The Eagle Outdoors

June already? Where, if you don't mind me asking, did May go? There's a lot to go over this week.

June 6, 1944 – Operation Overlord

Gold. Sword. Juno. Omaha. Utah.

As most of you read this, the calendar page will soon turn to June 6, 2025. That being the case, it was 81 years ago that history's greatest armada crossed The English Channel and began the liberation of Europe from the clutches of Adolph Hitler and his Third Reich. The statistics of this day, known in the annuals of Time as Operation Overlord, or as it's more commonly known, D-Day, are without compare, and include 7,000 ships and landing craft; 23,400 Airborne soldiers; 50,000 vehicles; 11,000 planes; 150,000 Allied troops representing the U.S., United Kingdom, Free France, Canada, and Norway (others, too); and, most regrettably, over 12,000 casualties, including those killed, wounded, missing, or captured, of which more than 8,200 were U.S. military.

Five days later, with a 50-mile-long beachhead firmly established, Allied troops moved inland, entering into a year-long struggle the likes of which hadn't been seen before. Written into eternity were words new to the American people, names such as Bastogne, Arnhem, Paris, The Bulge, The Rhine, Malmedy, Dachau, and Auschwitz. On May 8, 1945, Hitler's 1,000-Year Reich came to an end, but not without a horrific cost on both sides. It's estimated between 70 and 85 million lives – military killed or wounded, as well as civilian casualties – were lost during those years, to many, seemingly without end.

I can't imagine what it might have been like. The London bombings, the Blitz, the Eighth Airforce, the war in the Pacific. To me, it's uncomprehensible. To those who served, it was survival. Today - if you would - please take a minute and give thanks to the millions of men and women who gave everything they had to give us what we have. Who might they have been? What might they have done had their legacy been innovation, invention, or peace instead of a white stone in Arlington Cemetery or an unmarked depression, now reclaimed by the understory of The Hurtgen Forest? From an artillery captain's son, you all have my unwavering gratitude for your sacrifice, today, June 6, and throughout my days.

Kids + Fish = Fun!

On Saturday, May 31, Bill and Cindy Faubion, as they have in years past, opened their hearts, along with the two-track road leading to their little pond, to local young anglers and their folks for a morning fishing adventure. Despite cool temperatures and light misty rain - neither of which deters a 7-year-old dressed in white Crocs draped in blue-on-blue rain jacket - the kids appeared and did quite well. While there, I got to watch Emilee Havens, 7, emerge victorious in her struggle with a dandy Donaldson's rainbow. Same with Jax Nicolazzi, 6. Later that morning, I received photographs of 7-year-old Jace Curlee and his fine fat fish. Then there was the blonde-haired Knox Bergseng, the youngest of the group at just 5, but, nonetheless, an accomplished angler in his own right. Thanks go out to Robert Curlee and Marissa Longtain for passing along the images of Jace and Knox with their catch,

A special word of thanks goes to Bill and Cindy Faubion for providing this fantastic opportunity for the kids, not to mention one slightly damp 60-year-old kid. This opportunity, provided by the kindness of neighbors, is exactly what we need more of; give them a chance. Get them into the outdoors and, hopefully, they'll forget about the PlayStation 5 and iPhone 16 Pro. A tip of the 'ole fishing cap to the Faubions. Your hospitality is very much appreciated.

Free Fishing Weekend – June 7 and 8

I know I mentioned this at some point in the past but, as a reminder, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will be holding their annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, 2025. This is a statewide event that is open to all ages, and no license is required. Participants should know that some activities (e.g. shellfish harvest, salmon and steelhead fishing) are exempt from Free Fishing Weekend; that is, a license is still required for those pursuing those particular species. For complete details, visit the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free.

Here's a (fishing) thought

This just came to me. Some kids, as well as adults, might like to get started fishing, but don't have the gear. I'm not talking about G Loomis rods and Ambassadeur reels; I'm talking basic spinning and/or spin-casting tackle. The quintessential Zebco 33 or little Shakespeare spinning reel. That said, what do you all think about setting up a station, of some kind where folks can borrow a fishing outfit for the morning, and then return it when they're done? Maybe some basic tackle, i.e. hooks, sinkers, bobbers, a couple of jigs in a Ziploc bag "tacklebox?" I know you tackle hoarders are out there. I've seen your stash. Perhaps somewhere at the marina? Something? Talk to me.

The Goonies turn 40

WHAT? You've never seen The Goonies? That's like saying you haven't seen the Wizard of Oz (1939) or left TBS on for 24 straight hours in December because "A Christmas Story" was playing, again and again.

Anyway, The Goonies, one of the best movies ever shown to humanity and, coincidentally, filmed right here in Astoria, Ore., turns 40 this year. Perhaps not surprisingly, there's a ton of stuff going on in Astoria this weekend, including showings of the movie at The Columbian Theater, tours, cast 'n crew meet and greets, costume contests, car shows, and a whole lot more. If you're looking for something to do this weekend that's sure to be a ridiculous amount of fun, check out https://www.gooniesweekend.com/ for all the details.