BY SCOTT HADDOW
For many Wild Northerners, the summer awakens the outdoors beast in them like no other season.
This call from inside has been rumbling for months. The spring season does nothing to settle it down - if anything it does nothing but get the beast more fired up.
When the warm days and nights finally take hold, this beast is unleashed. Summer vacations from work careers are the undeniable reason behind it. The summer season is when a lot of people take time away from the BS of the grind in the concrete jungle and firmly reconnect with nature.
I have always seen summer as the season to push for new boundaries and explore further than you could imagine in the wilderness. I have been this way since I was kid.
My outdoors beast loves canoeing, fishing and camping. I love doing these activities with family and friends. There is so much more to love about the outdoors in the summer as well, and I enjoy everything I can. We all do.
One of my favourite summer season experiences I love is weathering a big storm. If you go out camping a lot, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s that moment when the wind picks up and feels cold against your skin. The clouds darken in the distance. You make darn sure your tarp is secure. Then you sit back and enjoy the show. In terms of pure outdoors awesomeness, it’s hard to top a violent thunder and lightning storm. Watching and feeling it bear down on your campsite is thrilling and sometimes a tad terrifying.
The sounds and sights of the storm seem so much more amplified when there is nothing made of steel and concrete protecting you, especially if you’re caught in one on a big lake. No one in this moment does anything else but watch. You can’t help it.
I also love those dog days of summer and sitting back on a shoreline and slowing things down. I love to learn new things and teach. These kinds of days are perfect for this setting. Last summer, my youngest kid wanted to learn how to unhook and hold a bass. We spent a few hours catching bass from the shoreline on a small lake and she indeed learned how to handle bass and release fish in a respectful manner.
I hope all the people in Wild Northerner nation have some time put away to enjoy the summer. It is time to releases those beasts.
It’s time to celebrate!
This summer issue represents our first anniversary. I am happy so many people have joined in on this journey. It’s easily one of the most exciting things I have ever been a part of in my life. The magazine is growing and gaining a strong following. The WNM has had plenty of help from amazing friends who have provided content to help this baby take flight. I can not express how grateful I am for the help and support. I look forward to the next year of fun and new adventures with all of you in northern Ontario.
Thank you,
Scott
Publisher's Note