Wish List

Throughout my life I've been lucky to receive many wonderful outdoorsy presents for Christmas.  Most of the best ones came from my parents. They, better than anybody, knew and appreciated my love of the outdoors.

Since they've passed on the gifts kept coming from others in my family, but most of those didn't hit home with quite the same heartfelt impact as those from my parents.

Clothes, electronics, kitchen gadgets, books--all cool gifts that I truly appreciated.   But I remember that year my fourteen year old hands held that brand new Ithaca 12 gauge.  I remember the year I received my first pair of grown up Sorel boots.  And the Christmas I unwrapped my first Orvis 6 weight fly rod.

Fortunately, with age comes the realization that gifts are really for younger kids and those in greater need.  Now, if I need or want a new piece of outdoor gear I usually just buy it.

But, the assignment before me is to create a Wish List for this Christmas. So, here goes.

10.   Cuddeback Trail Cameras.

A dozen should do the trick.  During the just concluded season I found plenty of spots that the deer were using.  I need to confirm how many deer are around, and when they are frequenting these haunts.  I need to share some photos with my hunting partners.  Nothing gets the heartbeats pumping like actual evidence that a heavy antlered buck is in our area.

9.     New Neoprene Waders  

A dozen should do the trick. This is a wish list, right?  Perhaps it's just me, but I can't get through one season with a pair of waders intact.  I guess I am pretty hard on waders.  So,  a few extra pair in the back of the truck should work out fine.

8.     One of These

7.     New Treestands

I won't place a limit on quantity.  I will leave that up to the big guy in the red suit.  I love everything about treestands.  Love putting them up. Love sitting in them. Love thinking about what I might see from my lofty perch.

6.     Hand Warmers

I live in Wisconsin. 'nuff said.  A dozen dozen should do me just fine. Say thankya.

 

 

 

5.     A Personal Outdoors Assistant

Not sure how it is where you live, but if you hunt and fish and gather stuff in Wisconsin, you would do well to have an advanced degree in Logistics and a Law Degree to understand and keep track of the many and various seasons and permit application due dates, not to mention rules and regulations.  This past year? I missed the Fall Turkey application date.  You don't want me to repeat what I said upon realizing this fact (although the manner in which I strung my expletives together was very impressive).

4.    More Blog Followers

3.    Never Received One of These For Christmas

 

 

 

It's about time, don't you think?

2.     More Time

To be outside. To hunt and fish and hike and run and explore and build campfires and paddle canoes and laugh and plant and wade and swim and laugh some more.

1.     A New Buddy

Nothing wrong with my current hunting and fishing buddies.  But you can always use more.  You can always use a fresh perspective on things.

These are my wishes. Some easier to come true than others, I understand that.  I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Moonlight Graham from Field of Dreams.  Ray asks Moonlight what his wish is. Moonlight responds that he'd like to have one more crack at a major league pitcher. Then, he says, "That's my wish.  And is there enough magic out there in the moonlight to make this dream come true?"

I like that. The idea that, especially at this time of year, perhaps there remains a little magic in the air. 

Happy Holidays to all.

Comments

[Mark]

Well I can't help with most of the list, but a follower I can be.

[Rebecca]

JJ,
Great list ~
I really like your dozen concept. A dozen of everything would pretty much ensure I didn't have to endure leaky waders anymore. Ohh...and the puppy for Christmas, well that's never happened to me, but I'd love it.
And lastly, the personal Outdoor Assistant. Now that's gotta be one of the most original AND brilliant ideas I've read so far....
I want one.
Rebecca

[Rebecca]

J.J.
Say cheese....ok, maybe not. But I'm dropping by to let you know that you've been chosen as one of the featured outdoor bloggers of the week over on the Outdoor Blogger Network. I've posted the announcement and your RSS feed is live on the homepage.
Keep writing =)
Rebecca and Joe

[JJ]

Thanks Rebecca! I really appreciate it.