Getting out of Dodge...

Err, well, getting out of Jersey that is...

Yep, it's time for my annual southern migration to the sunshine state. There is something about visiting Florida in the winter that really helps recharge teh batteries for the beginning of the new year.

While I'm down there, I'll be fishing, spending time on the beach with my wife, and hopefully taking a few day trips to some secluded areas like Cayo Costa State Park...It's a park that is only accessible by boat, be it private or ferry. If you are ever in the area it's definitely a site to see. A couple of charter trips are run by Captiva Cruises, and Tropic Star Cruises...It is worth the trip no matter how you get there.














As you can see from the photo, the beaches aren't crowded, the Gulf of Mexico is bright blue, and there are few places in Southwest Florida that are more relaxing.

Also, this vacation will mark my first opportunity to fish with an experienced guide. During the last couple of years, I've packed my rods, and tried my hand at chasing some of Florida's most popular game fish, the Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon. My fishing experience is limited to this area so Florida is a whole new world too me...I've done moderately well on my own, but I hope with a guide I can take it up a notch and really land some nice fish.

Once in a while, we have to stretch our wings and go on vacation. There are great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in every state, and you can bet that I will take advantage of all Florida has to offer....

See you all in the New Year, and have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Missing Kayaker turns up after 5 years

He doesn't remember what happened to him, only that he believed he was a missing person...Check this story out...

Missing Kayaker

If nothing else, it certainly stresses the importance of the buddy system and creating "flight" plans. Whether you are hunting, fishing, hiking, or participating in any other manner of outdoor activity it is important that you do not go alone. This guy apparently thought a trip in his kayak out on the North Sea alone was a good idea...I didn't work out for him.

The buddy system is important because in case of emergency two heads are always better than one...Especially, if one of you is injured and cannot contribute to the rescue plan. Things can quickly get out of hand if you are alone and suffer a fall or other injury alone. Always go with someone else.

Now, realistically we cannot buddy up every time we head out into the woods or out on the lake and in these situations it is important to, at the very least, file a "flight" plan with family or friends. This way if something happens and you fail to return in a reasonable amount of time, at least someone knows where you are. It could be the difference between life and death.

When I head out in the woods during bow season there are at least 3 people who know where I will be at all times. The same goes when I go fishing. I let my wife know which lake or river I'll be at and that way if I don't show up she knows which body of water to check before she calls the coast guard (I have been known to lose track of time on the water.)

It is important that we all enjoy the outdoors, but do so safely and responsibly!

Life finds away....

Now I should have immediately seen this as an omen, but the Red tailed Hawk that was enjoying lunch in section 125 at Lincoln Financial Field before the Eagles/Seahawks game yesterday before the game actually caught me off guard...Thank goodness I had a camera...

The incident made me realize that no matter how crowded the east coast becomes, life will find a way....Where there are cities, there are pigeons, and where there are pidgeons there are apparently predators.

I've grown used to seeing these amazing birds of prey all over my more natural confines in southern New Jersey, but it was a complete shock in a major football stadium. On a bowhunting excursion a few years back, I was hunting about 50 yards off the edge of a farm field. The field had plenty of deer attracting "Jersey Fresh" produced just waiting to be devoured, but for whatever reason they weren't interested that night. Instead, as it turned out, I was in for one of the most interesting nights of my life.

I was sitting in a tree stand about 30 feet above the ground, just minding my own business, when another large red tailed hawk decided to pay me a visit. He landed on the branch of a dead pine tree only 15-20ft in front of me, at eye level. Now, during bow season you are allowed to be clad entirely in camouflage, and for me that meant that only my eyes were exposed.

The hawk must have seen my eyes, because as he sat on his branch he kept bobbing his head like he was trying to figure out just what I was. Unfortunately, he that I fit into the category of things he could eat, and flew at me. The speed of his movement startled me and I threw my arm up in front of my face expecting an imminent impact. That protective movement, apparently, was all that was necessary for him to realize his mistake and at the last minute he hit the air-brakes and flew off. He was so close that when he pulled away I felt the wind from his wings...If I hadn't been covering my face I probably would have been able to touch him.

Fortunately, for both of us no one was physically injured in the attack, and we both learned a valuable lesson.

His: Don't judge a meal by the size of its eyes.
Mine: Always wear a safety harness...