Author Archives: Craig
Crawdads! »
Posted on July 24, 2011“It was the best day of my entire life!”
While I am blessed each day by the gratification I receive from what I do for a living, this phrase from one of my ten-year-old group kids was truly special to me. It was communicated to me by his mother whom he told in the car following our 31st annual Crawdad fishing adventure. This was an adventure where we shattered our old group record of 38. Now, twelve kids and one mom caught 109 crawdads in about 30 minutes.
Starting out, the majority of our kids had never crawdad fished before and the site of the chicken liver on a string just about made them want to quit before even starting. Within a minute, however, those skeptical faces turned to smile of pure joy as they started pulling them out and throwing them into the bucket. Most of them couldn’t believe they were even catching one let alone 5 or 10.
Within minutes, one kid was stripped down to his shorts while another took a header into the creek. Standing next to each other, it looked like a picture that Norman Rockwell might have drawn. This was kids having fun in the outdoors in its most pure form. Having my teen son there to help the kids and fill the bucket with our catch made it even more special for me as I recalled the many times he ran around with his shirt and shoes off and now observed him acting as a mature young man.
Halfway through the adventure, I couldn’t believe how magical the whole time was. No one was complaining, no one was arguing over who got to stand where, and no one was upset about the 100-degree heat. All of us were simply lost in the moment. I couldn’t resist the urge to yell out: “Now isn’t this better than those stupid video games!”
Whole Man Expo »
Posted on July 22, 2011AdventureDads,
Check out this flyer for the Whole Man Expo. In addition to being a great day for men, it will also serve as the launch for Jim Sharon’s new book: Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives: Defining Moments. I’m pleased to be one of the men featured in the book as I looked back at my experiences from the Columbine High School tragedy.
Whole Man Expo to be Held September 10, 2011 at Sheraton DTC
WHAT: The Whole Man Expo, presented by Energy for Life, will provide an opportunity to explore various influences that are shaping men’s lives in our nation today. It will focus on trends contributing to the development of healthy, high-functioning and balanced men. The Expo will feature interactive presentations, discussions, activities and entertainment that celebrate and honor men of strong character. Colorado vendors whose services and products relate to the Expo theme will have display tables at the event. At the Expo, one man will receive the Whole Man of the Year Award. The Whole Man Expo selection committee is currently seeking nominees to receive this award.
WHO: Adults and teens of both genders are welcome to attend. The Expo is intended to honor men striving for balance and the women who support them.
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sheraton Denver Tech Center, 7007 South Clinton, Greenwood Village, CO 80112
COST: $10 in advance; $12 at the door
INFORMATION: Jim or Ruth Sharon, Energy for Life, (303) 796-7004 or docjimsharon@yahoo.com; http://mensanthology.com/whole-man-expo/
Releasing a Trout »
Posted on June 24, 2011If you are practicing catch and release fly fishing, the key is to help the trout off the fly as gently as possible. I like to hold the line taught with my left hand while dipping my right hand in the water. Now wet, I then take my right hand and gently but firmly support the trout by the belly. I then slide my left hand down the line and grasp the fly. An easy turn to the right or left is all it usually takes to remove the fly from the fishes mouth. Then simply loosen your right hand and let the fish swim away. A great moment for you with the least amount of trauma for the fish.
If you do want to take a picture of your catch, support the head and place your thumb over the nose with one hand. Use your other hand to support its belly. Gently hold the fish over the water (in case it wiggles away) and smile. Never keep a fish out of the water for too long. Remember, it’s a whole new world for the fish and is a bit like a human being dunked in the water without first taking a breath.
Hanging Bear Bags »
Posted on June 24, 2011One of my favorite memories with Alex was the first time we went backpacking when he was in preschool and then hanging our bear bag that evening. You’ll hear the story on the video, as well as, watch the teen version of Alex hanging his own bear bag. The key to a good bear bag is to get it as far out on a limb as possible. That can be difficult in Colorado sometimes where the pine trees aren’t too tall in higher elevations. Selecting a tree a good distance from your campsite is the most essential part as bears have a great sense of smell!
Bivy Sacks »
Posted on June 23, 2011When heading out on a long back pack trip where keeping weight to a minimum is essential, we have found great luck with waterproof bivy sacks. They weigh in at a couple of pounds and fit into a very small stuff sack. You won’t have the joy of sharing a tent together, but they are easy to unroll and climb into. The main thing is getting use to the feeling of being inside what amounts to a body bag. I find that on clear nights, I get over the creepy, claustrophobic feelings by sleeping on top of it, or by sleeping with the head portion unzipped and pulled down around my chest. Happy sleeping!