Tuesday, July 28, 2009

My Pocket Knife





I found myself in a dilemma that I had not expected recently, I guess most dilemmas aren’t expected for that matter. Nevertheless, I am still baffled by its infiltration into my life. It started rather simply; I did as I always do every morning, just as my dad did. Getting dressed, I began to fill the pockets of my britches with the things of importance; Wallet in left back pocket, keys in left front, money clip with both dollar bills in right front, and a can of smokeless tobacco in the right rear, it was a sacred moment that I followed with devotion each day in the same order. But this day was different than the rest, and that is what confounds me.

Every day since I can remember, which as I get older is a shorter span than I like to admit, but at least for the past thirty-five years, my left front pocket has contained a folding three blade knife. Somehow, however, on this day it was missing; frantically I went through the britches from yesterday, tearing the pockets wrong side out, to no avail. I searched for hours, seeking a lost friend, grieving, morning its absence. Wearing britches without a pocket knife is a feeling I don’t ever want to experience. I felt naked with out my pocket knife. Yet, it was not to be, it was gone.

To comfort my left front pocket, I opened the top drawer of my dresser, and in the back where all my other knives have been retired, I resurrected one to serve again, like a reserve soldier being called up for active duty in a time of national emergency. Taking the knife from the back of the drawer I looked it over, noticing dust balls wedged between the blades I opened each one – giving a strong blow of air to free its mechanism from the intruding dust, small fragments floating to the carpeted floor where they would be hidden from my wife. Each blade inspected for function and sharpness, sliding my thumb across the blade feeling the tell tale sign of a finely honed edge. It needed polishing, but it would work. Like the dozen or so knives before it was an Old Timer 34, the best pocket knife ever made. Brass ends, three blades, and a brown faux stag handle. Three different blades for three different functions, one kept razor sharp, the middle blade is the most utility blade, so its sharp, but not too sharp, and then the smaller blade, the “give ‘em hell” blade. Used for cutting fence wire, and scraping copper pipe, and whatever else an edge is needed for that doesn’t include cutting. It’s the perfect knife.

When it slid into my pocket with the distinct jingle as it struck my keys, I felt dressed and ready for the day. But my heart was still empty, this soldier would serve its purpose, but I felt sad bringing it out of retirement for emergency duty, I still had to find my new nine year old knife; whose blades were showing the sign of wear, and constant sharpening. I needed that knife, like I need a good night kiss from my wife before I can sleep.

Several days later, I offered a ransom for the knife. Telling the children that who ever finds it will receive a dollar. Sure I could buy another, but that was sacrilege, it was my knife and I wouldn’t leave one of my children out lost without a valiant search, and so to my knife.

How it happened I am still not sure, but just this morning, I was getting dressed, following the same routine as always, when I saw it there, sitting on my dresser - a lost friend returned. I still don’t know how it got there, but there it was none the less and I am better for it. I immediately went running through the house proclaiming its return from hinterlands wherever knives disappear to and miraculously return from; withdrawing my ransom as I paid myself one of my two dollars for its return. Now my pants seem to fit better, there is a spring in my step, and I feel more confident to take on the world.

After I found my knife, I then took the old soldier who had born the burden for its lost brother and returned it to its resting place in the back of the top drawer of my dresser. The same place this one too will retire, with the dozen or so others who have served their duty without complaint and without failure. I am now on a mission to replace this knife, so that if it decides to go missing again, I will have a new knife ready to take its place. For thirty five years, I have carried an Old Timer knive; alas they are not to be found anymore, so I bought a Buck knife. A life long carrier of Old Timer buying a Buck is akin to a Baptist joining a Catholic church, its still a knife just like the Catholics are Christian, it just ain’t quite the same.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Getting Ready

A few of us spent yesterday getting ready for deer season. This is some of the best part of deer hunting in my opinion. Scouting, hanging stands in new locations, unraveling the puzzle - finding the sign, selecting a stand location, and moving in. Add to this the friendships and you have the makings of a great season. Some of the best parts of deer season is well before the season begins.

I was disappointed that my cameras didn't get more pictures in stand locations, so I moved them and am hopeful for better success in the days to come.

We moved a few stands and hung new ones, while this area is not the type i typically like to hunt, it does hold deer in good numbers, the situation however is different than I am used to, no large hardwood areas (That others haven't taken) no direct feeding areas, a lot of browse - large clear-cuts that are 7-10 years old, and planted pines, the creeks are small and border the property and are covered in stands, I have to fine areas that are not hunted and receives little pressure, this is proving difficult since we have so many stands already out there. Since I tend to hunt differently than others, using their stands (Club stands) will be different. But that is what it is. I only hope I will be able to be able to learn from this year and be more successful than the last time I was in this club.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Back from the Outer Banks

We are back from our vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. If you've never been there, go. That is if you are like me and prefer the unspoiled beaches, vacant of hotels, conduminums, and high rises. It is a beautiful place.

I was disappointed in the fishing, but all of the locals told me it was perhaps the worst time of year for the fishing in my area. So I hope to schedule the next trip to coincide with some better fishing.

I will be back.

Now it is time to start getting ready for Deer season - and trying to mix in some hog hunts along the way.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Enjoying the Outer Banks


We are currently on vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Our house that we rented is about half way between Nags Head and Hatteras. These beaches are the prettiest I've ever visited. They are as natural as any beach I know of. Large dunes, covered with sea oats and cedars, miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and maritime forests. It has been a good trip.

I came hoping that the fishing would be as good as I've always read about. Unfortunately it has proven to be quite a challenge. So far, I've caught 5 small croakers, 1 flounder, and two dog fish. That's it. None of the big reds, or small ones for that matter. No trout, no Spanish mackerel. Nothing but 8" croakers.

I'll try again tomorrow......Before coming I built a beach cart to haul all my gear to the beach. It has worked well with a few adjustments needed. First I need wider tires, mine are too narrow and sink in the thick soft sand. Second, we need better access to the beach, while a lot of beaches here allow for driving directly onto the beach, you definitely need four wheel drive to get there. Today we went towards Avon to another beach, It took me 20 minutes to haul all our stuff out there, the cart kept sinking in the sand, on the way back, I made two trips, hauling the cooler and fishing seat and then going back for the cart......it was alot of work. Especially since I didn't even get a bite......this evening we went to our beach in Salvo, I left the cart and carried only one rod and the fishing seat/bait bucket. and I caught 4 croaker.

Al in all its been a good week. We spent yesterday sight seeing, we visited the Hatteras Light house, and rode a ferry to Ocrakoke Island and saw that light house. the whole day was interesting and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next few days.......I would highly recommend the outer Banks to anyone who, like us, tries to avoid the commercialism of other beaches. It is a great family vacation spot.

More to come......