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October 14, 2005
Public campground just a little too public
I enjoy hunting alone or with a friend, fishing with a friend or a small group of folks and I appreciate the conversations sitting around a lodge or campfire. I usually prefer "primitive" sites along a river, stream, isolated fishing lake or perhaps a mountain meadow. The solitude and peacefulness is pleasant, but I enjoy people too. But, I have to admit that until recently I had never stayed at a public campground. Many public campgrounds are operated at state or federal parks, some by the Forest Service and still others by the Bureau of Land Management. They often have picnic tables, gravel or cement parking pads and even toilets. Many people use these facilities to enjoy "the outdoor experience," so I thought I might try it too. When I pulled into the campsite, which was in a beautiful and scenic location, a couple of "neighbors" pleasantly greeted me and even helped me set up my small trailer. Nice folks, this was going to be okay. Toilets, showers, and fireplaces would certainly be welcome amenities. It all began to change around sundown. More campers arrived, ATV's were unloaded and tested (I knew the dust would settle), generators began to be started and the many various television and radio programs created an unusual blending of sounds. My many neighbors, who now seemed even closer, had brought all the conveniences of home. I couldn't help but wonder why they had come; some said it was to "slow down and enjoy nature." Then came the visiting and partying; the sound of opening beer cans and bottles began to mix with the ever louder voices and laughter. As the voices got louder the vocabularies changed, too - "the language of the campground." My mother would not have approved. Now, I enjoy a nice brandy or beverage around the campfire, but here drinking seemed the common sport. The quads kept racing around the area, the dust didn't subside, but I finally fell asleep to the sound of conversations. Then came sleep, until the early risers woke at dawn and started their generators once again. These were the new "sounds of nature" as the campers prepared for the day. I spoke with one of the rangers, who was cleaning trash that had been dumped in the restroom (by the way, bring you own t.p.). He indicated they had recently begun carrying firearms because of some of the less cooperative guests. I expressed appreciation and let him know I felt safer - thank you. My final experience on the second day also involved noise. I heard a boom, then another, then boom, boom, boom, as the walls of my trailer began to vibrate. I looked out to see a small truck, with minimal ground clearance, drive by enjoying his "boom box" stereo. He repeated the circuit several times and when I asked him later what he was doing, he replied, "cruising for chicks." Makes sense to me, "the new sounds of nature." Yep, they had all the comforts of home, but not my idea of a positive nature experience. There has been talk and a recent meeting concerning "improving" camping on the west side of Mt. Charleston. Many Pahrump residents participated and it was reassuring to hear that they most appreciated the peacefulness and solitude on this side of the mountain and were not looking forward to pavement, trailer parks and cement. The mountain is pretty nice, just the way it is. Sporting Heritage Ernest Hemingway No sporting library would be complete without having Ernest Hemingway on the shelf. Of his many writings some of his most outstanding involve hunting and fishing, which was a major part of his life. It's interesting that his writings did not demonstrate his comfort and ease with nature. Rather, he saw nature and man's relationship with it, as a challenge. It was something to be endured and overcome. He was definitely the predator in his world-view. The best examples of this are his biographic epic "The Green Hills of Africa" and of course "The Old Man and The Sea." Equally telling of his view of man and nature are his two masterpieces "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." These classic books and stories are readily available and as fresh today as when they were first published. These would be a welcome and necessary addition to any collection. Recipe of the week One of the advantages of a camping trailer is being able to prepare several dishes before the trip and refrigerate them. They can then easily be served to your hungry hunter, fisherman or hiker. This is one I've used on many a trip and it is always well received. Buffalo Chili 4 lbs of buffalo meat, coarsely ground; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 medium tomatoes, quartered; 2 Anaheim chilies, sliced;1 15-oz can whole kernel corn, drained; 3 tbs chili powder; 2 tbs ground cumin; 1 cup molasses; 1 16-oz can tomato sauce; 1 28-oz can kidney beans; 1 cup water; 1 tbs Lowrey's seasoned salt; 1 tsp black pepper; and 1 tsp Frank's Hot Sauce; Over medium heat, brown meat; add onions and garlic, cook until onions are translucent; drain but don't rinse. Return meat mixture to pan; add the corn, tomatoes, chilies, spices, and molasses, cook for 10 minutes; stir in the tomato sauce, water, beans and Frank's Hot Sauce. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer, uncovered for 3 hours, add water as necessary; adjust seasonings; place in containers with tight fitting lids; freeze for use on your next camping trip. Ol' Seldom adds a shot of Jack Daniels to this, and it works, try it. Updates Ducks Unlimited is back and held its first reorganized banquet this past weekend at Saddle West. Co-Chairs Carole Woodbury and Jason Harper, along with their excellent committee, deserve credit for the successful fundraiser that will help enhance wildlife habitat. Mike Cosgrove, the Pahrump chapter's founding chairman, received a lifetime achievement award for his dedication to the organization. Jim Mutton, the former Channel 41 News Anchor, once again walked away with a new 12-gauge shotgun. He won one at the last banquet and another premium rifle at a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet. We may have to keep him away from future functions - he's just too lucky. Rumor has it that he may even start hunting, that should really test his luck. Many other old-timers and lots of new faces were in welcome attendance. This should start a new era for D.U. and it's certainly well deserved. • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's annual banquet is Nov. 9. This growing organization's function is bound to be a sell-out, so put it on your calendar. This is Pahrump's premier outdoor event with guns, artwork and many outdoor items to be auctioned or raffled. They'll even have another African Safari to auction off this year. Give Dave or Diane Snyder a call for reservations at 751-0776. |
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