The old saying about time flying by is certainly true this spring. At one point I was anxious for winter to release its grip on the landscape. Today I want time to slow, so the pleasant spring weather could be prolonged.

As we all know, there is no slowing the march of time. Below are a few thoughts about upcoming events and ideas outdoor-minded people might want to consider.

Youth camp deadline soon

The Ephrata Sportsmen's association will again provide a scholarship to the Washington State Youth Conservation Camps on Orcas Island. The association has been sending local youth to the camps for several years now.

Reports from the recipients of the scholarships have been positive and I've heard that several wish they could attend again.

The girls' camp will be from July 18 to the 24. The date of the boys' camp is July 26 to the 31. To be eligible a youth must be 12 years old by July 1 and must not have reached their 17th birthday by the beginning date of the camp.

One girl and one boy will be offered a scholarship worth about $250. To enter, write a typed, one-page essay on the subject of "What is a sportsman?"

The winners must provide their own transportation to Orcas Island and back. Interested youth should send their entry to ESA, Attn: YCC, PO Box 342, Ephrata, WA 98823.

Entries must be received by May 30. Contact Dave at 246-0690.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Columbia Basin youngsters to experience the outdoors activities available on an island in Puget Sound.

Walleye Classic

The Big Wally's Spring Walleye Classic will take place on May 22 and 23 at the lower end of Banks Lake near Coulee City. If you have never been present at a weigh-in, when the tournament participants bring their fish in to be officially weighed, it is worth the time to travel there. It is a chance to view the numbers and size of fish that inhabit the lake. The weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

It is possible to pry the secret of the anglers' success out of them on Sunday, but it isn't likely the fishermen on top of the list will give up their secret on Saturday.

2004 camping

The typical beginning of camping season is the Memorial Day weekend. But, with the wonderful weather we are experiencing, there is no reason not to visit your local campground this weekend or the next. If you are in the mood to head to a mountain campground, be sure and call ahead of time to make sure it is open.

A few years back, during one of our long winters, I was anxious to pitch the tent and build a campfire. I called the ranger station to gather information about the campground for a story, when the ranger suggested I put off my trip for a few weeks.

"The snow is still 2-feet deep in there," she said.

I postponed the trip to the mountains and settled for a closer, a lower-altitude campground.

Day trip

The hills around the Columbia Basin are green at this time of the year. It's a beautiful sight, but it doesn't last long. All too soon, and I'm talking a matter of a couple of weeks, the hills will contain a brown tinge and will remain that way until next spring.

A day trip will allow a family to view the spectacular scenery of the Basin this time of year. A short trip of just a couple of hours is possible by taking Highway 17 south and cutting west at Othello. Drive through the Channeled Scablands and then north over Frenchman's Hills and back home.

A longer trip will take you through Soap Lake and past to Steamboat Rock to Coulee Dam. A turn east will take you to Wilbur and then turning south will have you headed for home.

I have purposely left out the road numbers and specific routes. Sometimes it is fun to figure your own route. For a real adventure, consider taking a road you haven't traveled before and find your way without a map.

Imagine heading south at Almira on the first road that suites you. When you come to a crossroad, either take a left or a right and continue the exercise until you make it to a city or a landmark.

On this longer trip, you should see the green wheat, reaching about 66 percent of its height for this year. Be sure and take snacks for the children and adults, along with plenty of clothing, in case a warm day turns wet and cold.

Enjoy, but give back, too

When you are enjoying the outdoors, be it hiking, fishing, boating, traveling or camping, make a conscious effort to pay Mother Nature back for the pleasure you receive. The easiest way for me to participate in such a plan is to pick up litter left by inconsiderate people.

I stay away from most broken glass and diapers, but a soda can or fishing lure wrapper is picked up with little effort. The litter is then deposited in the first garbage can available.

Try this simple plan and not only will you feel better for doing so, but the outdoors will be a better place to visit.