My Favorite Campground

This article submitted to Northstate Outdoors by Meade Fischer who can be reached at tripper@ebold.com



I've camped all over northern California, preferring the quiet, out of the way places to the crowded RV and boom box camp cities. While I've had many nights alone, near a stream in some scenic spot, one place stands out, for several reasons, as my favorite.

Testament of a Fisherman

With trout season opening, I thought this was appropriate.  It has been a long time favorite for me.

Testament of a Fisherman


I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape; because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility and endless patience; because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don't want to waste the trip; because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters; because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness; because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there; because maybe one day I will catch a mermaid; and, finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant - and not nearly so much fun.

-John Voelker (Robert Traver )

It's the simple things in life

Another weekend passes its back to the regular rhythm. I was just looking at some pictures and thinking about all that happened this weekend. I couldn't help but smile. I kind of feel like George Bailey, in that I too, have a wonderful life. It is not made up of extravagance, but rather simple everyday pleasures. I want to take you through my weekend but first let me give you a brief rundown of the players in this game.

Go ahead and trespass - You're not hurting anything!

I got into a conversation the other day. The topic was a worn out favorite. It has been discussed and written about countless times and my input will probably not change things. I am willing to bet if you have spent any time outdoors, you have covered this ground. What am I talking about?

Turkey Hunt This Morning

I went out again this morning.  I am going to detail what happened on the outside chance that someone may read this and give me some input.  I am hunting private ground along the Sacramento River.  This place has many turkeys and gets very little hunting pressure.

Loss in the Northstate

I got home last night and saw two pieces of news that kind of shook me up especially given the fact that I had just put the effort into trying to write a turkey hunting story to capture the excitement that I felt.  The news I am referring to is the death of the turkey hunter in the Paynes Creek Area and the hiker that is presumed lost on Mt. Shasta.

My First Turkey Hunt

So let me set the stage and background for you.  I have been turkey hunting a few times before and have actually been fortunate enough to harvest two birds.  What I haven't done is go by myself.  Each time I have had someone with substantial experience be my guide and call.  I have been wanting to learn and go more but time and access to ground have been barriers.  This year some of that changed - I met some people that have land that is just about perfect for turkey hunting.  Now all I needed was time - which given the land access, I made time! Finally, I needed experience to go with that time.  It is that education and experience hurdle that hung me up but I was not going to be deterred.  I have spent the last few weeks reading turkey hunting books and articles, going to seminars, getting advice from friends and lets not forget driving the family crazy calling yelps on the box call!  My five year old will actually gooble and come find me now!  Anyway I think you get the picture - I am overboard!