I was born in the Appalachian mountains in a blizzard in the early '40's, or so my dad told me. I have always been an outdoors type of person, I rode with my dad in a kayak when I was 9, and have been canoeing and kayaking ever since. I have done little of monumental value but I have friends who have and I cherish their friendship now and for always. Some of them have inspired me to keep my love and deep respect for the outdoors alive and strong throughout my life. Now in my "golden years", I s…