Demand Clean Water Now

December 20, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

Demand Clean Water Now

Most of my readers are fishermen. For obvious reasons they need clean water. But all humans and most other organisms require clean water. Since our elected and appointed officials are in many cases taking liberties with that vital resource, it’s time all responsible citizens demand clean water now.

Should Florida’s citizens have to put up with this? Is it a sewer or a river?

On December 1 the Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure kicked off. One of the reasons we made this paddle voyage is to highlight the plight of the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. What plight, you ask? Algae blooms have badly fouled lagoon waters the past two summers, caused by nutrient overload in the north half of the lagoon. Nutrient-laden fresh water discharges from Lake Okeechobee have wreaked havoc on the south half of the lagoon for years.

Coming soon to a faucet near you?

It’s got to stop.

There are similar problems going on in water bodies state-wide. Coral reefs in the Keys are dying. What happened to the bonefish??? Springs are losing flow. The Floridan Aquifer is becoming polluted. Click on this link to see the hot spots in your community (and there probably are some). Click this link to see photos of the nasty stuff. Is your favorite fishing hole here yet?

If we don’t take action the quality of life we so often take for granted will continue to spiral downward.

The Indian River Lagoon has gotten bad press for the past two years. “Toxic algae blooms”, “fish kills”, “dead dolphins and manatees”, “loss of seagrass”, “a dying lagoon.” It’s affected the economy of the region. Tourists don’t want to visit or go fishing on a dying lagoon.

No one needs to re-invent the wheel. There already exists a core of clean water activists. Help them by offering support in any way you can. You can volunteer at this link…

One easy way to offer support is by signing the Floridian’s Clean Water Declaration.

FLORIDIANS’ CLEAN WATER DECLARATION

In recognition that:

Clean water is essential for healthy people and a healthy economy. Florida water quality and quantity are inseparably linked.

Florida waters are held in public trust by the State of Florida for the benefit of its people and the maintenance of natural ecosystems.

We the undersigned hereby declare:

The people of Florida have an inalienable right to:

Clean drinking water whether that water is drawn from public sources or private wells.
Safe lakes, streams, springs, rivers, canals and coastal waters for swimming and fishing.
Protection from water pollution and its effects.
Know the sources of pollution that threaten Florida’s waters.
Protection from water privatization and its effects.
Abundant water for drinking, fishing and recreation.

The people of Florida, the state government, and the industries that benefit from Florida’s natural resources have the responsibility to:

Stop pollution at its source rather than allowing it to enter our waters.
Protect Florida’s waters, as well as the people who depend on them, fromoverconsumption and privatization.
Protect the natural environment which is critical to the health of Florida’s people,wildlife and economy.
Provide clean water for future generations.

By signing this declaration, we agree to its principles and resolve to work together in good faith to ensure that the future of our waters will be driven by the concepts contained within this FLORIDIANS’ CLEAN WATER DECLARATION.

If you agree with this statement and want to sign on, please visit this link NOW…

It only makes sense that we all demand clean water now.

John Kumiski
http://www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Floridians Come Together for Clean Water
Updating the Clean Water Act for the 21st Century
Clean Water: The Great Transforming Substance
Thousands Get Clean Water Through the Clean Water Campaign
Senate’s Lake O plan tops $220 million
Delicate balance in the Everglades

Filed Under: Fishing News, opinion · Tagged: Algal bloom, Drinking water, eco-activism, Florida, Floridan Aquifer, Indian River Lagoon, Lake Okeechobee, water pollution

The First Annual Spotted Tail Christmas Giving Guide

November 2, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

The First Annual Spotted Tail Christmas Giving Guide

My idea of Christmas shopping is googling what I want and then paying for it with a credit card or paypal. So The First Annual Spotted Tail Christmas Giving Guide will have lots of links.

A fishing trip with Capt. John Kumiski makes a spectacular gift, and yes, we supply gift certificates. Or you may prefer a gift certificate to one of our popular fishing seminars.

For the well-read fisherman, books by Capt. John Kumiski are a thoughtful gift that will keep on giving. They are on sale until Christmas, too. I will even sign them!

For the fisherman with a camera, a lens cleaning kit is very useful. For dSLRs a sensor cleaning kit will make all those ugly spots go away.

For the fisherman without a camera, the Nikon AW-100 is waterproof to 30 feet and makes excellent images for a point-and-shoot. It also has video capabilities.

What paddling fisherman couldn’t use a nicer paddle? Bending Branches makes some of the nicest paddles around.

If the fisherman on your list likes to eat fish, he may have to clean one once in a while. A nice filet knife and the best way to keep it sharp will be useful for a long time. A Kevlar glove makes fish cleaning chores much safer.

Going to a tackle store and buying a bunch of stuff for your fisherman is not a good idea. Going into his tackle box, writing down the names of several items he has in there, and buying some of those on-line is an excellent idea.

Accessories make the fisherman. All fisherman need pliers, nippers, and clamps. Dr. Slick makes the nicest ones available.

A dehooker is an always-useful tool for the fisherman, too.

Any outdoorsman needs a way to carry water. The Vapur flexible one-liter Element bottle folds up once empty.

Christmas happens during the winter. Your fisherman might need to stay warm and dry. Raingear from Simms is always in excellent taste. They make a complete line of clothing for the fisherman, too, not just rainwear.

Glacier Gloves, made from neoprene, keep the hands going even when it’s cold and wet.

Many outdoorsmen find coffee an indispensible part of their morning. Stanley’s vacuum bottle carries the goods better than anything else.

Outdoorsmen also need sun protection.

The Tilley Hat is the finest headgear I have ever used and it looks good besides.

The Buff is all the rage with flats fishers nowadays, with good reason. Who needs skin cancer?

And for those skin areas not under cover of the Tilley or the Buff, Smartshield sunblock is my favorite- non-greasy, non-pasty, and extremely effective.

So with a wide range of prices, every outdoorsman on your list will find something useful in the First Annual Spotted Tail Christmas Giving Guide.

Have the merriest of Christmases!

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Filed Under: Fishing Product News and Reviews, Fishing Tips, opinion, outdoor photography tips · Tagged: Christmas, fishing, fishing tips, florida fishing tips, fly fishing

And Now for a Little Good News

October 29, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

This good news is shamelessly copied from this week’s TMQ column by Gregg Easterbrook (because sharing is caring)-

When “Tweet” Means Something Else: Half a century ago, Rachel Carson’s famed book “Silent Spring” predicted the extinction of North American bird life — thus a silent spring, without chirping. Now the New York Times warns the ever-rising North American bird population is an increasing hazard to aviation.

Carson’s predictions were wrong because her work helped inspire environmental reforms that prevented the calamity she foresaw. This dramatically hit home a few days ago when a bald eagle — a species close to extinction in the contiguous 48 states a generation ago — soared over my suburban Washington, D.C., home. Not only was the eagle itself impressive, but even its shadow was impressive.

Once on the verge of extinction, eagles now soar above TMQ’s suburban abode.

The best gauge of bird numbers is the Audubon Society’s annual census, conducted during the Christmas season since 1900. The most recent Audubon bird count for Pennsylvania, Carson’s home state, found “a record 209 species,” along with highest-ever numbers for bald eagles, sandhill cranes and black vultures, “exceptionally high totals” of many birds, and declines for only a few, including American kestrels. Some sharp-eyed Pennsylvanian observed a Ross’s goose, the sort of moment on which birding reputations are made.

The big factor in bird population numbers is assumed to be declining releases of toxic chemicals, down about 40 percent since 1988. (Diveinto the data.) Declining toxins are probably a reason cancer deaths are down. Greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, but most other environmental indicators — declining smog and acid rain, improving water quality and forest health — have been positive for decades. Regardless, voters tell pollsters they think the environment is getting worse. If misconceptions rule on issues like bird populations and air quality, where the evidence is all around us, how will the nation ever to come to grips with abstractions like the federal debt?

Filed Under: opinion, Uncategorized · Tagged: Bald Eagle, Gregg Easterbrook, National Audubon Society, Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

NOAA to Eliminate Paper Maps

October 28, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

NOAA to Eliminate Paper Maps

This is sad news- NOAA to Eliminate Paper Maps.

Following the path of books and music which are moving to a digital model, paper maps are getting the “heave-ho” from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the organization sails into a digital world.

As early as April 2014, NOAA will discontinue printing its lithographic nautical charts in favor of its increasingly popular digital versions, saving the organization millions of dollars in printing and updating.

With both novice and more experienced mariners having access to technology that can provide accurate readings in a store-bought hand-held device, maps are experiencing a type of “geospatial evolution.” Avenza Systems already works with the NOAA on creating a working geo-referenced digital map for use on hand-held devices –more than 2,100 NOAA maps at this point. The popularity of digital maps has grown with consumers as well as how traditional map publishers are dealing with the change from the paper world to a digital one.

So if you still believe the nautical chart has a place in your dreaming, scheming, or navigation, you’d better get a hold of the ones you want pronto. Christmas is coming- add them to your list.

John Kumiski
http://www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration nixes paper maps
After 151 Years, NOAA to Stop Printing Nautical Charts
Ahoy mateys! US to stop printing nautical charts
Feds to stop printing nautical charts

Filed Under: Fishing News, opinion, Uncategorized · Tagged: Lithography, Map, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Nautical chart, NOAA

Packing for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Fly Box

October 24, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

Aerial view of Indian River Lagoon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Packing for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Fly Box

The path of the Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure takes it the length of the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, the Indian River Lagoon system. This blog discusses Packing for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Fly Box. The conventional tackle box was covered in a separate blog.

We will find many species of fish. I want to keep track of how many different kinds we can catch. Redfish, snook, seatrout, snapper, moonfish, jacks, it’s a long list. Since it’s a paddle trip, you don’t have room to bring a ton of tackle. I hope the list below is an exercise in minimalism.

The fish we’ll be encountering eat three things for the most part- smaller fish, shrimp, and crabs. The flies carried should reflect this. Additionally, some attractor-style flies like spoonflies and poppers should be carried, too.

My rod will be a six-weight outfit with a floating line. It’s too small for big tarpon but I don’t anticipate many of those in December. It’s more than adequate for everything else we’re likely to run into.

The rest of my fly tackle all fits into a single Simms Dry Creek Waist Pack . In the pocket of the pack we find the following items:

– a couple of finger guards

– a Dr. Slick hook file

– a stick of sunscreen for the lips.

Inside the pack will be the following:

-fluorocarbon leader wheels in 12, 15, 20, and 30 pound test

– a package of Knot 2 Kinky leader wire . You never know when this might be needed

– a dehooker

– a Gerber Multitool

– a small bag with a half dozen small white shrimp flies for nighttime dock fishing. I don’t know that we’ll do any dock fishing but if we get a chance I will be ready.

– a one quart ziplock back containg a couple dozen synthetic minnow fly patterns, similar to Puglisi style flies, in sizes from #4 to #2/0, many with weedguards, some tied as bendbacks.

On top a Deceiver. The other two are synthetic minnow patters.

There will be some Hotheads in there as well.

An assortment of Hot Head flies, tied by your intrepid blogger.

– a small Plano box jammed with flies, including-

*3 Dupre spoonflies

Jim Dupre’s Spoonfly.

* a half dozen Merkin crabs, size #4, with weedguards

A gaggle of Merkins.

*several Clouser Minnows in various colors and sizes (#4-1), with weedguards

A Clouser Minnow selection.

*several black bunny leeches, #2, with weedguards

The bunny leech or bunny booger, a deadly fly.

*several of each Son of Clouser and Mosquito Lagoon Specials, size #4

the Mosquito Lagoon Special

* several Borski-style Sliders, size #4, in various colors and weights, with weedguards

port canaveral and mosquito lagoon fishing report

A Slider as tied by me.

* a few Trout Bites (a hot pink and chartreuse bucktail bendback), size #4

The Trout Bite on top, and a synthetic minnow below.

* a few Rattle Rousers, size #4

Rattle Rousers, weighted and not.

* a selection of poppers and gurglers

My version of Gartside’s Gurgler.

With this kit, even if we were paddling to Key West (don’t get any ideas, Rodney) I would be prepared for most of what we would encounter.

So we have discussed Packing for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Fly Box. If you were coming along, what would you bring?

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Filed Under: Fishing Product News and Reviews, Fishing Tips, Flies and Fly Tying, opinion, Paddle Fishing Florida ·

First Aid Kits for Paddlers

October 23, 2013 by john kumiski · 1 Comment

First Aid Kits for Paddlers

A Guest Blog by Kristen Beck

If you intend to paddle along on the Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure, you must consider first aid kits. You need to think about your safety and rescues. If you are out paddling you are in the wilderness, even on the Indian River Lagoon. In general it takes one hour for every quarter mile you are away from a trail head, boat landing, or somewhere that an emergency vehicle could meet you, to get an injured party back. It could take longer depending on mode of injury or degree of incapacitation. I highly recommend that you take a first aid and safety course. A wilderness first aid course is excellent but a basic course is better than nothing.

A good first aid kit doesn’t need to break the bank. Put together a dedicated kit that becomes part of the essential gear that you never leave without- paddle, life jacket, first aid kit- you need them all. If you have it you might not ever need it, but that one incident when you need it and don’t have it will suck, so pack it!

Here are some tips on how to make your own first aid kit for the wilderness. You may want to increase the amount of supplies depending on how many will be traveling with you. Encourage your paddle buddies to carry their own kits.

Storage

You will want something lightweight and waterproof. Ziploc bags are great for keeping items clean and organized, but they are NOT waterproof. Invest in a dry bag and mark it with a huge red cross, so anyone will recognize it as a first aid kit. Dry boxes are good but I find a medium size dry bag works best.

Size

How big of a first aid kit you create depends on a few things. Is it just for you or for a group traveling together? Are you simply hiking and camping or will you be partaking in other adventurous activities like rock climbing or rafting? If so, you may want a larger first aid kit as serious injuries need more attention.

What to Pack

Here is a suggested list. You can always add or subtract items depending on your personal needs.

Basic components:

Small gauze pads
Large gauze pads
Hand sanitizer
At least 2” gauze roll – 1 or 2 rolls
Triple antibiotic ointment
Povidone/iodine solution
Chemical heat and cold packs
Baby wipes
Scissors
Tweezers
Latex gloves
Hydrogen peroxide bottle
Bottle of clean water
Maxi pads – 3 or 4
Emergency space blanket
Clean trash bags, 3 or 4, can be used as poncho, shelter, and to retain body heat
Duck tape – 1 full roll, replace as you use it. DO NOT waste your money on water proof bandages. They do not stay when wet, and paddling is a wet sport
Waterproof tape

Medications

Antacid
Antihistamine (Benadryl, etc.); allergic reactions, insomnia
Anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen); inflammation, pain
Hydrocortisone cream (soothes allergic skin)
Potable Aqua (iodine water treatment)

Make sure your kit is accessible!!! Do not pack in the very rear hatch buried under everything. I like to have mine visible in a day hatch or on the deck where I can get to it quickly. If you are ashore taking a hike take it with you. That is when you will most likely need it.

Be sure to inspect your kit often, preferably before every trip. Make sure the gear is clean and supplies are in good condition. Replace expired medications as needed and add items that would have been helpful on your previous trip Also be sure to tell others you are traveling with where your first aid kit is, in case you are incapacitated. Encourage your friends to take a first aid and safety course.

If you aren’t comfortable making your own fist aid kid, pre-packaged kits are available online for purchase.

Tell people where you are going, when you are leaving and when you expect to be back. Take a cell phone with you- you can turn it off so you don’t disturb the wilderness setting but will have it if you need it. Most paddling locations here in the area you will get some coverage but you may have to move around. Have the appropriate numbers programmed into your phone; know where you are- when you call for help you need to be able to give the 911 operator your location.

Be prepared and you will have a better outdoor experience!

Kristen Beck, Director
A Florida Outdoor Center- Connecting people with nature thru outdoor activities and bringing nature in to those who can not get out.
www.AFLOC.org
772-202-0220
facebook at www.facebook.com/kayakkristen

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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First Aid Kits – Prolonging Life
First Aid Signs – Quick and Dependable
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31 Days of Getting Organized (Using What You Have) – Day 15: Portable First Aid Kit

Filed Under: Fishing Tips, Guest Blogs, opinion, Paddle Fishing Florida · Tagged: Emergency Supplies, First aid, First aid kit, first aid kits for paddlers

The Poop-A-Seat

October 20, 2013 by john kumiski · 1 Comment

The Poop-A-Seat

The company that makes the Poop-A-Seat does not call it the Poop-A-Seat. I find my name much more fun and descriptive than theirs. The company, Cleanwaste, calls the Poop-A-Seat a very sanitary-sounding Go Anywhere Portable Toilet.

Rodney and I are bringing one with us on the Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure.

Rodney got us on the topic by sending an email to everyone who is participating in which he asked, “Where are we going to go?” A fair question. My response was, “Bring a trowel.” On past trips we would always dig a hole, poop into it, then bury the mess.

One of our paddlers, Kristin by name, objected to this idea. She said that the spoil islands that she paddles to around Sebastian are disgusting because of all the people who are “going” there and not burying it. I’ve certainly seen that around some of the boat ramps I use. It’s dangerous to walk into the woods. Kristin has been using the Go Anywhere Portable Toilet for years and insisted that we all use one too.

I went to the link Kristin sent me and found this description of the product:

“Enjoy dignified convenience with our safe, sturdy, thoughtfully engineered, premium quality GO anywhere portable toilet®. Our compact toilet weighs just 7 pounds and folds closed to standard briefcase size. It provides the comfort, height and ease of use of a standard toilet, supports up to 500 pounds and is stable on uneven ground. No mixing, messy chemical waste storage tanks or dump stations required. No assembly required.

The GO Anywhere Portable Toilet, a.k.a. the poopaseat.

“The most sanitary, safe, environmentally-friendly, portable toilet solution available-complete with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Prevents spread of disease with no spills, splashbacks or waste contact. Our toilet kit is the ONLY biodegradable solution that traps, encapsulates, deodorizes and breaks down waste with a NASA-developed gelling agent. Use it, seal it and toss it in normal trash.

“Each Kit Includes:

Waste bag.
Poo Powder® gelling/deodorizing agent.
Secure puncture-resistant zip-close disposal bag.
Individual toilet paper.
-Hand wipe.”

So the Indian River Paddle Adventure will be using the Go Anywhere Portable Toilet, the Poop-A-Seat, thus keeping our poop out of the lagoon system. We’ll be putting the poop into the landfill.

Folded up, the seat is the size of a briefcase. We can find room for it in the canoe.

The Poop-A-Seat. Clearly, if you’re going to be going outdoors it’s an idea whose time has come. Visit Cleanwaste’s website and be the first on your block to have the latest fashionable status symbol for the real outdoorsman or outdoorswoman!

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Filed Under: Fishing Product News and Reviews, opinion, Paddle Fishing Florida, Uncategorized ·

How to Pack for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Tackle Box

October 19, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

How to Pack for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Tackle Box

The path of the Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure takes it the length of the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, the Indian River Lagoon system. This blog discusses How to Pack for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Tackle Box. The Fly Box will be covered in a separate blog.

The spin rod I’m bringing will be a two piece, 6.5 foot light action rod with a Shimano Spheros 3000. On the reel will be Power Pro 10 or 15 pound braid. Most of the time there will be a section of twenty pound fluorocarbon on the business end.

A small box of lures is joining me. In the box are the following:

-three 1/8th ounce weedless jigheads and 10 matching soft plastic tails;

-three shallow running DOA Bait Busters;

-one dozen three inch DOA Shrimp, assorted colors;

-two Chug Bugs with single hooks;

-two five-inch Rebel jointed swimming plugs (couldn’t find a link for these) with single hooks*;

-two 1/4 ounce Johnson Minnows;

-about one dozen DOA CAL jigheads, 1/16th to 1/4 ounce;

-a 12-pack of Woodies Rattlers plastic worm rattles;

-a bag of 00 size split shots and a few DOA pinch weights.

*We drag a Rebel behind the boat as we paddle. If you stop paddling the plug floats instead of snagging on the bottom. I don’t know how it will work in the lagoon but it used to work well in the Everglades.

In a one gallon Ziplock bag are:

-one package each of 3/0 and 5/0 Daiichi D65Z hooks for jerk baits;

-a package of 5/0 Daiichi D84Z circle hooks just in case;

-a quart-size Ziplock with a handful of DOA CAL 5.5 inch jerkbaits;

-a quart-size Ziplock with a handful of DOA CAL AirHeads and the DOA longneck hook designed for these baits;

-a quart-size Ziplock with a handful of DOA CAL three inch shad tails;

-a quart-size Ziplock with a handful of DOA CAL four-inch jekbaits.

And we simply MUST accessorize, dahlink:

-a Dr. Slick line nipper on a cord around my neck;

-a pair of Dr. Slick bullet head pliers in a holster on my belt;

-an orange grabby glove (couldn’t find a link for these) for lipping tarpon;

-one each Seaguar fluorocarbon leader wheels in 20 and 30 pound test.

That’s my tackle kit, and I’m sticking to it.

And that is the end of Packing for a Florida Canoe Trip- The Tackle Box blog.

As always please share any questions, comments, and suggestions.

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Filed Under: Fishing Product News and Reviews, Fishing Reports, Fishing Tips, opinion, Paddle Fishing Florida · Tagged: adventure fishing, DOA Lures, fishing tips, florida fishing, florida fishing tips, Indian River Lagoon, kayak fishing

The Colonoscopy Blog

October 10, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

The Colonoscopy Blog

The colonoscopy- it’s arguably my favorite medical procedure. Not!

The fun started this time at the Publix pharmacy. Prepopik, used to clean your innards so the doc can see what’s going on in there, ninety dollars. My CIGNA insurance didn’t cover it. So much money for so little fun. Ouchie.

Actually the fun started earlier in the day when I couldn’t eat all day the day prior to the procedure. That’s pretty much a lock to make me grouchy. The 90 bucks was just icing on the cake.

I don’t want to say that the Prepopik functions as a laxative, but NASA could consider its use as a propellant for humans if we could just solve the hydration problem. No tether needed, either! A bidet would have been real handy.

Due to all my porcelain visits I didn’t get much sleep.

At 6 AM in the doctor’s office they were asking me if I ever smile. Usually if I haven’t eaten in 36 hours and I’ve spent the night on the can, smiling is not in the repertoire. I need to work on that.

If you’ve never had a colonoscopy and are wondering what it is, the doctor knocks you out and inserts a little camera on a long, thin, flexible tube into your butt. He then examines your colon searching for cancerous or pre-cancerous growths. The first time I had one done they drugged me only enough that I couldn’t feel what was going on. I wanted to, and did, watch the picture on the TV screen. It was not terribly entertaining, although that’s true of much of what’s on TV today. The procedure itself only takes about 30 minutes and is not a big deal.

The prep work is no fun at all though.

That having been said, colon cancer is probably much less fun than the prep for the colonoscopy, lasts much longer, and often ends in death.

If you are in your 50s and haven’t had a colonoscopy you ought to consider doing so. Maybe it will become your favorite medical procedure too.

John Kumiski
http://www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Filed Under: opinion, Uncategorized · Tagged: colonoscopy, medical procedures

Exploring Escalante

June 23, 2013 by john kumiski · Leave a Comment

Exploring Escalante

No matter how extraordinary the scenery, sooner or later one must take a break from hiking.

Susan and I visited Kodachrome Basin State Park on Saturday. The park boasts magnificent, majestic scenery and wonderful hiking. However, it’s June and by mid-day it was getting rather hot. We decided to take a ride along Utah’s Scenic Highway 12.

Susan still doing the hiking thing, at Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Ordinarily scenic drives do not excite me. I’d rather be out in the scenery than driving past it. I make an exception for this road, however. It’s extraordinary.

About 2 PM we came to the town of Escalante. Wanting a cup of joe, I parked the car and went on a search mission. The first stop was the Escalante Mercantile, a really nice natural foods store owned by a wonderful woman named Marcie Hoffman. If you need real food and you are in the area this is the place to stop. Marcie directed us to another store a short distance up the street, Escalante Outfitters. She also gave us some other information she thought we could use in order to enjoy her adopted town a little more.

Escalante had wildflower gardens along the sidewalks, in people’s yards, everywhere. Very nice.

So we get to Escalante Outfitters. The have a fly fishing guide there. The sell clothing. They sell jewelry. They sell books. They sell outdoor equipment. They have a topographic map case which is indexed. They play great music. There is a restaurant. I get my coffee, which (at 2:30 in the afternoon) is fresh and tastes heavenly, a really good cup. Susan and I check out the dinner menu and immediately decide to eat dinner there, even though dinnertime is three hours away.

Up the road a mile I had spotted an art gallery. Susan teaches art and will always be interested so we go there. It’s the gallery of David and Brigitte Delthony. He make art that doubles as furniture- spectacular, unique, for those with discriminatting tastes. He has won a plethora of awards and one look is all it takes to see why.

A rocking chair crafted by David Delthony.

Brigitte is a potter. Her hands are covered in mud when we arrive. She graciously spends 40 minutes talking with us about her work, how she builds it, how she fires and finishes it. Every piece is absolutely exquisite. Like her husband she has won many awards. It was an awesome stop, well worth our time.

One of Brigitte’s exquisite pots, if “pot” can describe something like this.

We tear ourselves away and visit another gallery. When you travel and visit a gallery cold, you never know what to expect. Escalante Gallery has outstanding photography, handmade jewelry, pottery, and other very nice gift items. We spoke at length with the owner and photographer, Tracy Hassett. His work makes mine look like chopped liver. He gave us lots of good information- more than we could use!- that he publishes in the form of maps, available on their website.

I tell him I want to go to Bryce and photograph the full moon rising.He suggests I get up in the morning and photograph it setting. He tells me where to park the car in order to get the shot. I follow his instructions, and get the shot below. Stopping at Escalente Galleries was a much more than worthwhile stop.

Moonset over Bryce Canyon

Escalante sits in the north side of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, almost two million acres of wild, wild country. Bryce Canyon is gorgeous, but it’s a national park. It’s crowded. The national monument was the last place mapped in the lower 48 states. It’s vast, undeveloped, and very, very uncrowded. If you come out to southern Utah and you like solitude and adventure it’s the place you need to visit. The town of Escalante would make a very good base for that kind of adventure.

Nearly dinner time now, we make our way back to Escalante Outfitters and order chicken salad sandwiches. They are nearly heavenly, the first good food we’ve had since leaving Kansas City. Yeah, we had a wonderful time exploring Escalante.

Life is great and I love my work!

Life is short. Go adventuring!

John Kumiski
http://www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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Desert Hue
Kodachrome Basin State Park & Cottonwood Canyon Road
Park-o-Rama

Filed Under: opinion, travel blog, Uncategorized · Tagged: Escalante, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park