It’s that time of year again: Snow’s on the ground, Christmas is coming … and you’ve got no idea what to buy for the outdoors enthusiast in your life.
I’m sorry to hear that.
But I’m here to help.
I know that when you look around in the basement and see nothing but piles of outdoor gear, gadgets and gizmos, it can be a bit overwhelming.
You may even ask yourself these common age-old questions: A) What else can this crazy man (or woman) need? and B) Doesn’t he (or she) already have everything?
The answers, generally, are pretty simple: A) Nothing, really; and B) No. Not even close.
This morning, I won’t talk about figuring out which new shotgun your partner really needs. I won’t tell you which fish finder would work better than the others, or why a particular piece of waterproof clothing would make the perfect gift.
I will, however, give you a few tips that might even keep your favorite hunter, angler or outdoor nut inside for a change.
I know. Sacrilege.
But it’s true: Many of us are suckers for a good book about the outdoors. Or a good DVD. Or both. And though we’ll never tell you as much, there are times, when it’s cold and blowing and wet or snowy, when we’d just as soon stay at home, curl up in front of the fire, and dream about the outdoors.
Luckily, there are plenty of locally-produced books and DVDs that can make that possible.
Let’s start with my favorite book of the year: Randy Spencer’s “Where Cool Waters Flow, Four Seasons with a Master Maine Guide.” Spencer will be at Van Raymond Outfitters in Brewer from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday and would be happy to sign copies for you or the gift recipient.
I’ve already written plenty about Spencer’s book, and won’t repeat myself here, except to offer this advice: Buy it. Buy two. Or three. You won’t be disappointed … and neither will the people you give it to.
Also at Van Raymond’s on Saturday: V. Paul Reynolds, who will be signing his “A Maine Deer Hunter’s Logbook,” and Bob Leeman, author of “Fly Fishing Maine Rivers, Brooks and Streams.”
The Maine Department of Conservation also has a number of holiday suggestions, including books and DVDs that it has produced.
Here’s a quick rundown: Tom Hanrahan’s book, “Your Maine Lands, Reflections of a Maine Guide,” is available for $12, including tax and shipping.
The book is a collection of essays that will take the reader from one corner of the state to the other and demonstrate the kinds of adventures Maine’s taxpayers can enjoy on land that they already own.
“Forest Trees of Maine, Centennial Edition, 1908-2008” is available for $15 in book or CD form. The improved, revamped classic is a perfect stocking stuffer and even veteran hikers will find a spot in stuffed backpacks for this informative book.
If your outdoors enthusiast leans toward the scientific, you may want to consider “Maine’s Fossil Record, The Paleozoic,” by Lisa Churchill-Dickson. The hardcover costs $40 plus $2 sales tax, and the soft cover is $30 plus $1.50 sales tax.
The book is a whopper: 500 pages billed as “the most comprehensive treatise on Maine’s bedrock fossils ever published.”
And if the Allagash plays a role in your family’s life, you may want to purchase “Northrunner: The Allagash Wilderness Waterway.”
Northrunner has been featured on public television and celebrates the beauty of the one of the state’s most cherished wilderness areas.
The DVD is available for $16.50, which includes shipping and tax.
All of the DOC offerings can be purchased by making out checks to Treasurer, State of Maine, and sending them to Gail Ross, Maine Department of Conservation, 22 State House Station, Augusta, 04333-0022.
For more information on those DOC publications, call 287-5266.
Fly tying classes scheduled
If your outdoors enthusiast isn’t much of a reader and is more of a hands-on person, I’ve got a holiday gift suggestion that may fill the bill.
Each year the Penobscot Fly Fishers hold a beginners fly-tying class that are perfect for those who’ve always wanted to give the activity a try.
The class will meet at 6 p.m. each Thursday (beginning Jan. 7) for eight weeks, and the fee is just $30. The sessions will be held at the Bangor Parks and Recreation building on Main Street.
Participants will be able to use the PFF’s gear and fly tying materials, and will learn basic techniques that could form the foundation for a lifelong hobby.
I’m a proud graduate of the course, and can tell you that the PFF instructors are all patient, knowledgeable tiers who are eager to teach others what they know.
If you’re interested, you ought to act fast; class size is limited.
For more information, call Joe Beaulieu at 991-9586 or e-mail him at jbeaulieume@gmail.com.
