit.
One sported a plasma TV. At the push of a button, it lowered into a cabinet allowing a clear view through the large window behind it, in the event you park in a scenic area.
Microwaves are as common as are queen-sized beds, allowing access on either side rather than being shoved up against a wall.
Some closets are cedar and walk-in and may have a chair or stool inside for one to sit on while putting footwear on.
Slideouts are as common as the mosquitoes you won't have to contend with as you sit at your dining table for dinner.
All you need is the money and a few personal items to set you up. In no time at all, you too can be off and down the road driving your home on wheels.
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