2018 was a busy and enlightening year. One of the facts of life continuing to appear as the years roll by is learning. Of course, the internet and videos help teach a person how to cook a flatiron steak, how to tie a certain fishing fly and how to reload a rifle cartridge.

This columnist is eager to pass along what was learned 50 years ago and what is learned during the past year. Several of the items covered is rehashed every so often, such as how to start a fire.

This subject will be covered every two or three years, in a different manner, because new outdoor-minded people want to and need to know. The father of a 10-year-old might think the girl is too young to start a campfire. However, when the youngster is 13 or 14, the father might want to show her how to start a campfire, as a survival skill.

Indeed, survival skills are covered every year in some fashion in this column. Everyone, young and old, need to know how to survive, if they should become lost.

Sorrow, grief and mourning

There were a few anguished and sorrowful downsides to the year. Last December, 2017, my mother lost one of her younger brothers. April 7, we lost Mom at the age of 93. In September, Mom’s older sister died at 100. Three of the nine siblings passed away in 12 months.

Mom enjoyed camping, fishing and other outdoor-related activities. She and Dad were outdoor educators with no formal training.

Cabin camping

Garnet and I spent a few days in a cabin at Shady Pines Resort on Conconully Reservoir in June. We have decided to take our travel trailer to Potholes State Park for several weeks next year, but to also spend a few days at Shady Pines, also a resort at Curlew Lake and a resort at South Twin Lake.

This will provide a different type of camping for us. Garnet enjoyed our time in the cabin at Conconully, so we plan to continue the experience. Our travel trailer will still be used for around 30 nights a year. We relish trailer camping as well as staying in a cabin.

Reloading

We have covered ballistics and other rifle reloading items this year. This is a fascinating subject for me. We will get into more details in 2019. Reloading is a lifetime activity, where friends can gather to reload and enjoy time together.

Happy New Year

Garnet and I wish all our readers a great year in 2019.