Aug 12, 2017 4 min read

It might not be as big as the Washington or Jacktown Fair but bigger is not always the best. If one is looking for a relaxed atmosphere in a country setting keep in mind the small celebration to be held Sept. 9 at Ryerson Park.

You can purchase real maple syrup or just watch it being made. You can have your deer officially scored by a Boone and Crockett official scorer. John and I will do the measuring. While there is a new measurer in Washington County, Matt Weinzen of Coal Center, I am still emeritus and my signature still counts. Plus, I really enjoy this outdoor celebration. We have been attending this event yearly and it has become a favorite tradition of ours.

Invariably, John and Ranger Alan Johnson are both drawn to the archery range and shoot against each other using recurve bows. I hate to admit it, but both of them are good. Even without the lake, Ryerson is a pretty park in a very remote area. The good Lord willing, I will see you there Sept. 9.

• All of us have been complaining about the wet weather. For those who have suffered water damage from flooding or roofs that leaked, the grumbling is justified.

Last week, however, something sunk into my thick skull while I was grumbling. In the course of a year, it is normal for the local streams to become low by this time. The waters become warm and oxygen in the ponds and streams becomes depleted. I doubt very much if anyone picks up the fishing gear and heads to a Washington or Greene County stream for a day of trout fishing in August.

But think about it for a minute. The rains have kept the local streams high and there is something wrong with a creek that has stretches of little or no water flow. Not only does the rain add water but it also raises the oxygen level, which improves conditions for fish like the trout. With that in mind, and willing to experiment, I headed to a local stream that receives a spring stocking by the Fish and Boat Commission.

While the results of my great experiment were spotty, I did catch two trout and a bluegill during the first hour on the creek. I really didn’t have my best equipment or lures with me that day, but I decided there were still trout in the streams. Later on, I tried a different stream and saw only one trout that bumped my Rooster Tail. While I don’t think there is a trout behind every rock or fallen tree, I don’t think fishing local waters is a waste of time. Again, it is a strange way to spend an August afternoon.

Incidentally, the undergrowth along streams creates a real jungle that adds to your fishing experience. In most spots, one needs a rod and reel, worms, spinners, creel and one other new item: a jungle a machete to cut a path to the creek. You think your grass is growing too fast for this time of the year? Then take a look at the weeds.

The creek banks are a jungle of wild sunflowers and weeds and walking through them can be hazardous. No, a Bengal tiger is not going to leap on you and make a dinner out of your backside. Nor a Kodiak bear on the hunt for fish. The danger lies in a creature that is diminutive in size, but like the tiger and the bear it waits for you to pass by.

As you touch the plant where it waits, it moves from weeds to your body or clothing. A bit later, it will burrow its head into you and live high on the hog on your blood. Of course, I am referring to the tick. I hate those critters and, while it is the deer tick that is most feared, both it and the woods tick carry disease. The deer tick, which carries Lyme disease, is so small it is hard to see. Because of this it is a good idea to wear light colored clothing, commercial repellents and check your body for those blood suckers after returning home. They don’t wash off in the shower so don’t depend on that for a preventative.

A good Tiger defense is a .375 but there is little one can do when facing a tick.