Spring has arrived-at least in my backyard!

The signs of spring are sure looking good. As a matter of fact, I'm declaring spring has arrived at least in my neck of the woods.    Yesterday, as I was looking out into the backyard, I noticed two red winged black birds. Normally they make their presence known by their singing in the nearby swamp.
   But there they were, trying to get something from the bird feeders. One fed while the other watched, looking down from a nearby telephone line.
   Later the same day toward evening, a robin landed on the ground and began hopping around as if in search for a worm or some other meal.
   Yes, I know some robins winter over. But this past winter I haven't noticed any until now. When you add up the bird sitings along with the sunshine of a couple days ago and temperatures predicted to hit 60-degrees this week, it's fairly safe to say we've come out of the cold months.
   The late J.P. McCarthy used to decry all of the months with "r" in them. He preferred the others for the better weather. I'm beginning to see his point.
   By the weekend I expect to hear the sound of mowers being started for the first time, just to be sure they are running.
   Now to lose some ice so we can slide a kayak in for some early fishing!

Hitting the trail? Check out some new gear.

   Headed for a backpack trip soon? Better get your house in order before stepping on the trail. "House" in this case refers to the backpack you carry with everything you'll need while on the trail.
   High Peak Sierra Sport has a new pack, the Everest 65-10 that's self adjustable from small to extra large. An internal frame pack, carrying capacity is from 4-5,000 cubic inches.
   While packs may carry more, this is a good in between choice as it forces you to pack a little lighter than going with the idea of throwing all the extras in, just in case.
   Comfortable because you fit it to your body frame, the sternum strap and hip belt help distribute the load evenly making for a more comfortable walk. Visit http://www.highpeakusa.com/ for more details.
   One thing you must have on any trip is a sure way to start a fire for cooking, warmth or for signalling purposes.
  While matches and lighters may get wet or otherwise become unusable, the FireSteel 2.0 Scout from Light My Fire works in any condition.
   Weighing next to nothing, it's a must for outdoors pursuits of any kind. You can check it out at http://www.lightmyfire.com/.
   Read about these products in next Sunday's Oakland Press.

Spring can't come too soon

   Each year, spring seems to take its time getting here. We are in a hurry for it to arrive once and for all.
   That's understandable given the part of the country we live in. It's more understandable this year due to record snow levels, cold weather and plenty of those drab, dreary days.
   When you add to that the recent earthquake in Japan followed by the Tsunami that left people homeless- many still missing-high gas prices, and plenty of inter-national strife, a dose of warm, sunny weather may be just what the doctor ordered.
   A neighbor who is a talented gardener, has already begun planting flowers and some vegetables from seed. He'll gradually move those young plants to cold frames he has scattered on the warm side of his house.
   About the time I'm thinking of doing some garden clean up and tilling, he'll be planting some of those little shoots, covering them at night for protection against the frost.
   His biggest competition in gardening comes from all the deer and woodchucks in the area who know from past experience, that he sets a good table.
   The seed catalogues have begun to arrive right along with Bass Pro and Cabelas showing all that is new in the fishing, hiking, paddling world, and what we must have to enjoy our outdoor pursuits to the fullest.
   Bring on spring. Not only will it be a refreshing addition to our daily lives, hopefully with all of the activity warmer weather seems to generate, will help take our minds off all the negative news we seem to be hearing lately.

Summer travel? Depends on gas prices!

   Here we go again. It seems each spring the question of travelling north for outdoor recreation becomes a big "if" and depends on the cost of gasoline.
   Depending on who you listen to, prices could go as high as $4 a gallon while others seem to think the prices will spike soon-maybe they already have-then get back down to below $3 a gallon.
   If you think you're going to be spending the summer close to home there is plenty to do. Besides the many parks in the area, Oakland County is home to hundreds of inland lakes many of which have public access and launch sites.
   Right there you've saved several gallons of gas by staying close to home. Now for the boat. Instead of a large, gas-guzzling walleye or bass boat, what about a fishing kayak?
   They are relatively cheap when compared to other fishing boats, use muscle power to get around, and don't require a trailer to haul them.
   Easy to launch, you can be on the water and fishing in no time. In fact, you don't need to back down the ramp to get the thing in the water.
   Anyplace you can legally get on a lake will do. Just slide it in off the bank and you're set to go. Of course you won't be able to haul all of the gear you would in a larger boat, but that is part of the fun.
   Planning the trip and what to take. I still go through all of my tackle trying to make decisions as to what to bring. There is always some baits that look great which make me think maybe I should have those along too.
   If these warm months are going to find you staying close to home, think about down-sizing into something you can use on these smaller lakes.
   Don't write summer off yet!

Kayak Fishing-a hit at Quiet Water Symposium

   Despite all the snow that fell this past Saturday, attendance was good and interest was even better at our booth, Kayak Fish The Great Lakes on the campus of MSU, in conjunction with the Quiet Water Symposium.
   To clarify, we don't have anything to sell at these shows. Our booth is informational and hopefully educational. We're trying to promote the sport of kayak fishing here in Michigan.
   We're able to do this by bringing our own boats and personal equipment to shows, setting them up, then answering questions and explain the who, what and why of what we do.
   Some of the equipment we use is homemade. It's come about from tinkering in the garage, seeing what others have done on their yaks, and looking at web sites that promote the sport.
   That brings me to Kayak Fish The Great Lakes or http://www.kayakfishthegreatlakes.com/. A Michigan-based web site, it's full of good information as well as links to other related sites having to do with kayak fishing.
   Take a look at it. Like the show and our booth, there is no cost. If you see what you like, join up. Again there is no cost.
   However, if you want to fish in the second annual No-Mo fishing tournament, a benefit for Make-A-Wish, there is a cost for entry of $50 which includes support for Make-A-Wish, a goody bag, a chance to show your stuff, and support for a worthy cause. Details are on the website.
   A lot of interest had to do with a product called Stowmate, which are individual bags or compartments designed to be used on boats and kayaks.
   Attached by Velcro strips or specially desgined tracks, these "pockets" allow you to see what is in them, keep things secure and well-organized, and can withstand wind and water.
   To see the complete line of StowMate products visit http://www.stowmate.com/. 

Changing weather brings out the sap!

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.

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!