A Life Lived Outdoors: Reflections of a Maine Sportsman

by George A. Smith

Overview

Ranging from laugh—out—loud funny to deeply poignant, this collection of essays from one of Maine’s favorite outdoor writers explores the way life should be, could be, and sometimes is in the great state of Maine. Whether he’s at camp finding newborn mice in a drawer at camp, at home saying good—bye to his beloved son after graduation, or at church searching for the right words for the passing of a friend, George Smith inevitably finds the emotional hook that will land your attention and keep you engrossed until the very last page.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781934031599
Publisher:	Islandport Press
Publication date:	03/07/2014
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

George A. Smith is an outdoor writer, newspaper columnist honored with awards from the Maine Press Association, television show host, and former executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the state’s largest sportsmen’s organization. He writes monthly columns for The Maine Sportsman magazine (for more than 30 years), a weekly editorial—page column for central Maine’s two daily newspapers (for twenty years), and a blog for Downeast magazine’s website (started in 2009). He is co—host of a unique weekly television show called Wildfire, a talk show now in its 11th year, focused on conservation and environmental issues and seen on the Time Warner cable stations throughout the state (in 312,000 homes) and the internet (www.wildfiremaine.tv). He is the father of three children and grandfather of two boys. In addition to his family, his interests include hunting, fishing, birding, writing, reading, and eating. He is very fond of Maine’s micro—brews.

Table of Contents

Foreword xi

Introduction xiii

Part I Home, Camp, and Maine Life 1

Camp Is a Maine Tradition 3

Nature at Peace 6

Making Do in Maine 9

Yard Sales-Triumph and Tragedy 12

History Slides By on Hopkins Stream 15

Trashing My Woodlot 18

Roughing It in Maine 21

The Signs of Country Life 24

Mexico Memoir Is a Must-Read 28

Good-bye to Carleton Woolen Mill 31

Down East Magazine Reveals Secret 34

A Camp Full of Memories 37

Battling Wildlife in the Home 41

Protecting Rural Character 44

Dad's Last Barn Sale-Maybe 47

Plates Need a Little License 50

The Renys Are a Rare Brand 53

Russ Libby Was a Humble Man 56

Listening for Maine's Final Moo 59

State Dessert an' Other Treats 62

A Life of Slow-Paced Riches 66

Disasters Make Good Neighbors 69

This Old House 73

The Hermit's Life 76

Part II Hunting, Fishing, and Other Outdoor Fun 79

Hunting Is My Heritage 81

Heart-Stopping Hunting 84

Hunting Fatality 87

Of Pheasants and Fathers 90

Fiftieth-Birthday River Rescue 94

Loving Alaska with Linda 97

Brook Trout Heaven 103

Duck Hunting Is a Love Affair with Nature 109

The Privilege of Deer Hunting 112

Passing On the Hunting Tradition 115

Reflections on Maine Fishing 118

Gene Letourneau's Last Cast 121

Nothing Finer than Family Fishing 125

A Change in Streams, Trout, and Fishing Techniques 128

Of Brookies and Bass and Grandsons 135

It's Time to Get the Lead Out 137

Birding Gems 140

Changing Maine 143

Part III Family, Friends, and Faith 147

Teachers Need a Pep Talk 149

A Sixteenth, a Fiftieth, and a Moose 152

Kids' Accomplishments Ripen in the Spring 155

A Lifelong Romance with Retail 158

Reflections on Fatherhood 161

When It's Time to Say Good-bye 164

The Sun Rises-and Sets-on Lubec 167

The Gardening Obsession 171

High School Reunion 174

Letting Go of Josh 177

Church Shopping 180

N'wawlins 183

Graduation Day Regrets 186

Chest Pains May Have Saved My Life 189

A Summer Quiz 193

Josh Brings the World Home at Christmas 196

Texas 199

Time Sharing at My Brother's Keeper 202

Finding Christmas 205

New Year's Resolutions 208

What Can Church Do for You? 211

About the Author 214