Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 51 - 75 of 100
It goes without saying that water is probably our most important resource. It is, obviously, for the survival of all living things, and when we are threatened with extreme drought conditions - especially in the Southwest - the treasured commodity becomes even more precious. Besides the basic need of it for physical survival, water can probably be considered vital for our emotional survival as well - at least for many. We fish in it. We boat on it. We recreate around it. We meditate by it. We... Full story
We salute spring in the Southwest, one of the best times of the year to get out and enjoy the wildflowers, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, bird watching, etc. The "venue menu" is endless - literally a buffet of welcoming outdoor activities, many available very close to home. With thanks to Arizona State Parks and Tempe Tourism, we've included their suggestions for and descriptions of both local and statewide destinations that are particularly suited to excellent hiking opportunities. And,... Full story
That's the start of an old rhyme that you probably heard as a kid. However, here in the Southwest we know this and are looking forward to some of the highlights of this special season. My husband and I attended an Arizona Game & Fish Department Zoom meeting recently and were amazed and delighted with statistics that show more and more people embracing the outdoors: For example, fishing and boating participation have increased tremendously. If there is a positive side to the pandemic, this may... Full story
It goes without saying that things are different this year, that the limitations of 2020 are still affecting much of what we do and curtailing some of the events we have enjoyed in the past. However, the spirit and resourcefulness of our people ensure that the "state of the state" remains active. We celebrate this. Celebrating - The State Of The State One example is the adjustments Arizona Yacht Club have made to their annual Leukemia Cup and Birthday Regatta. It is not the same, but it will hap... Full story
The Eleventh Hour of The Eleventh Day of The Eleventh Month: At this time, we give thanks to our veterans, past and present. There are many events recognizing these special Americans and honoring their service -- from parades to programs to individuals' flying flags, wearing poppies, and remembering service members they know or have known. It is a time to be reminded that our freedoms do not come "free", but rather, they come at great cost to many. "Thank you for your service" may sound... Full story
This photo from the National Park Service inspired the cover of this issue. As we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, she symbolizes to me the importance of remembering our history -- both the glory and the darkness. She watched as the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center burned and cried with us at the loss of life and the terrifying events of that infamous day. Patriot Day, established soon after, is a national day of mourning and reminds us how quickly and easily we can lose... Full story
In the words of Margie and John Anderson who provided the motivating cover phone, "If you’re looking to get out of the heat and see some gorgeous country where it’s cool and green, I’ve got the perfect road trip for you. If you’ve ever been to Alpine or Springerville, you already know how pretty the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest is, and I’ve got a couple of back-road drives for you that don’t require 4WD. In fact, we saw a lot of RVs on the second part of our road trip." The rest of their story... Full story
During this frustrating (to say the least!) time of virus-terror and frightening unrest in our country, this issue is trying to stay optimistic, while urging you to get outdoors and enjoy venues that are open. The cover photo from Wayne Gustaveson pictures one of the most-welcoming activities at this time: fishing! Two writers, Margie Anderson and Jim Allen, present refreshing destinations that can take your mind off the worries that are pressing on all of us. Closer to home, Tempe Town Lake is... Full story
June is a month of very special dates. On June 14, we celebrate Flag Day and its fascinating background. And, on June 21 we honor our fathers, step dads, and grandfathers. Both Flag Day and Father's Day have interesting stories of how they came to be. Their histories are explored in this issue's "Downstream" section, which begins on page 2. We hope you will find interesting some of the facts behind these celebrations and others as well. This year too after the "quarantine" that has kept many of... Full story
First, I want to acknowledge the source of this cover photo. It was one of the winners in Wisconsin's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary's "Young American Creative Patriotic Art" contest. This contest is held annually by VFW Auxiliaries throughout the nation, including by our local Posts. It is one several scholarship opportunities for school-aged children and for those interested in continuing education. Information about these VFW Auxiliary contests may be found at https://vfwauxiliary.o... Full story
I was lucky enough to get out on the lake when it opened to locals last month. Lake Powell bass were spunky, bold and ready to chase or eat anything in the tackle box. I started with a simple single-tail green grub and dropped that straight down 8-15 feet in front of isolated rockslides. Smallmouth from 1-2 pounds were all over the bait. Catching was quick and easy and a whole lot of fun. Every rockslide had a bunch of agreeable bass. The success came because bass were in spawning mode and they... Full story
During these times of heightened worry and isolation, we at Arizona Boating & Watersports/Western Outdoor Times wish you good health, safety, hope, and peaceful spirits. All of you who love the outdoors already know of the calm that can surround us when we are there, whether at a water side or in a forest, or in a beautiful desert-scape - whether we are watching the swaying trees, the soaring birds, or the budding cactus blossoms. It is in these places where our senses can be calmed and Mother... Full story
Spring is bursting with great events for outdoors enthusiasts. Whether you are a kid or a senior, as long as you enjoy outdoor activities, there is something wonderful ahead for you. The International Sportsmen's Expo comes again to West World of Scottsdale on March 13-15 with a plethora of free activities, adventure destinations, gear, and services. A sincere thank you to George Andrejko, AZGFD photographer, for the cover photo that illustrates the joy youngsters can experience at the family fr... Full story
Off-road vehicles, RVs, kayaks, motorcycles, lanterns, trucks: What do these all have in common? They are all coming to the Southwest in awesome expos and events ahead this spring. It's the time of year when the Southwest really comes alive -- on water and on land. Thank you, Bob Brown of Media Direction for the cover photo that represents the power and energy of the outdoor activities that begin at this time of the year. We recommend that you attend as many of these awesome events as you can... Full story
We all have our own reasons to celebrate. Of course to many of us, it's the "C" in Christmas. We wish you a merry and meaningful one, followed by a Happy New Year. Beyond the religious focus of December, we celebrate the gifts of outdoors: the season for ducks and quail and crappie for the hunting and fishing folks. We also find joy in time-honored traditions such as Christmas-tree cutting with family and friends, the beautiful lighted-boat parades, visits to our national and state parks during... Full story
This Can-Am Action is only one of many off-road vehicles featured at the upcoming 8th annual Sand-Water-RV Expo Saturday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 17 at Lake Havasu State Park. In addition to OHVs, there will be boats, pontoons, PWCs, RVs, travel/adventure trailers, toy haulers, trucks, motorcycles, golf cars, bicycles, apparel, kayaks, paddleboards, and all related accessories. It's a "one-stop shop" for all outdoor enthusiasts and underlines the plethora of ways to enjoy the Southwest --... Full story
In many parts of our country, summer warmth has turned into crisp, cool fall weather. However, in the Southwest, we have an extended season of time to spend in and on the water and to enjoy many other outdoor activities. It's a wonderful transition season with temperatures neither too hot nor too cold, and there are so many adventures for us still in October: boating, hiking, RVing, camping, off-roading, fishing, and more. If we want a touch of fall, we can head north to the awesome colors of au... Full story
Finally cool weather is ahead and along with that are some great autumn events. Now is the transition time to fall and winter outdoor activities, including all that is available on local deserts, mountains, rivers and lakes. And, for women especially, the how to get the most out of the myriad of outdoor activities in the Southwest, is what "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" is all about. It's coming up soon - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 6-8 - at Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Sponsored by the... Full story
The bass tells this story well. It will be the target of some veterans and their pro-angler partners. Hopefully, all will enjoy this very special event that combines community involvement with gratitude to all our veterans for their service to our country. All this is encapsulated in an upcoming event that honors and remembers an outstanding man, a vet himself, and an avid fisherman. Read on to learn the details of the Ivan Nelson Veterans Fishing Classic on Sunday, Aug.25. To all participants... Full story
As Margie Anderson says in her article "Walks with Water" in "Land Cruising", " Summer is tough when you live in the Valley. However, if you're up for a casual stroll and you go very early or very late in the day, there are some great places in and around Phoenix where you can take a pretty flat walk and be near water the whole time." Her photo of Arizona Falls on this month's cover is just one example of that refreshing idea. It is a wonderful 20-foot waterfall on the canal right in town (56th... Full story
As much as we all enjoy the Southwest and much of the year in Arizona, we do have to endure the soaring temperatures of summer for a few months. There are out-of-state "escape routes" such as San Diego, of course, but some of us choose to cool off in Arizona's high country instead. Places such as Flagstaff, Payson, Show Low, and Prescott are four examples of cooler places to visit at this time of year. The ultimate outdoors woman, Margie Anderson, suggests two hikes that offer a respite from the... Full story
Most Versatile Rattlebait Ever? LIVETARGET®'s Golden Shiner Rattlebaits Are A Multi-Species Phenom Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (April 24, 2019) - Veteran freshwater anglers know how important it is to keep quiet on the approach. Bang a tackle box against the gunwale, drag a cooler across the deck or wade a little too forcefully and predator species instantly scatter. Get the right sounds working below the surface, however, and you can really light up the bite, which is why lipless rattlebaits... Full story
Thanks again to Bob Brown of Media Direction for the featured photo. The "cover girl" for this issue shows the form for fun in the water as the weather warms. Yes, it's boating season again in the Southwest, and the Lake Havasu Boat Show is the place to be to get a head start on what's new in craft and accessories this year. But wait; there's more! At Lake Pleasant, the second annual Lanterns at the Lake event is just around the corner. It's a beautiful and meaningful time to launch memories,... Full story
Going Up the Mast" is just one workshop at the Sailing Convention for Women. The Sailing Convention for Women, presented by Gail Hine, will be held on Sat., Feb. 2, 2019 at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club in Corona del Mar. Sponsored by BoatUS, the daylong event is a series of 33 workshops for ladies-only, and include shore- and-boat-based sessions that offer beginners to experts a welcoming environment to learn more about all things sailing. "This is where women sailors go to learn," said... Full story
Wayne Gustaveson has shared this photo of Sharon Hunt who completed her week-long fishing trip to Lake Powell after catching a mixed bag of striped bass, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass. Her expression makes a good point: Now's a great time to go fishing - and to cool off in the process at one of the Southwest's northern lakes. Even right at home, the Community Fishing Program offers some great fun for the kids and their families. In our "Tackle & Target" section of this issue, reel-in... Full story
