A pink fishing rod?  There couldn’t really be a market for it, could there?

Well, since my first vision in 2003 of having a pink rod actually became a reality in 2005, I was questioned many times as to what was I thinking?  It wasn’t very long before the company became recognized as being the leader in the fishing world.  Quickly the industry and its professionals headed to their board rooms to re-think their market and what they might actually be missing.  Even though I had spoken with major manufacturers they said that they believed there was no need to make girls fishing rods.  I couldn’t help but completely disagreed.  We needed to reach a market that did exist but only settled for what was put in their hands. However, the manufacturers quickly re-assessed their market share margins and each one began dedicating new product lines that were female friendly.

As the founder of the girls’ first fishing rod company, I found it very interesting recently to see what has transpired in what was once considered a male dominated industry. 

 We all knew that it would not be long before the idea caught on with the big box manufacturers but was even more amazing were the female owned company’s that began to appear.  Women were now making products for women in the outdoors industry. Acknowledging that women may have special requirements and they can still look like girls combining both needs.  Hunting and fishing would never be the same.

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In 2003 my vision of having pink fishing rod raising funds for Breast Cancer was a platform to make people aware that women can use fishing as a benefit to better health while we also contributed as a corporation to help make a difference.  Today it’s even more amazing to see how many companies now offer ‘cause’ related products within their organizations.

When our Pink fishing rod won its first award at Icast in July 2005 there was no competition.  One year later the tides had already changed with the introduction of company’s geared to women and children and they were now evident at the show.  Company’s like Fishher www.fishher.com introduced their new passion purple rods to get women to recognize that they could also enjoy what was typically stereo typed a male sport.  Outdoor Adventure Kids won an award for best kids tackle (also a female owned company) and went on to win two consecutive years for 2006 and 2007. www.outdooradventurekids.com

Another pink rod popped up in the show with a company called OceanGirl Fishing.  The company was formed to provide high end rods to the more seasoned angler.  www.oceangirlfishing.com.  We also noticed the older manufacturers that believed 3 years before that there was NOT a market for women quickly change their strategies to now bring product more female friendly to the industry. 

One of the major players in fishing rods Shakespeare also jumped on the band wagon and created the LadyFish Rod a remake of the ugly stick but made for women with black and pink wraps.  Light tackle action and works like a charm.

‘The graphite reels comes pre-spooled. Two Roddy-lites are mounted on each side of the reel producing an eye-catching circular display as the reel handle is turned.’  Now how couldn’t that catch any girl’s eyes!

Recently I saw this new fishing rod that was manufactured by Master Tackle and they had produced the Roddy Hunter combo for women.  Although the rod was in the fishing industry I had not found it anywhere until I noticed it down the aisles of  K-Mart.  It definitely offered great value and I decided I couldn’t just purchase one so I bought a couple.   

The rod is called The Pink Lady.  I Love it!  I actually bought my future sister-in-law one also… and she loved it too!

It comes in four different sizes 5’6”, 6’6”, 7 ft and 8 ft models.  The rods can be used for all or your fresh or light salt water environments.  It has a capability of handling lures from 1/8-3/8 on the light side to the heavy weights at 3oz lures.  Just because it’s pink don’t think it can’t hold its own.  It has the backbone to land the big one.  The reel is made of graphite and holds from175 yards of 10lb test to 220 yards on the larger combo’s.

The graphite reels all come pre-spooled with monofilament.  There are 2 roddy lights mounted on each side of the reel that produce an eye-catching circular display of lights as the reel handle is turned.  It definitely makes for an interesting sparkle and conversation with my other fellow anglers and at nighttime it offers quite the show.   Really, what girl doesn’t love Bling?

This is definitely the Ultimate Girls Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. Put this rod up against any rod and you will see it has what it takes to land the lunker on fresh or salt water.   The Pink Lady features a hot pink rod and has a matching pre-spooled graphite reel which can hold up to 175 yards of 10-lb. test line. From the boat, shore or dock, show the guys fishing isn’t just a man’s game!

Here is some of the details about the Rod/Reels

Reel:

• 3 ball bearing changeable handle
• 5.1:1 gear ratio
• Front drag

Reel:

• EVA foam handles
• Graphite reel seat
• 2-Pc. graphite construction
• Diamond wrap.

5 ¹/2‘ model:

• Line capacity: 6 lbs. / 110 yards
• Lure weight: ¹/8-³/8 ozs.
• Light action
• Great for panfish, trout

6 ¹/2‘ model:

• Line capacity: 6 lbs. / 225 yards
• Lure weight: ¹/8-³/8 ozs.
• Medium-light action
• Great for walleye, bass.

7′ model:  Perfect for the lake, pond, pier or boat

• Line capacity: 10-20lb. / 200 yards
• Lure weight: .5 to 2oz 
• Med/Heavy action
• Great for walleye,pike,bass

8′ model:  Perfect for the pier and jettys, also a great surf rod combo

• Line capacity: 12 -20lb / 220 yd 
• Lure weight: ^.    .75 -3oz
• Med/Heavy action
• Great for walleye, bass,pike

The girls go fishing

I would have never considered writing an article about fishing ten years ago, let alone speak about any benefits that it might possess. I really had no use for the “Great Outdoors”.  Continually I found myself challenged as to finding the real use for the outdoors outside of getting from one place to the next by car.

Warmer days allowed us to go back outside and barbeque again.  It was also good to be able to put away the heavy clothing, but short lived before the air conditioners were put on high and we had to go back to warmer clothes now for indoors. 

Since that time I have found out that the “Great Outdoors” is actually just that.  It holds “Great” beauty, abundance and remarkable offerings and who knew but it was just outside of my homes closed doors and windows.

Taking the plunge and heading out my back door I was able to also discover that having four seasons meant four different opportunities to explore and enjoy.  I was surprised to find that there was also a small group of people who were also taking advantage of the discovery and more surprising each one seemed to be totally content in their lives.  Stress seemed to be far more in control in their lives then it was in mine and I was seeking anything I could find to help.

Getting out doors was my first step to discovering what actually existed.  I was introduced to fishing and realized that it also offered many benefits that I was totally unaware of. 

Fishing and the outdoors offer several different advantages to individuals.  Relaxation along with socialization and mental stimulation are provided to those that venture into the outdoors with a fishing rod in hand.  Fishing also offers some of the most exciting moments you will ever have in your life.

Fishing doesn’t have to be a one man sport, it offers the opportunity for solace if you wanted it but it’s just as enjoyable bringing your buddies with you.  Fishing also offers great opportunities to learn and explore from others while sharing stories and secrets of great success. 

Families and friends are given an opportunity to talk together, share and reminisce, to actually learn from each other while sitting on a shoreline or in a boat.   Children and adults are given the opportunity to create memories that they will never forget and speak of for many years.  Experiencing from their very first fish they catch and to each one after they will now have a story to brag to friends and family. Fishing ranks as high up on the memories chart as getting married and having children in your life (ask anyone that has experienced fishing and they will be more then willing to share the story of their biggest catch and the even bigger fish that got away.)

Making cherished memories that was once seen as the backbone of families has now started to be forgotten.  Our grandparents shared their knowledge, our parents sometimes passed it on and yet we have not taken the time out of our busy lives to share it with the next generation.

Fishing has been utilized since the beginning of mankind it provided food and nutrition, and thus was essential for survival.  It also bound a village together as they shared not only the experience but the meal together.  In the same way that spear fishing has evolved into such technological advances as motorized reels, the purpose of fishing has also changed. 

Although there are many people that make their living off of fishing, the majority of the people who fish do so for the sheer sport enjoyment of the experience.  Social fishing is generally not used for food and it has become a topic of ethical concern and controversy.  Catch and release programs are helping to restock and maintain the fisheries.  Education is now high on the ranks of those in the Ministries as they also balance off the need for the industry’s survival.

There are standards of conduct that fishermen are required to follow.  Each state or province dictates the rules that govern their waterways.  It is imperative that you check the rules before you venture out with the family. 

To quickly find out what the rules are in your area, visit the local tackle shops close to the lake or stream you plan on fishing.  Tackle stores are almost always willing to share what restrictions exists and also help to explain what baits are working best on the surrounding lakes.  If you are going to enjoy the day on the water then why not be armed with some baits that will catch some fish and make great memories.  Knowing and understanding what types of fish actually are found in the waterways is essential for using the correct baits.

Take in and breathe deep, enjoy the environment around you.  Allow the outdoors to provide to all of your senses.  Don’t miss the opportunity and memories that are just outside of your home.  Get outdoors and see what you can discover.

What is a GPS

 For those that do not know what GPS actually is… in a nut shell… a tracking system created by the U.S government for spying (as mentioned below - they are designed to detect thermal nuclear explosions on the ground.) and finally in the 80s the information was opened up to the public to use.   It consists of three parts, satellites that orbit the Earth, Monitoring stations and the actual GPS unit.

There are many providers for GPS units and two of the most recognized would be

Garmin  and Magellan  

OK now here is what I really think about them

Every time I go out of my driveway with my GPS I know that it is ready and willing to take me to my final destination, eventually.  But, also at this time I start to feel the added anxiety that the GPS has created in my life.  Not only do I have the daily stresses of live, I now have the GPS to add even more to it. I shutter to think how smart these GPS really are and how much they are beginning to take over many peoples lives.

Having the opportunity to almost feel like you have been given your own crystal ball and you can see into the distance.  Knowing what streets are coming up gives you some kind of superpower.  It makes me wonder what our forever getting lost parents were actually missing.  Although some seniors do have GPS (most were given by there tech driven kids) most seniors still believe that they ‘got by before and sure don’t need any direction gizmo now’ or ‘I’m getting too old to have to learn something new’ either way both may be correct.

 Can you imagine if our parents would have had GPS when we were growing up? “Pull over and ask someone” my mom would say or “look there’s a gas station! Stop!” or even better “we could have been there if you would have only stopped a half hour ago to ask someone”, all of us kids always fully agreed with mom.  It might be the actual reason we would start out at the house and ask “are we there yet?” had we had GPS we could know that Dad was not just getting us lost… again.

I remember a time when my parents had purchased a new cottage about an hour and half from our home and invited all of us up there to see their new place and have Thanksgiving dinner.  We headed out with the instructions given by my parents.  Somehow we got lost and my now ex husband insisted that he would find the way there, even though he had never been in that area but his psychic ability would lead the way.

It unfortunately was long before GPS and cell phones existed. It took almost 8 hours and past dinner time before he would finally give in and get proper directions, ok yes I am still a little bitter about that one.  More for the fact the kids in the back kept saying “are we almost there”, and he would answer ….Soon!

The best part of having a GPS is you don’t feel like you are driving alone.  You actually get verbal instruction as to how to get to your destination either ‘in the shortest time, shortest distance’ or probably the most used  best one most use of highways’, which one should Not consider necessarily the quickest route.  If you go online you now also have new saying that can now be downloaded to your system. This could offer many interesting instructions to make your drive even better at least to humor yourself.

Putting a GPS in your car is also like having a backseat driver without the aggravation of them yelling ‘where are you going’, ‘pull over and ask how to get there’ or ‘watch for that car’… yadda, yadda.  Many times I find myself yelling at the GPS, but I can actually do that knowing that I don’t have to worry about hurting its feelings.

GPS has changed my life and not necessarily for the best.  The anxiety that comes from knowing that at some point in my day I am going to be faced with the impeccable, “Recalculating route!  Or “When possible make a legal U Turn”.  All I can say is “Not again!  I was sure I turned at the right road” …but yes each and every time I venture out I know that it’s going to find out that I am semi-lost again.

Sometimes it’s not always my fault.  How many times I have turned at a street before or even worse right after.  The ding, ding, ding of the GPS meaning here’s your street NOW, NOW turn quick, sometimes doesn’t happen until you get right into the middle of that intersection.  I have also heard it tell me to also turn before I should have.  There are also many times that I am actually smarter then my GPS and know a route that it just doesn’t want to acknowledge.

It’s always good to know that your system will start talking to you when you have three miles until your turn, but that just means for the next three miles I am going to be stressed knowing that I am going to have to make a turn and possibly get lost again.

Recently we traveled to Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, I am not sure how we managed it but it was almost like our GPS was on holidays.  Over and over we missed streets, went in the wrong direction and wanted to throw the unit in the Bay.  I have never heard so many swear words at a piece of technology that we all still believe we now need. Somehow we even managed to get to Baltimore as I said I think the GPS was sightseeing.

Remembering the rule of quickest time, most use of freeways, shortest distance according to how birds fly are not always easy to decide which one to take. What I really wish my GPS would be able to do is read my mind, to somehow know and warn me that the directions that I put into my system were actually wrong before I headed out late the next morning. 

I also wish that it would pretend that I made the right travel decision for a change when the family is in the car and not let them know that I am a GPS idiot and lost again, or if I am going to get lost I would hope that it would take me to somewhere interesting… wait that did happen, we did get to visit Baltimore.

I love when you finally reach your destination and it tells you “You have arrived!” it’s like a huge weight is finally lifted from my head, but them I realize there is still the return trip and What is going to be the shortest time now?

Yesterday I was sitting in the living room and programming the GPS trying to figure out which way I was going to go to get me to my appointment the next day.  Everything was quiet and I was not moving at all when all of a sudden the GPS says out loud “Keep to the Left!”  I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically with my husband as we both looked at the unit and shook our heads…   I said “Now do you see the problem”.  It really is not my fault the GPS has its own agenda.  I then realized my GPS stood for (Getting People Somewhere!) … now where that’s another story. 

Morning Blastoff

One of the first things that caught my eye was the wheelchair sitting on the dock while the boats were getting ready for blastoff.  I couldn’t help but feel it must be like freedom to escape and leave behind a piece of him that he didn’t need for the next eight hours.

Coming back to shore must have felt like he had been given a small freedom that most of us could not even imagine.  The freedom to be, to do and to conquer.         

Although my first wish would be that no one would ever be faced with a disability, I do know personally how the struggle to be strong and get back to your life can be. Fifteen years ago I was hit by a drunk driver and unable to walk without the use of crutches and canes.  The pain medication was playing a big factor in my life. The severe depression that stems from your life being changed at the drop of a hat was the biggest challenge of it all. I was in pain and suffering physically and emotionally and had no control of how and why it took place. Fishing changed my life. It allowed me to regroup my thoughts and inspirations and rerouted the big plan… or did it?  Maybe it was just the path my life was to follow.

I have been so very fortunate in my life to have met three outstanding men each with incredible inspiring stories of what fishing has meant to their lives and how it influences it daily.

Since they are all great men I shall also go in the order that they came into my life.

Fishing from the shoreline

Across the pond in

England lives my friend Nick Rowe from Reels on Wheels an avid fisherman that was stuck down by a debilitating form of arthritis.  Here is some of Nick’s Story from his own word” 

“I’ve been passionate about angling since I was 5 years old and that’s over 50 years now! I became a wheelchair user about 6 years ago and suffered from bouts of depression because I thought my whole life was over… not uncommon, believe me. I wasn’t allowed to stay like that though (my wife Rosie saw to that!) and I started doing all the things I’d always done, just from a different perspective. I got seriously pissed off hearing people tell me that I couldn’t do things I wanted to do just because I’m in a wheelchair – so I do them anyway, if I can! I’m a man on a mission….” And that he is.    Nick is an inspiration to many able bodied people and also those that have also suffered.  He is unlimitless to push himself past the boundaries that most of us could not even imagine.  “I’m planning to visit every county in England to fish a venue in each county to see where I can fish and what the fishing’s like; I’m going to do a write-up of every water I fish and blog about my trip; and I’m also going to fish the Marlin World Cup next year in Mauritius.” 

I am so proud of his accomplishments and look forward to also being his cheerleader from afar.  You can read more about Nick on his blog http://disabledangler.wordpress.com

Founder of Naked Bait Co

“In the fall of 2002 Blake was severely injured in an industrial accident that left him unable to care for himself.  His wife Dawn and three daughters supported him through his 4 year battle with rehabilitation and prescription drug withdrawals that nearly killed him.  Left now to take care of the family, Dawn encouraged Blake and his buddies to spend as much time as they could outdoors so he could find himself and regain his independence.”    Blake decided that Dawn was right.  The addiction to pain medication had taken a toll on not only his health but his life and his family’s life.  He needed to refocus his goals, his limitations and get back to refocus his life.  In his garage he started his now successful company ‘Naked Bait Co.’.  Blake felt the reason ‘naked’ seemed fitting was due to Blake’s injury.  During those four years, between doctor visits, prescription drugs, therapy and his own mental state, he began to feel as if he had been stripped down.  He felt “naked”.  Blake began to use fishing as his rehabilitation.  With the knowledge he gained during this period he was able to start living the Naked Bait Co. dream. His company can be found at www.nakedbaitco.com.

Because of Blake I was also very fortunate to meet a truly inspiring young man.  His name is Jonathan Stanco from Plainville, CT.   Jonathon is a twenty-one year old professional co-angler on the FLW Series fishing and his disability does not keep him on shore. Jonathon has adapted around the circumstances of professional angling and will lead others to also be able to follow their dreams on the tournament circuit. 

“I started fishing when I was a young boy and have been hooked ever since. In my late childhood I was involved with snowboarding and freestyle BMX. In February of 2004 I was involved in a bad snowboarding accident that left me a paraplegic. After a long road of recovery, I went back to fishing more than ever.” He thanks Jamie Worth for being his inspiration, “After our meeting I became strong enough to drive up to New Hampshire and go on a bass fishing outing for a day. I learned a great deal and he really was responsible for me now getting into tournament bass fishing.”

Jonathan went on to start fishing tournaments that were geared to disabled veterans and anglers, but what about the big ones?  Jon does not give up that easily and his inspiration is easily seen.  He bought himself a small boat and taught himself to learn how to fish independently from the boat.  He then joined the Wallingford Bassmasters and the Forest City Bass Casters and looked to fish larger more competitive tournaments.   Not surprising since once you meet Jon you know nothing holds him back.

I met Jon at Lake Champlain this September 2008 a lake that he had fond memories of including cashing a check for his incredible 12th place finish out of 102 anglers at the 2007 event. 

Jon is the face that we should look at in fishing.  His inspiration and dedication is second to none.  Jon has a strong and willful passion that you see from him as he wheels his chair to the dock to board that bass boat for a hard day on the water.  As one of the pro staff members of Naked Bait Co. Blake Muhlenbruck new he had found himself a winner.  “Jon’s courage is definitely above and beyond most able bodied anglers. He is more then an inspiration to those around him”.

I would think that Naked Bait Company is definitely right.  I personally think that I have been inspired by all of them and wish each and every one success at making this world a more understanding place.  If there was a place to find a hero I think the waterways are a good place to start looking.

Fishing offers many benefits that we don’t necessarily give credit, saving lives from the shorelines is one of them.  Here are three men that not only inspire us but had their lives changed by a single fish. 

“Fishing is powerful, water is powerful and the two together offer much strength for those that suffer.” The motto I always share with others.

If you know someone that might need a change to their life why not take them down to a shoreline and see if it helps make their day a better one.  Those suffering any form of depression should be encouraged to sit by the waters edge and toss in a line.

Women

Women’s Bassmaster Clark Hill Lake, Georgia – Sept. 18-20

The final leg of the Women’s Bassmaster’s took place this past weekend Sept. 18-20/08. While all of the top anglers headed to Clarks Lake Georgia there was one thing on all of their minds… Who is going to make it to the classic to have the opportunity to be the first female to be given a covenant seat at the BASS/ESPN Bassmaster Classic?

Lynda Gessner of Foristel, Mo took the first day lead at the Women’s Bassmasters with throwing a spinnerbait… actually one as rumor has it throughout her first day of fishing. Well it worked! She ended up leading the pack with a scored limit of 11 lbs. 10 oz and giving her more then a two ounce lead. Lynda Gessner brought in a lunker that helped her take the lead.

Kim Bain

Day two saw the changing of the guard when Alabama angler Kim Bain followed up with a swift day two total and brought in a total weight of 17 lbs 7 oz and took over the lead from Gessner.

Day three had the top twenty anglers heading back out on the water for a final day fish off. The top twenty anglers each will add to there previous two days weights to the final day and be guaranteed a monetary prize.

Cindy Hill Winner of Clark Hills Lake Georgia

A shocker was waiting to happen as Cindy Hill of SMYRNA, TN was the come back kid, coming from behind on the final day of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour event on Clarks Hill to narrowly edge out Kim Bain by a mere 2 ounces with a final weight of 24.12 oz and win the Clark Hill lake tournament. This was a second lifetime win for Cindy. The win also guaranteed Cindy the chance to win the classic berth. (Funny I sort of had a feeling that this was going to be her lake. Maybe it was just her name but she is also a great angler and deserved to make it to the final.)

Kim Bain also placed high enough in the Angler of the Year points to continue her rush to the October final tournament. As the pressure nears each angler is anticipating the history that one of them will accomplish. Good Luck Girls!

Remember only the top 20 anglers after the final points are added are eligible to move on to the WBT Championship and have a shot at the Classic berth. The WBT Championship is set for Oct. 23-25 on Arkansas’ Lake Hamilton. This tournament is the crowing of the 2008 Toyota WBT Angler of the Year, the women that wins this tournament will also be making history. The Female Angler of the Year will be the first women to every compete in the Holy Grail of BassFishing (The Bassmaster Classic) which will be held on Feb. 20-22 on Louisiana’s Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City.

This is a very exciting time for all of the ladies!

As we drove down our major highway towards our well needed vacation we were distracted by people standing on the highway overpass waving a Canadian flag.

At first we were really not sure why they would be there, but within minutes heard on a radio report that the three soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan were being returned home today.
They had arrived at the Trenton air base and would be making their way to Toronto. As we were driving eastbound they would be passing us heading west. It was now six o’clock and we figured that they must be coming down the highway any time since the bridges as we were driving east were all occupied by onlookers.   

We had noticed our first bridge as we approached the Oshawa area approximately 70 miles away from the air base and a good hour plus drive. It was incredible to see every bridge as we were passing had people standing, waiting and waving their flags proudly. Not one overpass was left empty.
You could hear the vehicles beeping their horns when they approached the bridges in support of those above. I felt the hair on my arms as it was standing tall. It was quiet in our vehicle as we drove towards it, anticipating and wondering if the next bridge would be the point where we would finally meet up with the westbound procession.

The awkward anticipation was growing with each bridge we passed. I could not help but remark how sad it was that these bridge dwellers would have to be there to start off with, and how much more remarkable it was that they were and the crowds were getting bigger.

As we continued driving eastbound it was now over an hour and yet each bridge had not failed us. More and more gathered as it slowly started to get dark. Fire trucks and EMS Vehicles sat on top of some of the bridges. You just knew that they were also there showing their comrades support. The vehicles sat quietly with lights flashing as they also sat waiting for the fall hero’s to return.

It almost felt surreal as we approached the Trenton area. The military base that was located there was chosen as the site to bring back our fallen hero’s. The families were transported to the air force base to meet their beloved family member as they were returned home. They were given a somber hero’s welcome. The families were given the opportunity to share in a hero’s welcome that they all deserved. Once the ceremony was completed they were then given a swift journey to Toronto and then finally home with their families for a quiet family service.

As we approached the area we noticed that there were a couple vehicles pulled over on the shoulder of the road, we also decided that we would pull over and join those that had taken the time to stop.
Within ten minutes the line up on both sides of the highway’s shoulders was now over a couple of miles long. People stood outside of their cars quietly, silently waiting for someone that they didn’t even know to pass them by. Each stood proudly having the opportunity to at least say thank you.
Kids stood beside their parents, not really truly understanding what was taking place but still respectful knowing that something powerful was about to happen.

It was almost an hour and half since we had seen that first bridge and the Canadian flag. To think that all of those bridges had people standing patiently waiting and anticipating the forty-five seconds that they would pay their respects was even more amazing.

While standing on the side of the road we noticed the police cruisers were beginning to shut down the westbound side of the highway. Police cruisers and officers made sure that they brought the oncoming highway traffic to a complete stop. They were going to allow the procession the opportunity to not only travel together but to travel down the highway alone giving them the respect that the fallen hero’s deserved.

The freeway entrance that we had stopped at was the on ramp from the Trenton air force base. It was an incredible sight to witness the fire trucks and emergency vehicles lining down the on ramp with all of their lights on and the officers standing in honor. As the police cruisers raced to the next exits to make sure that they were closed, the caskets of our fallen hero’s were each followed by their family’s limos.

There is however one thing that I know I will Never ever forget in my life. As we stood there to honor our country’s hero’s, the family members that were following behind their loved ones had opened their windows and each family had members waving as they followed behind there loved vehicles saying “Thank You” to those that stopped to honor their sons. 

I could not help but cry for them, for their loss and how difficult it must be. But I was also able to see their strength and dedication to their children, to witness how proud they were of their sons and how thankful they were that we all stood strong with them. I know I will never forget what they sacrificed. Please remember Pte. Chad Horn, Cpl. Andrew Grenon and Cpl. Mike Seggie who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and all of those before and unfortunately after them. Whose families have had to make the journey down the highway of hero’s not for the vacation that they all well deserved, but for the hero that they once called ‘my son’.

The journey that I made on the highway of hero’s has changed me. Although I have driven the highway many times I had never really thought of those that sacrificed their lives for us. I wish it never had to be experienced but it allowed me to feel how proud we should be of our troops.

I believe each and every person should take a moment and reflect how our lives would be different if it were not for our armed forces. I hope that we would all stand at the side of the road and feel the emotion and pain that is real not only to their families.

To know that they each and everyday they sacrifice for us and put their own lives at risk seems insignificant only stopping by the side of the highway. I can only hope that I did them justice by documenting my time spent on the highway.

Please God Bless these men and women that serve our country and fight these wars so our children will know the freedom that we have been given.

I have created a youtube video of the experience – I hope you take the time to watch an event that every Canadian should be proud of.

Although I had the opportunity to go fishing when I was younger as I was heading out the door to go fishing with the local boys I also heard, “Why are you going? Fishing was for the boys!” I quickly put down the fishing rod that I had picked up and decided to stay back. I’m not sure why I didn’t question it but I accepting the fact that maybe they were right after all I probably didn’t really want to touch those worms or heaven help the fish anyway.

Quite a few years later I had the opportunity to go fishing again. But by this time I had completely convinced myself that not only was fishing for the boys, it was also something that I did not see myself wanting to participate in.

However, it truly is amazing how this can change when you fall in love. Many years later I had gone through a divorce and was back out in the dating scene. I met my now husband Andre and he told me of his passion for fishing.

I had to laugh since the first picture I saw of him he was holding up a fish and I somehow knew that fishing was more then a small part of his life. He told me his stories of the fish that got away and the big ones that he and his buddy had caught. He said he would like to take me out with him and teach me how to catch a fish. “I’m going to teach you how to feed your family”, he proudly told me.

Fishing season opened a couple months later and he brought me to the annual weekend away with his fishing buddy to compete in the opening season derby. I’m not sure how thrilled his buddy was, but I guess it was better then being told that he was going to be completely left behind. We had a really good weekend and I was able to keep up with the boys and at some points I even out fished them. I knew then that I was definitely Hooked! And not only on my husband but on those fish.
I knew the reasons that I had got hooked on fishing, but I started to look for the reasons that other women also participated and what made them as passionate about it as I was.

I found out that most of the girls that fished did so because of one of the following reasons:
 Family member had taken them when they were younger.
 Seeking adventures but once they start catching fish they usually become hooked themselves.
 It also provided a new form of competition – Sometimes it’s you against the fish but most of the time you will find it against anyone in your boat or on shore.
 Peace and serenity are so easily obtained in the outdoors and fishing allows us the time to sit back and enjoy what is around us a kind of hydrotherapy of the soul.
 The opportunity to bond and share memories with family and friends
 Most fisher people became hooked because of the challenge of the unknown.

Women have been known to be naturally better anglers then men and it’s felt that this is so because they have a slower more understanding relationship with nature. There need to decompress their lives is a large part of what women are searching for when they become hooked on fishing.

The natural process of women is to find comfort and security for their families in all environments. Women tend to be the creator of cherished memories and fishing offers many opportunities to share and laugh about the every day lives they are living.

A not so well known fact is Women have been fishing for over 500 years documented. There is a book called “Reel Women the world of women who fish” by author Lyla Foggia. She documents how women’s roles in tribes were that of the fisher and that of the men in the village as the hunters.
Many famous women enjoy fishing, some of them include Sarah Palin running mate for the seat of Vice President with Republican John McCain. LPGA Pro Beth Daniels carries a fishing rod in her practice time. Songstress Sondra Rankin sings about her love and Reba McEntire lives on a beautiful fishery and enjoys her time she gets to escape.

Let’s not forget actress Meryl Steep who made fishing not only look easy but graceful in her movies. There are many actresses that have a passion to get out and cast a line, Heather Thomas, Jane Seymour, Stephanie Powers are just a few of the many who enjoy the benefits and peace that fishing gives them in their lives.

Women now also have their own television shows dedicated to fishing and the great outdoors. Shows like Shelley and Courtney were one of the leading female hosted fishing shows in Canada. http://www.tvfishing.com also Kathryn Maroon host of the show What a Catch http://www.whatacatch.net . Her weekly show has Kathryn traveling around the world to some of the best fisheries.

The newly nominee Sarah Palin from Alaska has a secret in her backyard.
It seems that in the 1990’s Sarah Palin and her husband Todd had a commercial salmon fishing operation in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

According to New Mexico Independent writer Joel Gay he recounts how “they were one of his favorite fishermen and one of his top salmon producers.” She is an avid fisher and hunter and promotes the outdoors.

Professional female anglers now exist in the deep seas and also now competitively. They are competing not only against the men, but they now have the opportunity to compete on the ESPN/Women’s Bassmasters Tour against each other.

For the past three years the tour has grabbed much attention with sponsors such as Academy Outdoors Stores. Women are eagerly taking out their boats and heading around the U.S chasing the tournament trail bug. Check out the exciting times that the girls now enjoy at Bass/ESPN http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/wbt/index

Recently I started questioning professional anglers and fishers as to who introduced them into the fishing world and I was shocked to hear the following almost consistently said, “Grandma or my Mom!” Yes not Dad or Grandpa because they were to busy providing for the family. The children were left to the care of the remaining parent or grandparent and it was at this time that they were taken to the local fishing hole to cast a rod.

There was a time that even imagining that a pink fishing rod would even exist or be a possibility and now look around you can find them at most tackle stores. Let’s not also forget those accessories… pink tackle boxes and lures, vests and fashion clothing all made to make sure we always feel welcome into a male dominating sport. Well look out boys it looks like the girls will not only out fish you but they will be looking good when they catch more then you!

Camping in Algonquin

By Terri MacKinnon

We decided that we needed to take a complete get away from it all vacation, the kind of trip that meant checking out of society and escaping from everything.

Although I love the outdoors I have technically never been a fan of camping. I use to joke with friends that my idea of camping was staying at a Holiday Inn. It had been many years since I had the experience and from what I remembered of it, there was peaceful solitude that allowed for an escape not only of the parents but ones inner self.

I was in desperate need to get away from life and all of the telephone calls, cell phones and computers that seemed to possess it. I agreed that it was time to take up the challenge and venture into the unknown. I needed more then anything to find the solitude that seemed to not only escape my life but had been totally forgotten.

I grabbed the tent from the bottom of the storage unit, dusted it off and started gathering everything that we were going to require. Having made a list the night before we headed out, I realized it meant literally taking our home with us or just short of it. Outside of the kitchen sink and my cozy bed everything else seemed to be piled into the van.

I had the Coleman stove, lantern and new batteries. I put the plastic cutlery, paper plates and cast iron pans put into a box along with paper towel and the most important supply Toilet Paper. Not ever to be forgotten Bug Spray camping version and your camera.

Having been quite a few years since I had the opportunity to camp, I really forgot how much you actually need to take with you. When I was sixteen and went out camping for my first time Love was all that was needed. It didn’t matter that it rained, that the tent was soaked or that the bugs were three inches thick, Love conquered all. With our cans of beans on the campfire and the beer cases stacked we feasted for the weekend. There was not one person in our group that was going to complain, we were all making memories.

However as we grew and realized that cottages existed the need to take the house with you was somewhere in the background I guess. In some ways I realized that I had became a little spoiled. It was now time for me to go back to my roots and rediscover the serenity and peacefulness that I so much needed in my life.

We arrived up to Whitney at Algonquin Park and filled up the boat with our supplies. Since we weren’t sure how long we would stay we literally packed for what seemed like a lifetime. We found a beautiful camping spot that was totally secluded and one we could call our very own. There was no one around for miles and the scenery was outstanding.

We had a beautiful sandy beach that allowed us to park the boat right at our site and on shore. The camping area had been well taken care of by others and it was obvious that we had lucked in on probably one of the most pristine spots up there.

We had a special area that was dedicated to cooking and cleaning, a great fire pit, quite a few flat tent area’s, picnic table and the ultimate outdoor bathroom that any camper would be more then happy to use.

Our ultimate port-a-potty was like winning the lottery of camping. Who wouldn’t be happy to find such a luxury in the outdoors? I felt like I was in that commercial with the Charmin bears and there soft toilet paper in the great outdoors. The toilet was actually made from a big wood box and was extremely sturdy and on top a White Toilet seat and it was clean. There was No smell and it was an incredible experience to actually know someone had thought of others to not only build it but for others to have actually kept it so clean.

On our first night camping we had a funny incident after we fell asleep. We were probably sleeping for a couple hours when we were awoken to sounds close to our tent. It seemed we had a visitor and he was playing in all of our dishes. My husband tried making a lot of noise to scare it away, but it seemed like our new friend was not giving up that easily.

Finally, my husband went out of the tent buck naked. Well almost, he actually put on his slippers first. He then started to yell and grunt and make even more noise stomping his feet and flailing his arms in the air. It didn’t take to much more time for that raccoon to take off running. He probably was laughing all the way through the forest telling his friends you wouldn’t believe what I just saw. I know I was killing myself laughing in the tent and for days after when I thought about it. Poor little raccoon terrorized by the naked guy. I only wish I had grabbed my camera to capture the moment. I’m sure I would have won the funniest video moment.

Our goal was to be away and find quiet peaceful serenity that we had been lacking. Having the opportunity to actually escape to be alone and not have civilization interfere in our quite time was something that I could not only appreciate but now have the need to do again. Once I returned home I realized how noisy our society has really become. Oh how I miss those quiet nights and look forward to heading back to our special spot again soon. Camping really does make amazing memories.

To find out more about Algonquin Park in Canada check out.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html

First day and it was a beauty!

We recently spent time in the beautiful outdoors camping and fishing in the amazing Algonquin Park. Its breathtaking lakes made for an incredible adventure. For those of you that are not familiar with Algonquin here is the official info on the park with some links.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html

We had a great time and found that it was everything and more that we had been told by others. Our goal on this trip was to Bass Fish. Our time and lures were dedicated to fishing bass. However, these lakes offer all forms of fish and hold many trophy fish for dedicated anglers. There are local fisherman ready to share their tales and brag about how fortunate they are that this fishery is in their backyard.

Algonquin has a reputation for some of the best trout fishing in Canada. More than 230 lakes have native Brook Trout and 149 have Lake Trout — a fantastic concentration of trout waters that continue to yield good fishing because of the Park’s tradition of wise conservation.
Along the highway, many of the lakes are stocked with Splake (a hybrid of Brook and Lake trout) and fishing is outstanding. Spring is the best season for trout and summer brings on more enjoyment with Smallmouth Bass. Spend a July day with the family at a prime bass location, enjoying the scenery and reeling in the night’s dinner.

The park holds amazing scenery and the endless streams and tributaries offer wildlife at its best. You will find that it holds close and personal adventures to the great outdoors. A camera is a definite must.

We spent time camping and enjoying the stars as they fell from the sky. Sitting around the campfire and bragging about our days catch and the big one that should have been. Guaranteed Algonquin will make great stories to bring home to your fishing buddies.
Algonquin Provincial Park is located in Canada and is a provincial park located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in the province of Ontario. It is the first provincial park in Canada having been established in 1893. It covers about 7630 square kilometers. Its size, combined with its proximity to the major urban centres of Toronto and Ottawa make it one of the most popular Provincial parks in the province and moreover the entire country. Highway 60 runs through the south of the park, while the Trans-Canada Highway bypasses it to the north. Over 2400 lakes and 1200 kilometres of streams and rivers are located within the park, including Canoe Lake and the Petawawa, Nipissing, Amable du Fond, Madawaska, and Tim rivers.

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