I’m sure you have heard someone refer to their misspent youth. Probably most of us have thought about things, however so slightly, we might have regretted doing.

On a recent turkey hunting trip, in an area that I had not set foot in for many years, I came to realize that I had a “not so” misspent youth.

The turkey hunting was slow, so I had plenty of time to think about the experiences that took place in that area in my 10-15 age years.

A couple friends of mine and I had treated this area as if we were members of the Lewis & Clark expedition and we were forging into an unknown frontier.

We built a shelter under a rock outcropping and lined the outside of it with small logs. It wasn’t airtight, by any means, but it was passable.

It was a few feet away from a native trout stream, so our meal was regularly trout, in a cast iron skillet, with a stick of butter, over an open fire. I remember they were delicious, and I haven’t done that in some 40 years.

Another significant occurrence was one of the nights that we stayed; we woke up the next morning with about 3 inches of snow on the ground. You would think that would have put a damper on the trip, but I don’t recollect it that way.

You must realize this was in the early to late 1970’s, so there weren’t as many things to occupy our time, as with today’s youth.

I know from experiences with my grandsons there are many, many activities that they participate in. It seems like as one sports season is ending, there is another beginning.

And then of course there is the myriad of video games that sometimes make it difficult for them to even leave the house.

I’m not saying all these are bad things, but I wish they were used in a little more moderation occasionally.

I know that just because I look back on these youthful endeavors with great value, that may not be the case with everyone.

I just hope that they can recall fond memories that they will not think were misspent.

I believe, as the older generation, it is our duty to try to help them make such recollections.

I try to do so with my grandsons and hopefully when they get my age, they will look upon my participation fondly, if I am so fortunate.

So, see what you can do to make an impression with a family member or a stranger. You won’t regret it.

Stay Safe & Stay Outdoors.