Crow Horse

So true. Painful experiences, whether they are physical or emotional, are great teachers and the impact of those experiences is in direct correlation to the wisdom and growth we receive. Those experiences we deem as negative sculpt who we are today. This is a core understanding of the human experience. We are always given a choice, either to assume the victim role and learn nothing or to truly feel the experience, acknowledge it, release the pain it caused because it no longer serves you and honor the wisdom presented to us.

Bass fishing and all that it entails can be all consuming yet there's another part of us that remains hidden from view here. With that in mind, what defines you and what are your interests going beyond bass fishing? Currently, my most time consuming and most rewarding pursuit is our cat rescue & sanctuary named Kallie's Kats. We've taken in sick, injured, impossible to adopt, feral, trapped, and those with behavioral issues. We tend to their needs accordingly and provide a safe and very active home for them to live out the rest of their lives. We aren't crazy cat people. We're just addressing a need and provide love, a safe & healthy environment, and excellent veterinary care. Currently (and we're at our maximum) we have 39 cats in our home. All but one are rescues of some manner. 6 are FIV positive, one amputee, one that is FIV+ and has PCP (plasma cell pododermatitus) and 3 severe CH kittens (cerebellar hypoplasia) that require constant & lifelong care. I wear many hats during the course of the day: janitorial, PT trainer, referee, therapist, and BFF. It's lots of work but incredibly rewarding. Some of the cats who display a certain aptitude, I'll train with non verbal hand signals. We work closely with our vet and the Humane Society. All are neutered or spayed. I love it! After nearly 2 years of working with a feral named Abby, she now sleeps on my chest with her head tucked under my chin every night. The gift of trust is the most precious gift that they can give to me and I protect it fiercely. I am their Kahu. In addition to our cats, we have 6 goats (one is a rescue that is blind) and one goose. The goose, Phoenix, just showed up about 9 years ago and stayed. I guess he adopted us. Occasionally we'll have an avian visitor that will need some help. When time & weather allow, usually in the spring or early summer, I'll walk the town roads picking up roadside garbage. It boils my blood having to do this but someone has to. I wish people were better stewards of the land. I hope that Iron Eyes Cody is smiling. I love to tinker and build things. When I was younger I was building suspensions, swapping motors, & modifying my 4x4's but no longer. Now it's smaller, less physically demanding projects and most revolve around fishing and my yak. I have an intense interest in all things of spirit,, the physics of the metaphysics, and learning as much as I can about all religions. I'll meditate when time allows. I also have a great interest in particle wave theory (at a lay level). Addendum - I neglected to mention a passion I have, teaching. I love teaching but not in the academic realm. For 2 years I ran and taught in a small outdoor/survival school and taught the same in the Scouting environment for older Scouts and their parent(s).. We focused on the primitive skills taught at the Tracker School run by Tom Brown Jr.. I'm really proud of the work we did and I had an amazing suite of instructors that complimented each other. An excerpt from the course description: For most of humankind's history, people have lived in close association with the earth, enjoying the many gifts of the natural world in a sustainable relationship. Today, in our modern world of concrete and plastic, we still feel the call of the earth, the pull toward a simpler, self sufficient way of life and the desire to establish harmony with the environment. Now, Red Hawk Outdoor School, Inc. invites you to experience the rewards of living with the earth through AWAKENINGS. AWAKENINGS is a four day, three night journey back to the Earth. In AWAKENINGS, students will truly experience their own place in the web of life by learning how to provide shelter, fire, and water for themselves from the gifts of Earth Mother. These skills give students the ability to feel part of their environment and the knowledge to survive anywhere without the umbilical cords of society. Students will also expand their senses and heighten their perception of the natural world through the ancient skills of tracking and awareness. Through it all, the spiritual dimensions of living with the earth will be explored through native beliefs and philosophies. The skills are taught in a lecture/ workshop format and all meals are provided (including a vegetarian option). During workshops, Red Hawk instructors are always available for one on one instruction and guidance. Though Awakenings is both exciting and challenging, this course is not designed to be physically demanding. It is our philosophy that the experience of living as one with the earth should be accessible to all people, even those differently 'abled', physically challenged, or who may never have gone camping before. 2001 sessions of AWAKENINGS will be held in Livingston Manor, New York. (A scenic two hour drive from New York City) With three thousand acres of woodlands surrounding, this beautiful spot offers both breathtaking wilderness and rustic accommodations. Students are expected to provide their own camping gear, tent, and eating utensils. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited Some of the skills you'll learn: Shelter- Build a waterproof and insulated shelter that is effective at temperatures way below zero. Fire- Learn the basics of fire building and fire by friction. Stealth Movement- Move silently and undetected in the wilderness. Primitive Containers- Make containers that you can cook in or eat out of. Cordage- Make rope using natural materials. Stone Tools- Learn how to make stone tools and arrowheads. Awareness- Expand your senses far beyond your current levels and watch the world come alive as never before. Tracking- Uncover the mysteries laid down by the passage of animals. Philosophy of Living Close to Earth Mother- Explore how living close to Earth Mother intertwines with the fabric of life. Edible & Medicinal plants- Learn how to identify & use wild edibles. Experience the Sacred 'Oneness' that connects all things.

April 25th if I'm lucky. Air temps might break 60 but at early morning launch time it'll be in the mid 30's. Factor in the wind and that will be challenging for me.

I heard back from the DEC..... Greetings, I was curious to know why Guilford Lake in Chenango County isn't "electric only" vessels. The lake is only 70 acres and they are some large vessels with high horsepower motors. It seems that the lake is too small to environmentally and safely accommodate them. Any information you can provide will be helpful. "The DEC has an access facility along the one shore of the lake, but does not own the lake itself so we cannot make boating regulations on Guilford Lake. I don’t disagree with you however. Let me know if you have any further questions,"

A couple of other facts about the lake in question. In the summer months, a canoe,kayak, & row boat "lane" is roped off around the perimeter of the lake. I don't know who installs this, either the Town or the Lake association. There is a State access/hand launch site. It is a natural kettle lake.

Agreed 1000%. I might add one item to my list of pet peeves that boils my blood. There's not much worse in my book to be on a beautiful pond or lake and basking in all it's glory only to have a choir of drunken campers or boaters broadcast every stupid thought that enters their head laced with profanities and fueled by alcohol. Even worse is when their kids are present.

This is so very true but in this part of rural upstate NY common sense and courtesy is in short supply. Just to be clear, I'm not looking for a motorized boat. I'm very happy paddling around in my small yak. The body of water that I'm questioning does produce some really large bass but I won't fish it just because of the powered boats on it. I love the quietude and having to listen to a boat at WOT kills that serenity for me. I also don't find the possibility of getting swamped & turttling very appealing. I just want to fish without the worry of taking an unplanned swim or worse.

I'm positive that I don't have all the relevant information so I reached out to the NYS DEC to see if they can shed some light on it.

I stand corrected. The lake in question is 70 acres. It does have homes that surround parts of it. I have to respectfully disagree on this point. Solely based on he fact that just because they shelled out a lot of loot for their property doesn't exonerate them from being environmentally responsible. Assuming that the State does "own" this particular body of water and it falls under their purview, homeowners on the lake shouldn't supersede the State as they wish. .

I'm not a boat guy and will openly admit that I don't know Shinola about them. I'm curious about what the general consensus is regarding how large a motor (or boat) would be considered reasonable on a 50 acre lake. A local lake is 50 acres and there are some large vessels that run it and there have been incidents where they have put kayaks in serious jeopardy. It seems to me that the large boats are out of place on such a small lake. Any thoughts on this? Edit****** It's a 70 acre lake.

The vast majority of hazards are avoidable. A few aren't. The majority of the avoidable ones can be attributed to one of the two most common elements in the Universe, hydrogen (this isn't it) and stupidity (we have a winner). Under the umbrella of stupidity we find the following schools of thought... The laws don't apply to me. They're really just suggestions. The laws of physics don't apply to me. Hey, watch this! This will work. I saw it in a cartoon once. Get me another beer. You get the idea. Some things we've seen defies all logical thought and puts people unnecessarily in harms way. To counter the above, maintain situational awareness by keeping your head on a swivel. Prepare for the worst case scenario in any situation. Avoid potential high risk situations....

For spinning gear, I'm using a Abu Garcia Vendetta, 7' 2 piece, MF. I think it's really versatile and won't break the bank. I like it so much that I have 3 of them. Whatever you choose, consider a rod tube or a protective case. I used an Apache 9800 rifle case and modified it to suit my needs. It's a tank but will protect whatever rods you choose.

My Megabass jewelry boxes..... (my collection pales in comparison to A-Jay's)

2 miracles, the first one is of Dr. Anthony Cicoria (my former orthopedic surgeon) who was struck by lightning and had a NDE. Because of the lightning strike, he became an "acquired savant" who then became a classical pianist. Dr. Cicoria Lightning Strike NDE An academic neurosurgeon Dr. Eban Alexander contracted a rare & devastating meningoencephalitus infection, has an ultra real NDE, and shares his miraculous recovery and transformation. Dr. Eban Alexander NDE

Thank you, but I think you are being far too charitable.😀

That box contains mostly Megabass Flap Slaps. The front row has some other Megabass offerings. The other 3 boxes are crammed with 110 & 110 Jr.'s.

Please accept our deepest sympathies.... "There is no death, only a change of worlds" - Chief Seattle It's a transition from this 4D world we exist in to a world that is far more real and vivid than we can imagine. As wondrous and magnificent the 4D world is, it is matte and dull compared to what is in the next realm..... Stay strong... Love & Light.....

X2 as far as convenience goes. They have their place but they are a PITA to open & close.

Are the Edge boxes worth it? That's subjective. It depends on what you want to accomplish. I just swapped over to the Edge boxes (3600) so I don't have any "on the water" practical experience. However, they are more robust than the Stowaway series. From what I've read, the Kast King boxes are similar with a different latch design but not on even ground with the Edge series quality of materials. I previously used the Stowaway boxes and they didn't have any major issues and are budget friendly. The way I look at it is this. You can drive nails with both a $5 hammer and a $50 hammer. I personally don't like using inferior tools or "make do" tools. I like to use the best that I can afford so that there aren't any failures or design defects that effect performance. This is from someone who has swung a hammer probably into the 7 digit range though my working career. The guardrails for this approach is budget. My assessment - So far, so good.

More often than not, I'm known to be long winded (my wife will verify this). This isn't one of those times. What I can say is that we value, respect and love you. Our thoughts, prayers, and good medicine are with you in this journey. It'll be an emotional roller coaster but try to remain positive, Prayers work. Meditation works. Miracles can happen. FWIW, my mom was a 40 year breast cancer survivor and that was when treatment protocols were primitive by today's standards. I believe it was in a large part due to her fierce belief that she would defeat it and she did. Love & Light,

I'm 69 and have most of the typical issues most people have at my age. I'll add a couple of things to the list that makes life easier for me. I have a 10' sit in yak. Larger wheels for my kayak cart with premium bearings. A travel urinal. I take care of business on the water and don't need to beach. A choker sling to make lifting my poorly balanced yak back onto the cart easier. I made a small tarp, a little smaller than the cockpit to use in inclement weather to keep me a little drier. I use a coccyx cushion (Cushion Lab) that allows me 7+ hours on the water pain free. A small tool (I don't know what you call it) that is used to open twist off caps. Those small Gatorade bottles sometimes are difficult for me to remove. I use a Gullwing paddle. They are no longer made but they reduce shoulder strain big time.

Listening.....and awareness. Listening to signs and clues to where fish will be holding up. Not the obvious signs and disturbances, but the subtle signs that usually go by unnoticed by most folks. Listen to the wind and it will tell you things if you listen close enough. Listen to your internal radar that's always sweeping, that gut feeling that tells you if you're in the right spot or not. Watching animal behavior and being able to discern whether they're giving you clues or just passing through without any information that will help. Sometimes a scent will be in the wind that will offer up more clues. There's a lot more but in short, saturate your senses and be able to interpret the messages. It's very much like melting into Creation instead of being apart from it. This is what I constantly strive for. As far as excelling in it, I would rate myself as an eternal student, constantly learning every trip out. On a more mudane level, I hold close to my heart the 6P's. Prior Planning Prevents Pi55 Poor Performance.

What do you do about cold water?

I'd imagine it would be too heavy to launch like I do.

I would find it difficult to believe that this hack hasn't already written about and it's not rocket science. I'm at a point in life that working smarter is more appetizing than bulling through a task. I'm all about making tasks easier. If this is old news, stop reading here. Back when I first started kayak fishing, the launch site was a funky mud clearing that was quite fragrant. Stepping into the mud and then into the yak wasn't what I wanted to do. The smell of the mud would kill a moose. My workaround was to use 2 hiking poles (can be found cheap on EBay) to launch similar to how a skier would when leaving the gate. Once afloat, I'd give the poles a quick rinse and then set them inside the yak. It also works well when beaching. My feet remain dry and mud free. My yak is only a 10 footer (although pretty heavy with all the gear I carry) and a larger sit on yak probably would be too heavy to do this. YMMV.... Here I was using one trekking pole and my hand paddle. I now use 2 trekking poles.