The Eagle Outdoors

For the love of...porches

Porches come in all types; open air, screened in, wrap around, front, back, covered, multi-season, etc. Porches are what I'd been missing all along. They were right there in front of me, and I simply wasn't seeing them. Perhaps I was overlooking them or looking past them. Have I lost you? If you'll indulge me for just a minute, I can explain.

Every year since we moved back to Washington in 2015, I fly back to northeast Ohio to see my folks, now 84 and 85 and in fine health (thank you for asking). I go back to my hometown of Newton Falls, which claim to fame is its ZIP code (44444). "Newton Falls Has Zip" was the town motto. That's where I grew up.

While I'm back home, I randomly walk here and there a couple times each day. Old paths from Saint Clair Avenue to the half block where the high school used to stand. Across town to sit with an old baseball coach who's now knocking on 90 seasons. The old neighborhoods which, I'll admit, I never appreciated and never even really noticed; at least, not until now.

Today, as I walked, I noticed the porches. Every house, all older, some big and some small, had a porch. A welcoming space, made even more so with chairs and potted plants. A rug. A curled up sleeping tabby cat. On one, a gentleman of perhaps 70 years of age sat playing a harmonica. I stopped, he played. I clapped, he stopped, smiled, nodded and went back to playing, while I went back to meandering. At another was the older brother of a high school friend. Charlie hollered, waved, and patted the cushion next to him. There's that welcoming thing again. My path, indeterminant as it was, changed. I'm now glad it did, as I learned of his trip to Scotland with his wife, his recent retirement, and the fact they'd both had Covid "a while back." Then there was Sugar, the cat, and his lady of the house, Ginny, who proudly told me, upon noticing my Fire District 4 emblem, her husband, Bill had been a firefighter for 60 years. This, while we were sitting on the front porch of her old "two-story" perched on the banks of the West Branch of the Mahoning River.

An old man reading the paper, a young lady sitting with her not-so-vicious pit bull. All on porches, all with a smile and a wave. I realized, as I aimlessly (but with an undisclosed purpose) walked the streets of my old town, perhaps that's what's missing. The 'come on up and sit for a minute' porch mentality; slowing down, taking a seat in that old wicker chair, taking a breath, and watching the world.

I know all about being busy. All the moving parts that constitute our day-to-day lives. However, I also know how therapeutic a porch, when used correctly, can be. It's just an idea, but it's a damn good one. In case you're pondering the connection here between my latest missive and the column, most porches are located on the outside of the home. That is to say the 'outdoor side.'

Best late than never

My sincere apologies to all the wonderful folks involved in the recent Warriors and Widows Salmon Derby. I was out of town for the event, got home, retrieved information, wrote what follows, and got it to my editor a day behind the deadline for the Sept. 4 issue. Still, here it is. Better late than never.

On Aug. 26 and 27, the Elochoman Marina and the community of Cathamet hosted the annual Warriors and Widows Salmon Derby. The weather was fine, the fish cooperated, and, as in years past, the participants and the organizers thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The following is from one of the key organizers of the events, Doug Martin:

"The derby welcomed 39 guests (this year), including 34 veterans and Gold Star Families, along with three young people and six local vets. Veterans came from as far away as Georgia and Alaska. We even had two brothers from Arkansas. The veterans were hosted by the groups Outdoors for Our Heroes, and the Wounded Warrior Project." In addition, Martin said "five local first responders took part."

Twenty-two local captains/anglers graciously donated their time, boats, gear, and fuel to the cause. According to Martin, over 20 salmon were caught, totaling more than 200 pounds of the freshest fish imaginable. "Fishing was slower than last year," he said, "But a great time was had by all. (Veteran) Martin Guirsch caught the largest fish at #20.54 while fishing on Kevin Smith's boat. Smith also had the third place fish, which was caught by Paul Sandvick. Second place went to local veteran and retired Wahkiakum middle school teacher, Mike Thomas, fishing with Bill and Cindy Faubion."

Next week will feature old dogs, firewood, mushrooms, and what to do with eight metric tons of green tomatoes. Until then, be safe, be kind, and Get Outdoors.