Smokey Mountain Knife Works appointment 1 of 3

Just a quick walk round this huge knife shop. Lots of nice people working there who are happy to talk knives and let you handle pretty much whatever.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOyoo5r4lzs&hl=en

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The Brook's Song

"The brook would lose its song if the rocks were taken away." Elizabeth Kellogg

Avi Salzman, in Sunday's New York Times, describes Autumn in New England arriving "like a prom queen, draped in boastful reds, yellows and rusty browns, perfumed with wood smoke."

I had the privilege this weekend of chaperoning 40-something musicians in the Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra to a large retreat center in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Not exactly New England. But close enough.

The fall foliage was splendid, and daily walks through nature trails and around the on-site lake were nothing short of spectacular. What with the bite of the crisp fall air filling my lungs, an on-again off-again drizzle wetting my cheeks, and the occasional aroma of a leftover nighttime camp fire arousing my own childhood camp memories, it would be hard to miss nature's extravagant call.

I didn't notice the plaque on the wall of our quintessentially-campy cabin until this morning, when I went back to clean up after the twenty gals sharing my quarters. With sleeping bags and luggage safely tucked into another cabin for pick-up, I was sent up to perform one last bunk-check. Lifting up skimpy mattresses to look for lost clothing, pulling back shower curtains to check for forgotten toiletries, collecting garbage to lighten the housekeeper's load, and turning down both lights and thermostats, I happened to glance up at the back wall as I was tying the final plastic garbage liner. The plaque commemorated the completion of the lodge which bears Ms. Kellogg's name. It was shortly after reading her selected quote: "the brook would lose its song if the rocks were taken away" that I began my morning walk around the lake. For the first time all weekend, I noticed the brooks. It was one babbling brook after another, each singing its own song. And even though each day had brought a nature hike or two---walking right past these brooks each and every time---I had not heard their songs before.

I confess to taking nature for granted. We live---my family and I---in the middle of a large wooded lot, which is surrounded by a fifty acre nature preserve. Wildlife abounds: deer, wild turkey, rabbits, and fox are familiar creatures sharing our everyday space. I try to remember how fortunate I am, being able to view the raw beauty of nature each and every day. To drive down a long and windy driveway with an abundance of trees, wildflowers and yes, babbling brooks. Yet I don't. And so traveling to yet another beautiful mountaintop retreat---to co-habit with nature---was, I admit, a splendid, though not particularly unique experience. I deliberately took in the beauty of the changing leaves (and it was especially beautiful); I deliberately used my free time each day for nature hikes (and they were certainly special); and I deliberately lingered at the evening campfire (sans s'mores) to be especially sure that the smell and the smoke of it would stick to my memory for one full year, until I could recapture the experience once again.

But it was the words on that plaque that most struck me. That especially gave me pause. Wondering what kind of "rocks" had filled Ms. Kellogg's path. Pondering why they---among any words or quotes she could have possibly chosen---had inspired her. Why she chose these words to immortalize the dedication. Questioning if it were, indeed, the "rocks" in her life that fortified her to move forward, that gave her wisdom, or that taught her lessons she would otherwise have never learned, that allowed her to be where she found herself on the day in which a building was dedicated to her.

And so I took my walk around the lake, stopping for the first time to listen to the song of the brooks. To forget about having a cardio-workout or making good time. To just stop when I got to a brook and listen to its song. I noticed for the first time the abundance of rocks lining each brook's formation. And realized that---rock-free---each would simply be a mere silent stream of water.

Perhaps I would not have noticed the plaque in any other year. "Rocks" would not have had the significance that they have for me today. No. Reading the plaque was serendipitous to be sure. It helped me realize that people who have something significant to offer to the world have walked a rock-studded path. That silent streams of water might be beautiful in and of themselves, but that they cannot offer a beautiful song. That the brook's song is sweeter. Because of the rocks.

The serenity of my morning nature walks provided me with much-needed perspective. They helped to balance me. With no sound other than the wind rushing through the rapidly-changing fall leaves, the light rain hitting the ground, or the melodious song of the brooks: I came to the quiet resignation that rocks are a good thing. And that man---throughout time---has acknowledged the same. It was the whole into-every-life-a-little-rain-must-fall-no-one-ever-promised you-a-rose-garden thing. But out in nature---in the middle of the Catskills---I accepted it with peace. Not taking away from the glorious music which 40-something young musicians were producing inside a campy retreat center, it was the song of the brook that rang more majestic than ever.

I hope that this fall brings you time to retreat into solitude, too. That be it into nature or into a friend's home; into travel to a faraway place or into the down-filled cushions of your living room sofa: that you are able to make time for solitude. For wisdom and soul-searching and decision-making and finding life's meaning come not in the busyness and rush of everyday life, but in the moments captured in silence and solitude. In hearing the song of the brook.

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Enjoying Canada's Fishing Opportunities

Have you ever thought of taking an angling trip to Canada? Fishing in the great North can be exciting and rewarding in ways you've never expected. Canada is home to a wide variety of sport fish species, including salmon, bass, trout, pike, and walleye. Because Canada's fish populations are less frequently harvested than many populations in the United States, your chances of landing a record-sized fish are greatly increased. From relaxed summer sport fishing to ice fishing, companies throughout Canada are ready to take you on a guided fishing trip. Experienced fishing guides can be hired who know all the best spots. These sport companies can also provide all the best, up to date gear, and have extensive information about local lakes, rivers, and streams.

Hiring a company to guide you through your Canada fishing trip is probably the best way to get right in and catch some fish. If you're a stranger to Canada, you won't know the area or the habits of the fish, but your guides can tell you just where to start. If you're fishing for salmon, the company can also provide you with a chartered boat. Inquire about different companies and charters - there are a lot of people willing to provide fishing services in Canada, and you'll want to pick the best one. Don't hesitate to check the background of the company you'd like to sign on with.

You can find trips offered all over Canada. Fishing in Canada can be done in the Yukon, Central Ontario, British Columbia, and many other locations. Because of the low human pressure on fish in Canada, it's home to some world class trophy fish, including enormous salmon. In the waters off of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, halibut are especially plentiful. The Yukon offers trout, pike, salmon, and many other species of fish in its crystal clear waters. Whatever your desire, a Canada fishing trip should be able to provide.

If you're ready to put your skills on the line with a Canada fishing trip, call in advance to find out what you'll need. In 2007, many U.S. visitors who enter the country by land will not have to present a passport. You can head straight to your Canada fishing trip with a minimum of red tape. Research your fishing charter to find the very best one. Soon, with the help of an experienced guide, you could be catching that trophy fish you've always dreamed of.

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Ishasha Sector and the Tree Climbing Lions

Having been woken up at 0600 hours that my tea was outside my tent, I jumped out of bed and sat on the canvas chair taking pleasure in the early African light, eavesdropping to the river rush past. Normally a little stream with sandy banks, hippos and elephants crossing, feeling an African touch! The river had now turned into full flood after the deluge of rain a few days ago. This was the rainy season. My bush shower had previously been elevated up so after enjoying the morning light I went back into my tent for a quick hot shower before rising more awake to go on a game drive in this re-known Ishasha sector - famous for its tree climbing Lions.

After taking a cup of coffee, we set off for a short drive to the top of the ridge to listen to the African morning ensemble - a brew of bird calls as the sun attempted to rise through the early morning mist. It was overwhelming, all the different tweets, hoots, coos and clicks (which Ronald pointed out to us each time we heard a new sound) as the mist lifted from the valleys and the light changed and became day. The night before, it had rained and cleared the air so we had a breath-taking view of the snow capped Rwenezori Mountains in one direction and the volcanoes in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo in the other. Below us were herds of Elephant in the distance which we watched while enjoying a coffee before our guide (and host) said "We should go to the fig trees, seems like the lions are still up the fig tree and I don't want us to miss them". We were so thrilled to hear this and couldn't wait!

The camp is comparatively close to the fig tree we had found the lions in the day before as we entered Ishasha (the Southern part of Queen Elizabeth Nation Park) and when we got there we found 8 lions lounging on the large horizontal fig branches. The day before when we had entered the park, 5 females were in an Acacia tree and the four males in the fig tree we were now parked next to. The females had joined the rest of the pack overnight and we waited for that golden shine of the morning sun so we could take some good photos. After leaving the lions we headed across the plain on the Northern circuit and must have passed a thousand Kob, grazing and steadily moving as a large herd.

There were also plenty of Topis and Buffalo, Ring-necked Doves ,colourful European Bee-eaters still perched on trees, and Coucals with their feather puffed up to keep warm and Francolin's running in front of the vehicle before taking off with their idiosyncratic ke-ke-ke-kekeke kuh call. On the other side of the plain the vegetation is thicker with more scrub and thickets. All of a sudden, Ronald stopped and signaled us to be quiet as he whispered "Leopard, in the tree!". Convinced enough, not more than 50 meters from the road was a bravura Leopard in an Acacia tree. He had already heard us and before long was elegantly climbing down the tree (unlike the awkward lions that seem to fall out). Soon all we could see with the feathery white tip of his tail and he disappeared into the long grass. We wished he could stay longer! We were happy about this but so sad to see him disappear.....

After this memorable morning game drive, we headed back to the Wilderness Camp for breakfast. We headed along the crest seeing more Buffalo wallowing in mud pools, Kob and Topi, then dropped down onto the river plain before inflowing the forest that borders the river bank where the camp is concealed. Ishasha wilderness camp is on a bend of Ntungwe River and the main dining and lounge tent is centrally positioned right alongside the river. Tables were already laid with fresh fruits and juice on our arrival.

George, the head waiter came and took our orders for our main mid morning breakfast breakfast - would we like eggs, beans, sausages and sandwiches? There is no menu but everything for a full English breakfast was available including mushrooms. Hot toast was brought and I was delighted to see I had pleasant yellow scrambled eggs instead of the white ones you find in the city- so tasty!

They can also make pancakes and have great home made honey roasted crunchy muesli and real coffee - just ask them to make it stronger if it is too weak for your liking.

After a long breakfast I headed back to my tent, found my book and enjoyed the comfort of my hammock which each tent has to one side. I was disturbed by a massive splash of water and found out the bank had been eroded so much that a tree on the bank had fallen into the river. Paul told us that when the river is low, lunch and dinner are sometimes served on the sand banks next to the trickling stream. Lunch was served in the same place as breakfast - the stream had turned into the Congo - muddy brown water with trees been washed down the torrent. Once again there is no menu for lunch but different food each day - salad, home made hot rolls, Mousaka, cold meats and cheese. It is not gourmet food, but very tasty, healthy and home made. We then retired to the lounge area where there is buffet tea and coffee table with excellent home made flap jacks and chocolate chip cookies to nibble away on while playing back gammon. This is also a good time to charge the camera batteries if the generator is on.

The camp has eight tents in all, each with twin beds, solar lighting, shelves for your clothes and a separate en suite bush shower and small bathroom with sink and eco friendly "night" toilet at the rear. You can roll down the canvas so that three sides of your tent are open and let the breeze blow through while enjoying the sounds of bush life outside. Ishasha really is in the middle on nowhere and you cannot hear any traffic and hardly get a mobile phone signal. The camp does not try to be ostentatious (there is no wireless internet, no spa, no air conditioning, no pool, no spa treatment and no fine wine cellar.) but is comfortable and practical.

The rooms are not lavishly decorated in grand campaign 1920's style or classic safari camp antiques but you have all the comforts you require - hot showers, hot and cold water next to the wash basin and bottled water to wash you teeth with and ample privacy between tents. The tents do not have thatched coverings but instead use the natural shade of the trees and blend in with the environment. I particularly like the flushing "day" toilet which is away from the river and is open to the view of forest. You cannot beat a loo with a view and if you are a birder I recommend you take your binoculars to view the hornbills as they swoop between trees as well as all the other bird species in the trees.

Late afternoon we went for another game drive, first to the Kob lek (breeding ground) which was covered in dancing Crested Cranes, Warthogs as well as the Kobs and enjoyed a gin and tonic, beers, nuts and popcorn while the light faded before retuning for an early dinner. Dinner is a four course candle lit affair. A starter, soup, main and dessert. The soups were excellent - cucumber, tomato and basil, pumpkin and sweet potato, varied main courses each night - chicken, fish or beef with crunchy vegetables which included broccoli and cauliflower (a rarity in the bush), and one night an incredibly rich chocolate dessert. The food in unpretentious, as are the wines but tasty. After dinner we sat around the fire for coffee before retiring early to bed after an awesome day with nature.

We were unlucky on our drive to the Lake George flats not to see the Shoebill Stork but overall considering it was the rainy season had an incredible time, we did see the splendid Saddle-bill Stork and one morning saw more than 200 Elephant - some with massive tusks, found a lion kill, and saw some amazing bird life, especially all types of raptors including an Amur Falcon. There is something magical about game viewing in Uganda, especially Ishasha. They are such few other tourists that when you see game it is very much in an unspoilt environment. There is no hissing radio in your car and twenty other vehicles viewing the leopard. Not everyone sees the famous tree lions, but that's what makes it even more special if you do.

Ishasha Wildness camp is the only camp to stay at in Ishasha unless you camp at the campsite near the park headquarters. The camp is eco friendly and works with the Kazinga-Bukorwe Community Trust which offers tourists alternatives to game drives like how the local community is undertaking issues such as crop raiding elephants. It is a long ten hour drive to get there but once you get there it is well worth it especially if you are on your way to or from Gorilla viewing. Forget your phone and internet - get back to nature and go and spend a couple of nights in this amazing corner of Africa-so magnificent!

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New Laser Tag Game at Skirmish Paintball Games

Skirmish Paintball Games are pleased to announce the introduction of Skirmish Laser Tag Guns at seven of their sites across the country. Skirmish Exeter, Skirmish Northampton, Skirmish Norwich, Skirmish Norfolk, Skirmish Essex, Skirmish Lasham and Skirmish Brighouse all now offer the new Laser Tag game which draws similarities from the game of tag and also of course, paintball.

The game is suitable for everyone over the age of eight and is a totally safe game using infra-red technology. Games are played in woodland (like paintball) for authentic skirmish action and a great outdoor experience. Players are given camouflage clothing and equipment with built in sensors that can detect the infra-red beam and are incredibly accurate to a range of 100+ metres. The equipment used is some of the most hi-tech equipment available to the laser tag market. The games available range from team and solo missions, elimination games to speciality games.

Some Skirmish sites can even bring Laser Tag to you! If you have an appropriate piece of land it can be arranged for all of the equipment to be transported to you for a truly memorable experience.

For more information about Skirmish Laser Tag or Skirmish Paintball Games please log on to http://www.playskirmish.co.uk to find the contact details of your nearest site. Alternatively, call 0870 22 55 639 for more information.

Skirmish Paintball Games are one of the UK's largest paintball park operators and have a network of paintball parks across the UK. Founded in 1984, Skirmish Paintball has been providing exciting and rewarding days out for groups, individuals and corporate customers for over twenty years. With an emphasis on customer service and site safety, Skirmish Paintball has become one of the UK's most respected paintball site operators.

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