Baltimore: Day One

Just a few minutes after midnight the alarm began to remind me of the trip, it made no sense to get a hotel room in Portland because a couple hours of sleep would result either way.  Jab and I chose to save the money, get to bed early, and drive the four hours to the airport for our fight to Baltimore at 6 a.m.

I remember this as a kid, 7/12 is also my wedding anniversary

Big bones at the Maryland Science Center

By 8 o'clock we were already on the light rail and on our way for Camden Yards, the home of the American League East leading Orioles.  Jab's wife and I had tried to schedule a trip around our Red Sox but a mid-week series offered no possibilities especially considering the constraints due to work, little league T-Ball & Farm League, and other things.  For that, we were going to see a weekend battle between two teams that were tied for the best record in the American League.  The Tampa Bay Rays were in town for a three game series and we had already locked in the mayor's seats behind home plate as a result of an auction Jab's father in law had won.  For the next game, we'd figure things out.

Once in the heart of Baltimore, we immediately started crossing off our things to see list that included the American Visionary Art Museum, Maryland Science Center, lunch at Camden Yards, and a strong two hour nap before the game.  With batting practice to watch, we crossed the street from the hotel and made way for left field to see if we could track a baseball down.

My favorite part of the Science Museum

 The seats nor the game did not disappoint.  Situated just a few rows back and just holding home plate to our right, we had a clear unimpeded view of the field.  I was however amazed by the crowd who would not fill the stadium to capacity until around the fifth inning.  Usually at Fenway, everybody is there early.  Maybe it's because of the price of tickets, who am I to investigate the reasoning behind the Orioles fans.  Nevertheless, the game proved excellent as Nick Johnson slammed a two-run home run in the seventh inning to complete a comeback over the Rays and assert the Orioles a first place spot in the American League East.  Nick Markakis and Adam Jones each cranked out home runs in the winning effort.  Aside of the variety of home runs, my favorite part of the game was the one two punch of Pedro Strop and Jim Johnson who shut the door on the Rays.  Strop even brought one in at 97 mph, throwing that hard is something that certainly is a god given gift.  We retired for the evening and looked forward to the decoy museum and another ball game when we awoke.

Great view, great ball game...

Here's a quick video highlighting one of the Rays sluggers during batting practice and the last at bat of the game when Jim Johnson earning his 10th save of the season.

Galco Dual Action Outdoorsman Holster for Ruger Super Redhawk

The Galco Dual Action Outdoorsman holster for my Ruger Super Redhawk

Last summer, I decided to pull the trigger on the purchase of a handgun that continually mocked my better conscience (Click HERE).  So often with this Super Redhawk made by Sturm, Ruger & Company, a conflict existed between the necessity of ownership and the forfeiture of money that could easily have been allocated elsewhere.  Nevertheless, in the midst of a profitable lobster fishing season I closed my eyes, said yes, and waited for the call from my dealer.  In due time, my stainless friend found me and we went home.

Not once have I regretted the purchase and often have I enjoyed handling this revolver.  However, the quality plastic case provided with the Redhawk does not easily accommodate the joys of carrying such a nice weapon.  Finally, I opted to embark on the almighty Google search and see what possibilities were out there.

I found exactly what I needed...

The Dual Action Outdoorsman holster by Galco specially crafted for the 7.5 inch .44 Magnum Super Redhawk became my choice.  Built out of saddle leather, this holster uses a nifty retention strap that utilizes a large plastic tab to help snap the handgun in place.  If needed, there are tension screws to tweak the holster to meet your desired fit.

When I first received the holster, I found the fit somewhat similar to O.J. Simpson trying to slide a glove on during a murder trial.  After doing what I do best and trying something out before reading the manual, I discovered that one must slowly break in the holster and allow the gun to settle in over time.  After an hour or so of repeated draws and deliberate adjusting, a measured fit resulted.

Now if I want to carry whenever or wherever, I'll just strap the Super Redhawk to my hip and be on my merry way.  The DAO holster by Galco certainly earns the Downeast Duck Hunter seal of approved.  Now I just need to buy a belt that matches the holster. 

I purchased the DAO holster specially produced for the Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 magnum from Amazon.com for $55.13 (marked down from $99) and in no way, shape, or form have any commercial ties to Galco other than being a satisfied customer.

Pack Basket Making

For the longest time, I've wanted to make a pack basket.  With some good fortune, organization, and hard work that dream became a reality this week as I now proudly own two smaller pack baskets ready for my little ice fishing beauties.  The taller one was my own effort whereas the shorter made by a student.  Let's get to the story...

Ray Reitze

I learned of a traditional pack basket course offered by the Cobscook Community Learning Center in Trescott, Maine (next stop Lubec the easternmost town in the U.S.A.) and inquired about the opportunity to attend.  After a few emails, I rounded up six people to attend the seminar but scheduling became difficult on the center's end.  Rather than throw in the towel, we began to discuss the possibility of bringing the seminar a bit west to my regional high school.  This is where things exploded into a full blown course!

With some scholarships available for my students and partial funding by the local boosters club, 13 high school students signed up for the day long course with Ray Reitze, a Master Maine Guide and expert in many traditional activities.  For us, the opportunity to make a trapper's basket woven with reeds freehand and no mold became a reality.

The school library became a pack basket making factory

You might remember this guy for his guest post... click HERE

We began at 8:00 a.m. and after six plus hours of measuring, aligning, weaving, and setting, most baskets were completed.  Those students who were dismissed early for the softball/baseball games had the opportunity to finish the very next day as I took the time to fully understand the process.  In reflection, I'm impressed and pleased with the total effort involved from all parties.  I'd like to thank Ray and Nancy Reitze for sharing their talents, Carrie Callahan of the CCLC for bringing the workshop to our region, and the students for their endurance and appreciation of our completed traditional pack basket.

For information about the Cobscook Community Learning Center please click HERE.

To learn more about Ray Reitze, the Old Turtle, please click HERE.

For a link to the variety of courses offered by the CCLC please click HERE.

I look forward to attending more workshops as they become available and can't wait to make a larger ice fishing basket.  Learning never stops and I'm thankful to try my hand as this wonderful craft.

The Duckman takes on Baltimore!!!

www.decoymuseum.com

 

Adam Jones is the man

I'm back after a truly awesome and exhausting 2 day stint down to the great city of Baltimore, Maryland which I witnessed two more victories for the American League leading Orioles and visited Harve de Grace on the duck hunting historical juggernaut, Susquehanna Flats.

Here's a few photos of the trip, and I'll somehow try to find the time to put up a couple of posts including the most impressive duck hunting educational experience I've ever encountered in my life.  After witnessing the Decoy Museum, I want to start my own... downeast style...

But for now, I've got 6 T-Ball and Farm League games to coach this week and a school year to start winding down.

Have a great day,

The Downeast Duck Hunter

My kind of duck boat

I could shoulder this no problem!

Where in the world is the Duckman?

Tis the Duckman was invited...


I couldn't refuse, now I am excited...

Tis this is my seat for the evening game...

The view is terrible... just a shame...

Right now I'm in???  Answer please...