Umpqua Adventures: August 2008

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Running/4 • Hiking/6 • Golf/9 • Gear Geek/11 Casting a fly Fly fishing on the Umpqua River system is an Fly fishing on the Umpqua River system is an invigorating and enjoyable pastime for many — Inside invigorating and enjoyable pastime for many — Inside August 2008 • A publication of The News-Review Page 2, The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures Roseburg Oregon–Friday, August 15, 2008 North Umpqua River hooks fly fishermen Editor’s Note: Joe Howell, 61, has been a fly angler for 50 years after being given a fly tying kit at age 11. He’s been the owner of the Blue Heron Fly Shop in Idleyld Park since 1983. Howell shares his thoughts on fly fishing the North Umpqua River in the following article. JOE HOWELL as told to Craig Reed For The News-Review he North Umpqua River has been a world-class river for fly fishermen angling for summer steelhead. People come specifically to fish this river. There are always several who come from different countries every year to fly fish the North Umpqua. Back in the 1940s and ’50s, writers were saying the Deschutes, the Klamath and the Rogue were the beginner rivers compared to the North Umpqua. This river was the finishing school for fly anglers. There are a lot easier places to start. With this river you have to learn the spots where the fish are more likely to be than with other rivers. There are scarcely two pools alike on this river. A fisherman casts his line while fly fishing for summer steelhead on the North Umpqua River east of Glide earlier this month. The river attracts fly anglers from all over the United States as well as from some foreign countries. ROBIN LOZNAK The NewsReview T You’re ready for the outdoors NOW get your best friend ready! We have everything you could want for all of your pet needs MINI PET MART “Your Pet’s Favorite Store - Paws Down” OPEN 7 DAYS - Mon-Sat 9-7 - Sun 10-6 2820 NE STEPHENS ST. • ROSEBURG 957-8130 Additional Oregon Locations Hip boots are not recommended because For the first-time fisherman, fish the taiif you step in over your boot or you slip, louts. Anytime a fish has to go through they’ll fill and pull you under. heavy rapids, they tend to hold above Seven-, eight- or nine-weight rods are those in the tailouts. Generally you’ll find recommended, and single-handed rods that steelhead there. are 9 to 10 feet in length. Spey rods (take Wading in the North Umpqua is more two hands) are becoming more popular. difficult than in most other rivers because They’re 12 to 14 feet in length. of the bedrock and the rock shelfs and the You need a reel with a capacity for the deep channels. The rocks have a coating of algae that makes them very slick. You’ll be fly line and at least 100 yards of 20- to 30pound backing OK as long as line. you have the Fly sizes for right wading fishing summer gear with studsteelhead are 6 ded boots, and to 12. Black, for some who purple, gray, are getting brown and older, a wading orange or a staff is recomcombination of mended. It those colors gives you stawork well. bility going Some of the through heavy popular patwater. Some“I’ve fished 18 to 20 rivers over the years, terns are times channels and I don’t believe any river is more beauti- skunk, green and deep water ful than this one (the North Umpqua).” butt skunk, silseparate you ver hilton, tiger from the main o — Joe Howell paw, purple flow. peril and mudWaders are dler minnow. advisable until the weather turns hot; then The best place to fish for summer steelwade wet with boots. Normally you do head is water that is 4 to 8 feet deep and need chest-high waders. Some places you flowing roughly 3 to 5 miles per hour. go above your waist. With a wader felt, if you slip and fall, water might leak in, but it won’t gush in. Turn to FLY FISHING, page 7 Friday, August 15, 2008– Roseburg Oregon The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures, Page 3 Hunters can warm up to birds Quail, grouse, turkeys in county draw the most interest from fall sportsmen CRAIG REED The News-Review If you like warm weather hunting, the fall quail, grouse and turkey hunting seasons in Douglas County offer plenty of opportunities. These are the more popular upland game birds in this area. The quail and grouse season is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Jan. 31. The general fall turkey season will be from Oct. 15 to Dec. 31. “Big game species (deer, elk and bear) are more popular than upland game birds, but a lot of hunters look for different species at the same time,” said Terry Farrell, a wildlife biologist at the Roseburg office of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Photo courtesy of Albert Lavallee/National Wild Turkey Federation These birds are generally pursued by shotgun hunters, said Far- The general fall hunting season for Rio Grande turkeys opens in mid-October. rell, although some archers hunt for turkeys with bow and arrow. es, farms and livestock, but also on the feet. They like flat creek bottoms, but can Although complete counts aren’t tabualso be found on ridges and saddles and in edges of residential neighborhoods. lated yet, Farrell explained that indications alder and ash thickets. Blue grouse tend to Other bird hunting seasons include are that quail numbers look to be similar band-tailed pigeon Sept. 15 to 23, morning be associated with older forests at high to last year, but blue and ruffed grouse dove season Sept. 1 to 30 and early goose elevations. numbers look to be down a little because season Sept. 6 to 15. The general water“The best chance at blue grouse is early of the long rainy season earlier this year in the season because after the first couple fowl season is scheduled to begin Oct. 11. that proved fatal to chicks. Young hunters interested in bird hunting of weeks, the adult males go higher in fir California or valley quail tend to be can take advantage of hunting areas trees and are out of range,” Farrell said. associated with rural gravel roads, blackreserved for them. Those include Denman By the time the general fall turkey seaberry patches and creek bottoms. MounWildlife Area north of Medford, Fern son opens in mid-October, most of those tain quail are mainly found in brushy Ridge Wildlife Area west of Eugene, E.E. birds are at lower elevations. Farrell said clearcuts, other brushy areas or on gravel Wilson Wildlife Area north of Corvallis that turkey production earlier this year roads with brush on either side. It’s best to was down due to late rains, but “there’s and Sauvie Island Wildlife Area north of hunt quail in the early morning or late Portland. still an ample amount of turkeys for huntafternoon. The Oregon Department of Fish and ing.” Ruffed grouse can be found at elevaTurkeys prefer savannah and oak savan- Wildlife game bird regulations should be tions of 1,000 feet up to 5,000 to 6,000 nah areas, usually in the vicinity of ranch- available at licensed vendors. Commission adopts bird regulations SALEM — Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission last week adopted 2008-09 regulations for birds hunted in Oregon including migratory birds (duck, goose, mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon, coot, snipe) upland birds (pheasant, forest grouse, chukar, pheasant, California quail, mountain quail, sage grouse, turkey) and crows. Most upland bird seasons operate under a five-year framework so hunters won’t see many changes this year. However, fall turkey hunting opportunities will expand in northeast Oregon, with 200 more tags available this year and two new hunts added (Wallowa and Grande Ronde). “Turkey populations have increased in recent years in the Blue Mountains and other areas of northeast Oregon,” explained Dave Budeau, ODFW upland bird coordinator. “It’s a great place to hunt turkeys because many can be found on public land.” Beginning next season (2009-2010), pheasant hunting will open the same weekend as chukar and quail in eastern Oregon. “Chukar and quail are some of the most popular game birds to hunt in Oregon, and pheasants are also a favorite,” said Budeau. “We want to ease the burden of high fuel prices and make it possible for hunters to pursue all in the same trip.” Budeau expects better upland bird hunting this year: “The hunting outlook generally looks to be improved over last year because of increased moisture, which promoted better habitat conditions.” To read the bird regulations, visit the ODFW’s Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us. Come try our famous Cranberry Wine & New Sparkling Cranberry Champagne! Sweet Blackberry, Dry Blackberry, StrawberryRhubarb, as well as grape varietals! Umpqua Adventures Published by The News-Review 345 N.E. Winchester St. Roseburg, OR 97470 Phone: (541) 672-3321 Features Editor: Craig Reed Layout and design: Lacey Hoyer News-Review editor: Vicki Menard Advertising director: Pat Bridges To submit stories, photos or columns for this publication, e-mail Craig Reed at creed@nrtoday.com or call him at 9574210. To advertise in this publication, contact The News-Review advertising department by calling 672-3321. All contents copyrighted and may not be reproduced without consent of The News-Review. Umpqua Adventures is a monthly publication. It is also online at www.nrtoday.com ON THE COVER: News-Review photographer Robin Loznak took the photo of James Riordan of Bend fly fishing for summer steelhead on the North Umpqua River east of Glide. Old Bridge Winery Free Wine Tasting & Food Annual BBQ Sept. 20, 2008 12pm-5pm Call for reservations Located in Remote off of Highway 42, between Myrtle Point and Roseburg. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, Tasting Room open May 1 through December 31 or by appointment. Old Bridge Winery 541.572.0272 George and Angie Clarno 50706 Sandy Creek Rd. Remote, Oregon, 97459 Page 4, The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures Roseburg Oregon–Friday, August 15, 2008 Get off the road, run the N. Umpqua trail Editor’s Note: Kristen Ball, 44, of Roseburg has been a runner for 15 years and has run frequently on the North Umpqua Trail east of Glide for the past couple of years. She shares her thoughts about running the trail in the following article. KRISTEN BALL as told to Craig Reed For The News-Review unning the North Umpqua Trail gets you off the road. It’s a little easier on your body, your legs, compared to pounding the asphalt, which can be hard to take after a while. The trail is just softer for running. But in some ways it’s harder to run because you have to pay attention to where your feet are going to land. You have to pay attention to stepping over rocks and roots and anything else in the trail. Ball Actually your legs end up being stronger overall after running on trails because you have to work them harder to avoid things in the trail, compared to just running straight ahead on a road. In general you probably run with a shorter stride. That us an hour and 45 minutes. The scenery is great, but it is hard to look around and run at the same time without stumbling. When you come to a really pretty spot, you just have to stop and look. That’s the safe way. When you do look up from the trail, you have to check back with the trail pretty often. There are sections that are rocky, but we’ve had only one person hurt an ankle so far this year. It’s just a matter of being careful. You can’t mind getting muddy and dirty to run the trail. There’s a lot of water that goes across the trail on the Dread and Terror segment, so your feet get wet. And last year almost every time out somebody got stung. And there’s also poison oak with which to deal. We call the mosquitoes killer hummingbirds. They get us going again when we stop. We haven’t seen any bears or cougars, thank goodness. We usually travel as a group, and I think we’re pretty noisy. One time we saw a newborn fawn right off the edge of the trail. We didn’t see the mother. We just ran on. Running a trail is different. There are a few of us who are addicted to it. I’m one of them. It’s worth all the little problems with which you might have to deal. R News-Review file photo Roseburg’s Eric Ball crosses the bridge over Medicine Creek while running on the North Umpqua Trail. makes it easier to correct yourself if you’re about to land on something. When we run the trail, we try to take two cars and leave one at each end of the segment we’re going to run. We usually run west (more downhill). We just did the Dread and Terror segment. I’d have to say that is my favorite segment. It’s 13 miles, but it’s a long way up there. It takes longer to run the same amount of miles on the trail as on a road. It took 2 1/2 hours for that Dread and Terror segment, and on a road that would have taken Runner is a role model to her middle school students BRIDGET WIESE For The News-Review Depending on the “run”/ “race” I alter the time of day that I run. When I was training for the Eugene Marathon, because of time I was running with friends at 4:45 a.m. and we were running about three to four times during the week 3.5 to 4 miles, and 6 to 8 miles on Sunday. I have lost 20 pounds because of my running and doing Weight Watchers. I shaved 8 minutes off my time in the 2008 Eugene Marathon from the 2007 run. I have continued running since the marathon and have been running about 3 or 4 in the afternoon in the heat because I do not know when I’ll be running during this relay (Diamond Lake to Bend last weekend). I know that the altitude is going to be an issue during this run. I also lift weights two to three days a week. We stretch out before and after we run. Running in town and out of town can be a challenge because drivers do not watch for you or pay attention. I have to be careful at crosswalks even when I have the go light. Drivers do not pay attention! I am 45 years old and have increased my runs. I started running when I was 20 and have progressively done more events. I am a teacher at Fremont Middle School and when I run kids/parents will honk and wave when they see me. I feel I have been/am an inspiration to kids ... they see me out exercising and being physical and hopefully will encourage them to become active. I will tell kids ... I am older and run so you can do this! Wiese COME MEET and Film our 2008 Black Panther, African Lion and Siberian Lynx Cubs! “America’s Largest Wild Animal Petting Park” West Coast GAME PARK The Original Walk-Thru Safari You can’t get closer than meeting and interacting with hundreds of free roaming wildlife from around the world. Over 450 exotic animals, 75 species. 7 Miles South of Bandon on Hwy 101 541-347-3106 • www.gameparksafari.com Page 6, The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures Roseburg Oregon–Friday, August 15, 2008 Hike memorable for wrong reasons I are lobbyists at a political convention. If mosquitoes were stars, Muir Creek is the Andromeda Galaxy. The swarm was so thick t seemed like a good idea at the time. We as to be of almost infinite density. Incidentalhad just purchased some new backly, the only other places in which infinite denpacks, an event that constitutes Christsity is known to occur are in black holes and mas in July for the O’Neill household. in the White House. I cannot overstate the Of course, we had to try them out right away. astonishing amount of the little bloodsuckers Muir Creek, located northwest of Crater descending in thick clouds toward the Chez Lake, was the chosen destination and wife O’Neill eatery; just call us brunch! Dollie and I planned on sneaking in a 15And thus we began to be painfully exsanmile trip on the Fourth of July weekend. guinated, one mosquito bellyful at a time. But you know what they say about the We hurriedly dropped our packs and frantibest laid plans going awry, and this little ven- cally rummaged through them for the one ture would indeed be memorable for the and only existing bottle of insect repellent. wrong reasons. Panicked, our survival instincts kicked in, and The hike began pleasantly enough; there some serious clawing, scratching and eyewas a slight breeze to keep things comfortgouging ensued in an effort to be the first to ably cool and more slather on some repellent. Executing a fullimportant, it kept Nelson choke the California wildhold, I prevailed, fire smoke in Caliand those welts on fornia. The sky was Dollie looked like blue as a result and they must have small puffy clouds really itched! formed and reWe laid on Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club what should have formed as clouds are wont to do. In been enough short order, after a repellent. But as it turned out, we had brought short ascent, we arrived at a cliffy viewpoint an eco-friendly organic repellent with a fruity overlooking Muir Creek and its attendant bouquet and the mosquitoes held their sides meadows. and doubled up in derisive laughter. I had to Muir Creek lay below us, sinuously windcheck the label to make sure we didn’t buy ing its way through an extensive green insect attractant by mistake, as the substance meadow with Mount Bailey looming majeswas woefully ineffective. tically over the panorama. Actually, meadow It’s really too bad, because had we not been is a misnomer as the “meadow” consisted of so preoccupied with not being an insect hor chest-high thickets of willow and other d’oeuvre, we would have really enjoyed the assorted brush. Misnomer aside, this was stunning scenery. A picturesque Muir Creek truly a vista for the ages; what possible reasnakes this way and that, joining and rejoinson could we have for not enjoying this ing itself as it twines its way through the hike? meadow expanse that measures several miles. As it turned out, there were a billion reaMidway through the meadows, the East Fork sons in the guise of miniscule winged Dracu- Muir Creek joined the main tributary in a la-spawn forming the thickest clouds of mos- spectacular cascading series of noisy waterquitoes that this author ever has had the misfalls. Wildflowers abounded, and I stopped fortune of laying his eyes upon. There were on occasion to take pictures while simultanemore of the invertebrate vampires than there ously getting bitten, of course, by the mosquiRICHARD O’NEILL For The News-Review Richard chard hikes ikes Courtesy photos by Richard O’Neill Dollie O’Neill wades through Muir Creek, the first of several fordings she had to make during a recent hike. Below: A swampy meadow-pond area provides habitat for annoying mosquitoes. toes. There were other obstacles besides the infernal invertebrates, such as a large tree that had fallen and splintered over the trail. We had to perform some serious gymnastics to get both ourselves and our packs under the fallen giant. Just beyond the downed tree, the trail disappeared under a swiftly flowing Muir Creek. It was time to wade in and perform the dreaded wet ford maneuver. Now, normally my wife Dollie is a very sweet, polite and amicable person. However, she has a thing about fording creeks and makes the “Dollie noise,” which sounds like a cross between a 1962 Corvair with a weak battery and a rusted steam whistle. This rudimentary communiqué is followed by at least a half-hour of cold, stony silence; it’s as if I put the creek there on purpose! This ford was a good one; it was above the knees. And get this: There were three more fords within a mile of the first ford! Needless to say, the distaff portion of our hiking party was not very happy, to put it mildly. The obstacles kept piling up. We began running into slushy snow drifts. As we went on, the drifts came faster and deeper and the trail was getting to be pretty sketchy. Any visible trail tread was muddy and waterlogged. I got stung by nettles and slipped off of a log, landing ignobly in a fetid bog. And of course, the mosquitoes, always mosquitoes. By this time, we were working on our fourth generation of mosquito bites and we had reached a state of terminal itching, which means we were at maximum itch. It was not humanly possible to become any itchier than we already were. When we arrived at a thigh- Always new and exciting dishes deep fifth ford, we looked at each other and, without saying a word, turned around, defeated, and headed back toward the trailhead and a mosquito-free world. It goes to show that no matter how well one plans or how experienced one is, there are times that Mother Nature is going to win out. So, this hike turned out to be a long day lugging heavy backpacks. In the end, Muir Creek was conceded to the mosquitoes. The concession is only temporary, though; by late summer the mosquitoes will have disappeared, thanks to a short life span, and this trail will be spectacular and enjoyable. My recommendation is to hike this trail after mid-August. Except for my in-laws, to whom I recommend it best be hiked in early July! Richard O’Neill is a member of The Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club. Club members make frequent hikes, usually within a couple hours drive of Roseburg. For more information, see www.friendsoftheumpqua.org. for the quality you have come to expect 229-MARK (229-6275) Vis u it o r gaming r 563 SE Main Corner of Oak & Main oom ! Friday, August 15, 2008– Roseburg Oregon The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures, Page 7 Fly anglers reminded to wash gear to help protect waterways from invasive plants, animals MIKEAL JONES For The News-Review Non-native plants and animals are invading and harming many waterways in the Pacific Northwest. They can alter and degrade habitats and out-compete native plants and animals. They pose threats to rivers and lakes, anglers and the economy. There are invasive New Zealand mud snails in the Deschutes River and lower Umpqua, and if introduced to the North ROBIN LOZNAK/The News-Review and South Umpqua rivers, they will Photo illustration scour the beds of algae and food needed New Zealand mud snails are pictured on a summer steelhead recently on the North by aquatic insects and fish. penny to show their small size. The snails You can help to protect the North and can easily be transferred from one body of South Umpqua, Diamond Lake and water to another because they are so small. water bodies all across the Umpqua Pay attention to ropes, anchors, wheels and from invasive aquatic animals and plants all the niches, crevices and folds that that have destroyed fish, insects and the always get dirty. New Zealand mud snails food on which they depend in waters can look like grains of sand and invasive across the country. mussels feel like sandpaper when they the evening from 5 or 6 until dark. If you Non-native and invasive New Zealand attach to equipment left wet or in the fish during the day, fish in the shade. You mud snails, zebra mussels and Quagga water. Be sure to drain all water from comcan fish as long as you can see to tie a fly, mussels (as well as other aquatic plants partments, ballast and bilge. but if it’s too dark to walk out, you’ve and animals) have become established in As soon as fresh water is available, flood probably fished too long. rivers and lakes of nearby states, and mud and scrub your equipment. If you can’t let It’s all catch and release on wild steelsnails are now in Oregon. Some of our your equipment dry for two to six days head on the North Umpqua. There are lakes have Eurasian Milfoil and invasive before traveling to the next water body, some hatchery fish that stray upriver above pond weeds. They can foul motors, plug wash with 140-degree water or disinfect Rock Creek and those can be kept when pipes and ruin fishing. with 409 cleaner. Self-service car washes caught. Most of the hatchery fish that are Preventing the introduction of invasive in the fly water area tend to be well below species is much more effective and cheaper with hot, soapy water are available in Steamboat. than trying to eradicate them once they are many cities. Thank you for keeping our rivers and This summer the fishing has been spotty. established. Be sure your boots, waders streams on the Umpqua National Forest I say the best way to fish these fish is to and rafts, wet suits, ropes, anchors and all clear, clean and healthy. With your help, hunt them. Cover as much water as your other water gear is clean before you leave we can avoid launching uncleaned boats energy allows and look for aggressive one water body, and before you wade or and using fishing gear from infested grabbing fish rather than fishing the same launch in the next one. hole for three hours straight. How do I clean my craft and equipment? waters. I’ve fished 18 to 20 rivers over the years, First, wash all sand, debris and vegetaand I don’t believe any river is more beau- tion off rafts, trailers, boats and personal Mikeal Jones is a hydrologist for the tiful than this one. Umpqua National Forest. equipment as you take it out of the water. A fisherman casts while fly fishing for Umpqua River east of Glide. Fly fishing: Early and late in the day are best times to hook a steelhead Continued from page 2 That’s a good brisk walk. Those are good conditions for fish to hold in. Your fly should either be the speed of the current or slower. A wet fly can float from just under the surface to the bottom. A dry fly is on the surface. Most people work pretty hard for one fish a day on the North Umpqua. One gentleman came in the other day and he hadn’t caught a fish for a few days, but then caught three in one morning. Just like people, some of these fish have more energy than others. Some fish never jump at all, but I’ve also had fish that jump 10 or 11 times. That’s unusual. Two to three jumps per fish is about average. The best time to fish is early morning from daybreak to about 9 or 10 and later in For all of your occasions CARDS • GIFTS • GIFT WRAP KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS MEMORY KEEPING • STATIONERY 3rd AL NU AN Coos Elderly Services Golf Tournament August 24th• Noon Coos Country Club Golf Scramble $75 per player • $300 per team Donations & Sponsors Welcome! Jan’s Hallmark Roseburg Valley Mall • 672-5038 Grants Pass Shopping Center • 541-476-7880 For more information, contact Gail Freeman at (541) 756-0713, or Coos Elderly Services at (541) 756-1202 Coos Elderly Services is a 501(c) (3) non-profit agency. All donations are tax deductible. Page 8, The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures, Roseburg Oregon–Friday, August 15, 2008 A Chance to Win Golf for two! at Bandon Crossings Valued at 18000 August Entry Form name _____________________________________ address ___________________________________ city/zip ___________________________________ phone ____________________________________ signature __________________________________ email ______________________________________ Please mail to: Win Your Own Umpqua Adventure c/o The News-Review P.O. Box 1248 • Roseburg, OR 97470 or drop off at 345 NE Winchester in Roseburg For your chance to win, fill out the entry form. Must be 18 years old to enter. No purchase necessary. One entry per location and one per newspaper ad, per person. Golf Course $ Entry forms also available at the following stores: JACK’S GRINDERS O R E G O N I N T E R N AT I O N A L OVEN BAKED Port of Coos Bay Yes, please contact me with saving opportunities. WINDMILL INN of ROSEBURG Friday, August 15, 2008– Roseburg Oregon The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures, Page 9 Equipment, advice, safety important for fun fly fishing GENE WALZ For the News-Review As a professional fly fishing instructor, I have a few general guidelines and tips for the beginning fly fishing sportsperson. First, you need equipment. However, you do not need to spend a lot of money to be a success. You can buy a complete kit (which includes rod, reel and line) for around $100. A 6 or 7 weight rod will do for trout, steelhead and small salmon. Second, you will need instruction. The best way to learn is to take a course. The instructor can teach and correct your mistakes. A video can be helpful but it will not correct what you are doing wrong. Fly fishing is a wonderful sport but it is not easy for the novice to learn. Often, the beginner imagines the cast is similar to “bull whipping.” The cast is really about timing, technique and coordination. It’s not about strength! I generally advise 10 hours of instruction before going in the water. Third, safety is paramount. Always wear a life vest, wading shoes, plus a wading staff. Do not practice with a fly on the line (this is potentially dangerous until you can control the cast). Wear glasses (you don’t want to damage your eyes). Keep your collar up (protection for your neck). Pinch barbs down (so they don’t catch skin and clothing). Ten Easy Tips 1. The key to casting is not to bend Play golf for entertainment, exercise, time with family ANDY SMITH For the News-Review If you like golf, but just can’t seem to find the time or enough reasons to play, please allow me to persuade you otherwise. The game of golf is worth your while! There are so many benefits to the game of golf. I think people tend to focus on the negative and forget that it is just a game. Just like croquet, tennis or any other sport you might enjoy playing, golf is simply a form of entertainment. However, there are a tremendous number of advantages that accompany the game of golf. Let’s explore a few of these and see if I can convince you to spend a little more time playing one of the greatest games around. Think you need a little exercise? If you’re like me, exercising just to exercise is “oh so boring.” But guess what? Golf is a game where you can get great exercise, and have a heck of a lot of fun doing it. Let’s take your average golf course and assume it is around 6,000 yards from tee to green. That is 18,000 feet, almost 3.5 miles. And that’s assuming you walk it in a straight line. I don’t know about you, but in addition to the 3.5 miles from tee to green, I spend a fair amount of time zigzagging my way around the course. Play a couple of 18Smith hole rounds a week, and I guarantee you will notice a difference in your endurance (and maybe your waistline)! Feel guilty when you take time away from your family to go play golf? Then bring the wife and kids with you! Think of it like a family road trip. One of the great things about traveling in a car is the oneon-one time you get to spend with each other. Well, think of golf as the same type of experience. The difference is, it is 4 to 5 Turn to GOLF, page 12 ROBIN LOZNAK/The News-Review Gene Walz has been a lifelong fly fisherman. your wrist. 2. Make short strokes to keep the loop tight. 3. Start fishing for smallmouth bass. 4. Use crawdad flies. 5. Use leech patterns. 6. Try the black Mudler Minnow Pattern. 7. Initially, try the South Umpqua River and the main Umpqua. 8. Practice two to three times a week. (Practice only 20 minutes at a time). 9. Remember, it’s not about power and strength! 10. Ideally you want smooth (not jerky) casting. Both men and women can do equally well at the sport. Good luck! Gene Walz is a life-long fly fishing enthusiast and has been a fly fishing instructor for eight years at Umpqua Community College. BUY THEM AR Varmint/Tactical Style Rifles While You Can! FALL SALMON FISHING • Rock River • Smith & Wesson • Bushmaster • Remington ck! re in Sto All a In .223, .458, & .308 Calibers Huge Supply of gear and bait 672-8342 1119 SE Fullerton, Roseburg www.flyingcloudtrading.com 435 SE Jackson • 440-3042 • Downtown Roseburg NORTHWEST OUTDOORS Page 10, The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures Roseburg Oregon–Friday, August 15, 2008 Careful with that match! Umpqua National Forest. Aerial detection with routine airplane surveillance provides eyes in the sky. Four staffed fire lookout Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor towers provide vantage points covering vast recreation, but a lightning strike or a careexpanses of the forest. Firefighters patrol the less match can set a forest ablaze. On the forests in fire engines ready to respond to Umpqua National Forest, fire calls, and last but not fire season usually begins least, forest visitors, the in June and ends in Octopublic, report wildfires. ber. “The public in the While lightning woods are our eyes and accounts for most wildears,” said Liza Castleberland fires on the Umpqua ry, Umpqua National ForNational Forest, the est Deputy Fire staff majority of human-caused member. “The public is fires result from unattendjust as important as our ed campfires. During the A monthly column of the firefighters. If you see a 2007 fire season, 54 fires Umpqua National Forest smoke or an unattended burned 22 acres, resulting campfire, report it.” in a relatively mild fire season compared to Fires on the Umpqua National Forest can 2002, a year in which 102 fires burned be reported by calling the forest dispatch at almost 90,000 acres on the Umpqua Nation- (541) 957-3325 or by dialing 911. al Forest. In addition to reporting smoke sightings, Fires are detected several ways on the your actions can help prevent wildland fires. JACOB WELSH For The News-Review Back in Ts theTrees Family That’s what we’re all about at Family Tree Medical Clinic. Come see Karen McClish. She is a board-certified nurse practitioner who welcomes patients and is available to treat the health care needs of all families, from newborns to senior citizens. Ranging from one through four, the IFPL level indicates restrictions for logging operations, power saw use and other outdoor commercial activities. An IFPL of one is precautionary, two and three indicate partial restrictions, and four restricts all operations. For the general public, firewood cutting restrictions would be in place with an IFPL of one, requiring a chain saw operator to have water, a shovel and to remain on site for 30 minutes after saw use. To learn more about the Umpqua National Forest fire danger ratings, log onto www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua/fire or contact the nearest ranger station. While signs only give you an indication of fire Courtesy photo by Douglas Forest Protection Association danger, the best way to A helicopter drops water on a fire burning along the North prevent wildland fires is to be careful when Umpqua River in August 2007. smoking outdoors and to completely extinThe first step is knowing what the fire danguish your campfire before going to bed or ger rating means. When you drive into the Umpqua Nation- departing the campsite. To properly extinguish a campfire, douse al Forest during fire season, a fire danger sign, perhaps featuring Smokey Bear, stands the fire with water and then stir the ashes on the road side. This sign will explain three with a shovel or stick. Repeat this process issues: the national forest name, the fire dan- once more, and then separate the wood ger rating, and the industrial fire precaution- keeping all burnt materials in the fire pit. The Smokey Bear Web site — ary level (IFPL). www.smokeybear.com — provides addiThe fire danger rating lists values of low, medium, high, very high and extreme. A low tional fire information including camping tips, fire science, fire prevention and interacrating means fires are not easily started and tive Web pages for kids. will not spread fast, whereas a high rating Have fun in the forest and be responsible. indicates easy fire starts and rapid fire Remember, you can prevent forest fires. growth, allowing unattended campfires to escape and become wildland fires. An Jacob Welsh, a wildland firefighter for the extreme rating means all fires are potentially Umpqua National Forest, can be reached at serious where any fire will start quickly, jacobwelsh@fs.fed.us. burn intensely and spread rapidly. Fishing Licenses Gear & Tackle Bait, Bait, Bait!! To schedule an appointment with Karen, please call Karen McClish, FNP 673-5225 462 Azalea Glen Dr. 2/10th of a mile WEST off Exit 88, 7 miles from Galesville Reservoir 10% OFF Anything in the store!!! (Does not include hunting & fishing licenses) Coupon good thru 8/31/08 We take all credit cards! 2589 NW Edenbower Blvd., Roseburg Azalea Bait & Tackle (541) 837-3553 www.azalealive.com Friday, August 15, 2008– Roseburg Oregon The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures, Page 11 Satisfying your thirst A variety of bottles and hydration packs provide options for carrying water produce just isn’t fun. ater, water, but dare not a Hydration packs are perdrop you drink. fect, however, for smoother Many of the places we run, sports like mountain bikride, hike and walk are along ing, hiking and cross counsome of the most beautiful try skiing. The key is the waterways in these United States. tube that eliminates the Unfortunately, these waters are just not need to stop and unpack safe to drink. Giardia is one of the better bottles to take a sip. The known maladies that may lurk in any local result of this ease of drinkstream or river, but there are multitudes of ing is a reduced chance of other microscopic critters just waiting to getting dehydrated. ruin your weekend, or worse. These packs are made by For safe water, you’ve got to bring it myriad manufacturers and with you. are available in sizes from Just throw a couple of bottles of water in teensey-tiny to leviathan, your bag, right? Isn’t it that easy? This and almost always offer at Gear Geek cringes at that thought. Disposleast a bit of storage room able bottles are a huge waste. Bottled water for food and an extra bit of is also really expensive, especially for the clothing. marginal quality of the water contained water storage, plenty for a longer run. The one you see at right within. Due to the popularity of these running is the Gear Geek’s favorite The Gear Geek’s best recommendation is belts in triathlons, you may be able to find to date. Not only does it to invest in some great water containers, or order them through your local bicycle hold plenty of water for a suited properly for your sports of choice. shop. The Gear Geek tends to stay away This edition of Umpqua Adventures is from hydration packs and large waist packs long day of biking or skifocusing on the fleet of foot, so I’ll start for running. The bouncing and chafing they ing, but it has plenty of ROBIN LOZNAK/News-Review photos specialized pockwith water for running. Some runA hydration pack offers the ease of getting a drink ets for food, tools, ners prefer to just hold a bottle durthrough a tube. clothing and even ing longer runs. Look for a palm Durability, ease of cleaning and watertighta camera. strap that helps hold the bottle in ness are the key factors for the Gear Geek When purchasing a hydration your hand, even when sweaty. when purchasing a bottle. A new, and pack, pay careful attention to These often times have the added slightly more controversial requirement for cleaning requirements for the bonus of a small pocket for keys, ID the Gear Geek, is that all water containers water bladder, a tip that comes and a bit of cash. must not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA), an directly from Gear Geek experiFor those who wish to take a agent commonly used in polycarbonate ence. Also pay attention to the hands off approach, many compaplastics. Some studies have shown that ventilation on the back for these nies offer a belt system with several BPA is not the best thing in the world. packs. Also consider how much very small bottles (see photo at The two examples shown here are both gear you’ll be hauling. A pack that right). These small bottles don’t BPA free, and both meet the requirements is properly filled, not over or tend to bounce around while rununder stuffed is most comfortable. outlined above. The Gear Geek commonly ning and end up being quite comFor those of you just looking for uses bottles like these to keep water at hand fortable to wear. Two- and four-botwhen a running belt or hydration pack tle systems are the most popular, Water bottle options include a belt that carries small simple water bottles, the choices might, well, seem a bit too geeky. are unlimited (see photo at left). giving a range of 16 to 40 ounces of containers, left photo, or larger bottles carried by hand. W GearByGeek Ge Evan Kruse WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS DIAL 18th Annual POLICE FIRE MEDICAL AUGUST 16 & 17 Published as a community service by Page 12, The News-Review, Umpqua Adventures Roseburg Oregon–Friday, August 15, 2008 A calendar of outdoor activities in Douglas County EDITOR’S NOTE: Submissions of outdoor recreation events and activities for the “Setting your Course” calendar in the monthly Umpqua Adventures should be sent to Features Editor Craig Reed at creed@nrtoday.com. Winston, free Celtic concert on Friday at 7 p.m. food, entertainment, Scottish products, games such as caber toss, hammer toss and more, 464-8690, www.dcscots.org. Through Aug. 17. 2692.Through Aug. 31. Setting etting etting i yourCourse ourse August Umpqua Ultimate Events, Sutherlin. Golf: Players must enforce the rules Continued from page 9 hours spent walking, talking and playing a great game together. Sounds like some real quality family time. Golf also teaches kids important values like work ethic, honor and accountability. Golf is the only game I know of where the player is responsible for enforcing the rules. Need to disconnect from the everyday grind for a little bit? Get out on the golf course and see what happens. Adults $13 Kids $9 Seniors $11 10 am - 6 pm daily Usually, you are so wrapped up in getting the ball into the hole, you forget about everything else that has been weighing on your mind. The fresh air and well-manicured surroundings offer you your own private oasis where you can tee it up and let it fly. Obviously, there are more benefits, but maybe you need to give it a shot and find your own reasons to start playing golf a little more often. Andy Smith is the golf professional at the Umpqua Golf Resort in Sutherlin. August Celtic Highland Games, Riverbend Park in 15 15 Marine Science Center, Newport, seminars, workshops, field trips and a reception. Information: Fawn Custer, (541) 8670329 or by e-mail at fawn.custer@oregonstate.edu; Phillip Johnson at (503) 238-4450 or by e-mail at shores@teleport.com.Through Aug. 17. August Sharing the Coast Conference, Hatfield Events include Olympic Triathlon, Olympic Duathlon, Sprint Triathlon, 10K Run/Walk and 5K Run/Walk. Swim course will be at Cooper Creek Reservoir, bike course will begin at the reservoir and the run will be in the Sutherlin area with the finish at the City Park. Online registration closes at midnight,Aug. 27. Mail-in registration must be received by Aug. 27. Last minute registration will be available at packet pick-up 11:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Aug. 29. Race day signup will be available only for the 5K and 10K run/walk at 6 a.m.Aug. 30 at Central Park. Information/registration: www.roguemultisport.com. 30 August Oregon bow hunting season opener for 30 31 13 4 deer and elk. and Mountain Bike Races (www.northwestchallenge.com), Diamond Lake. Through Sept. 2. August Amaranth Weekend, Diamond Lake. August Northwest Challenge, Extreme Air Dogs 10 Acres • 35 cats 17 Species 27919 Redwood Highway in Cave Junction Phone (541) 592-2957 greatcatsworldpark.com 17 Through Aug. 19. al picnic, River Forks Park, 6 p.m. Bring a potluck dish to share and beverages and place settings. August Umpqua Valley Audubon Society annu- 20 August Sept. Roseburg Rod & Gun Club Gun & Knife Show, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Sat 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $6 or 2 day pass $8, 672-2761.Through Sept. 14. 22 29 Colliding Rivers Classic Sheepdog Championship, Seven Springs Ranch, Buckhorn Road east of Roseburg, (541) 440-9513 or (541) 496-3123.Through Aug. 24. Oct. Oregon deer hunting season opener for deer for rifle hunters. opener for rifle hunters. Hunter's Bonanza, Diamond Lake Two Perfect Locations Explore Southern Oregon & we will comfort you all along the way... West, Elkton. 10 a.m. parade starts the beginning of a two-day celebration of country life. Features bass tournament, crafts, food booths, quilt/art show. Games, pie auction, tricycle races, frontier encampment, demonstration, music, butterfly life cycle, greenhouse and a historical pageant: “Echoes of the Umpqua.” 584- August Elkton Fort Umpqua Days, Highway 38 18 19 Oct. Oregon Cascade elk hunting season Oct. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Oct. Rocky Mountain bull elk first hunting season opener for rifle hunters. 29 Bandon by the Sea Romantic Sunsets ◆ Ashland ~ Theatre Roseburg ~ Private deck & patios ◆ Beach houses ◆ Indoor pool/spa ◆ Fireplaces ◆ Gift certificates & Arts The Waterfalls of the Umpqua • Spacious Suites • Suite Awakenings Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Beautiful views • Free Generous Continental Breakfast • Spacious Comfortable Rooms • Swimming Pool • Children & Pets Stay Free 1-800-842-2407 1865 Beach Loop Drive Bandon-by-the-Sea, Oregon 97411 WINDMILL INN of ROSEBURG www.sunsetmotel.com Reservations & Information: 1-800-547-4747 www.windmillinns.com