tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16432064265934269652024-02-19T01:01:50.325-05:00Outdoors With Sportsman MattOutdoors with Sportsman Matt
Fishing of all forms, Hunting, Camping, Exploration,
RVing, Travel around New England.Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-27669300057451100942011-07-20T23:43:00.003-04:002011-07-20T23:48:49.702-04:00Good Evening Fishing....Well it's vacation time, so why not some evening fishing?<br />First fish of the evening...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT3Kc8HdQX2SypVrwZXJlsXn-ggn_CYEAbHdFcBeol6OIXE9MMvpC3eoVfxCYzAQa-Ah_zhbBBuKV7HKe_fBqnGNx6rjvnrmqGLz6dFD-MwOQ5fdlp24Ai4WDNNMD6td2hKyP-89WToFg/s1600/DSCF1184.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631646631965037986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT3Kc8HdQX2SypVrwZXJlsXn-ggn_CYEAbHdFcBeol6OIXE9MMvpC3eoVfxCYzAQa-Ah_zhbBBuKV7HKe_fBqnGNx6rjvnrmqGLz6dFD-MwOQ5fdlp24Ai4WDNNMD6td2hKyP-89WToFg/s320/DSCF1184.JPG" /></a><br />My friend Ed from work joined us, nice 13" smallmouth on the fly.....<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVjgi28hH_Y6BJcrXoa3dp7FpmvWBuZvY9ao7FyxcJmdgzjft6h176bkkITii-m8TRyzy4pQoxPF1MTp2df4NyM_3FlNiN7iEqnzRIQLo6w8hulWylT-vzS_ff6ulOu3753yv2rjW3v0L/s1600/DSCF1186.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631646638563335698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVjgi28hH_Y6BJcrXoa3dp7FpmvWBuZvY9ao7FyxcJmdgzjft6h176bkkITii-m8TRyzy4pQoxPF1MTp2df4NyM_3FlNiN7iEqnzRIQLo6w8hulWylT-vzS_ff6ulOu3753yv2rjW3v0L/s320/DSCF1186.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This was Ed's first trip out with us, and I believe his first time trolling flies with a fly rod, and a few hours later, Ed was very happy he made the trip down to join us.</div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-5200296692917297972011-07-20T23:27:00.004-04:002011-07-20T23:43:52.757-04:00Sportsman Matt goes riding.....<div><br /></div><br /><div>And I rode 1093 miles yesterday in under 24 hours.<br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>I left at 2AM from my home in Charlton MA, rode to Sutton MA to the ATM, then over Central Turnpike back to 395 south, to 95 South to Milford CT, turned around, rode up 91 to 89, stopped to pay respects to my maternal grandfather and great grandfather and great grandfather's brother, then off to Swanton VT for maple syrup, then over backroads to Orleans VT. From there took 91 South to St Johnsbury, then route 2 across VT, NH, to Palmyra ME, where I got back on 95 North to Bangor ME, then turned around and rode back to Blackstone MA.<br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>One hell of a ride on the Big Ruckus.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>And in memory, last time I was here was 15 years ago to bury the ashes......</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iWpp55C7wunMvUrH92XgOM0RCc9513ILtE9KWZfE5EgmJUiBfAojwlNOfOA8eIXyxIYz6QfY-Vm7zTfIb9e7cx6YUK7eumLTuvadBFQJjMcUO2WoW3rA4m_Ny9O2uHHQnwA47H6eXpMw/s1600/DSCF1175.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631643839641788498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iWpp55C7wunMvUrH92XgOM0RCc9513ILtE9KWZfE5EgmJUiBfAojwlNOfOA8eIXyxIYz6QfY-Vm7zTfIb9e7cx6YUK7eumLTuvadBFQJjMcUO2WoW3rA4m_Ny9O2uHHQnwA47H6eXpMw/s320/DSCF1175.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wPftv-Hl5UH8Mdz8KkmM67pfZhHpcMD5NYoPBHT6Q-pT28Ykg2FLdtoYHtp9aqb-gS-jHu6lZvNoht29Wro4JuLkwyFPZ4d_eox4WuCR2j1ZkuLZQNMNxpMp_JWgpFoXdogXR-GiOBJQ/s1600/DSCF1177.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631643850101273826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wPftv-Hl5UH8Mdz8KkmM67pfZhHpcMD5NYoPBHT6Q-pT28Ykg2FLdtoYHtp9aqb-gS-jHu6lZvNoht29Wro4JuLkwyFPZ4d_eox4WuCR2j1ZkuLZQNMNxpMp_JWgpFoXdogXR-GiOBJQ/s320/DSCF1177.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU6yEqRR2FEj2qJ2WJ7fDy7W97Fz1RchEJeZQXnSz0G36lzhyphenhyphenA2YxHXslqsSDO0nZrB-q2QqrPUUKpBi3J2UZcG2bxcHaRL1TxfCKoLNieOWZrausDrVV1ClfKf66S2TAZ3LdkcvD6ian/s1600/DSCF1176.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631643846005166514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU6yEqRR2FEj2qJ2WJ7fDy7W97Fz1RchEJeZQXnSz0G36lzhyphenhyphenA2YxHXslqsSDO0nZrB-q2QqrPUUKpBi3J2UZcG2bxcHaRL1TxfCKoLNieOWZrausDrVV1ClfKf66S2TAZ3LdkcvD6ian/s320/DSCF1176.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>A little background on Frank Carleton, he was a Vermont farm boy, who became a trucker back before interstate highways, and then settled down to become owner of a heating oil company. </div><br /><div>He was an old school sportsman, fishing fresh and salt water, hunting for deer and fowl back in the pre war and post war prime of hunting, where it was skill and luck rather than fancy gadgets to make a productive day.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-27938654255918705902011-07-09T17:37:00.002-04:002011-07-09T17:44:40.824-04:00Trip to Singletary this morning.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicFTrtSLyPfuuofmEny6GsT1sAtkjg7IiIKR4p3hx0yrTlGT0VgHzQJPslbQbqCLH2gnSrymclQr3KVpnfajTC7ufI6tH9BvjDHT2ddDrPacU632VfN3AZznCuXtxgvAFuhbtAECAYGH1/s1600/DSCF1134.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627470567935229634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicFTrtSLyPfuuofmEny6GsT1sAtkjg7IiIKR4p3hx0yrTlGT0VgHzQJPslbQbqCLH2gnSrymclQr3KVpnfajTC7ufI6tH9BvjDHT2ddDrPacU632VfN3AZznCuXtxgvAFuhbtAECAYGH1/s320/DSCF1134.JPG" /></a><br />Well we hit the water at 6am, and had some smallmouth action, but near a weeded area, dad hooked this nice Crappie....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n3PmtmCz6o45f88uwFsVqURbqH5YtNfCN8be_NIgAkMEJflpGXsDTMpw7nCddPbT4S4PAdsUMcI7o0QJdEuCbivrQS1z-rLnJrSS50UrGmAJzkbqyeSkL2KrmsabBcv8FhJz8eLftQ7y/s1600/DSCF1139.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627470566799174162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n3PmtmCz6o45f88uwFsVqURbqH5YtNfCN8be_NIgAkMEJflpGXsDTMpw7nCddPbT4S4PAdsUMcI7o0QJdEuCbivrQS1z-rLnJrSS50UrGmAJzkbqyeSkL2KrmsabBcv8FhJz8eLftQ7y/s320/DSCF1139.JPG" /></a><br />And I hooked onto this 16" smallmouth.....<br /><br />And to make the old fella feel good, I let him have a picture with my 16" smallmouth before releasing it back to the lake......<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakUEY4h0-AgWt5OoB2XS7sIk03QPBANLXMTjHtNX0h6qa313xYjs0_n7vsOQce6G2MMRqH1FqYJW7vuVgy_3bnImBYh9U4Oei-l2yAKuRGY7wHJdrAJ8MrdcY4_oU-pwyLzeiEL73CmRH/s1600/DSCF1140.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627470590091721730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakUEY4h0-AgWt5OoB2XS7sIk03QPBANLXMTjHtNX0h6qa313xYjs0_n7vsOQce6G2MMRqH1FqYJW7vuVgy_3bnImBYh9U4Oei-l2yAKuRGY7wHJdrAJ8MrdcY4_oU-pwyLzeiEL73CmRH/s320/DSCF1140.JPG" /></a><br /><br />All in all 3 hours of fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-70314899085157754302011-07-09T17:02:00.002-04:002011-07-09T17:35:57.863-04:00Been Busy,Busy, Busy!So I've been lax in blogging lately, mainly due to several things. First to occupy my time is work, then my family, my girlfriend, my fleet of vehicles, working on my father's house, then last but not least, fishing.<br /><br />OK, Fishing should be up there, and it is at times, so keeping with the timelines of things....<br /><br />First I finished rebuilding the little red scooter and got it tested and reliable as you can get with chinese technology.<br /><br />Then in April I completed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. This enabled me to get my motorcycle license without taking a separate road test with a State Trooper at the RMV, and I get an additional 10% off on my motorcycle insurance. I have to say that if you do proceed with a motorcycle license, take the MSF course. I took mine in Gardner MA at the SM Motorcycle School. Two days and you'll be riding safely and confident.<br /><br />Now May 1st was the Kids Fishing Derby at the Orange Gun Club in Orange MA, a day of chaos and free hot dogs. Holly took 2 nice brookies, Cassie took 1 brookie, neither was large enough for a trophy, but they ate plenty and had fun, which is what it's all about at the club.<br /><br />May 8th, fished the Millers, took plenty of Browns, nice part was getting there at 6AM, and not a soul showed up until after 9AM, so my father and I had the whole stretch of the Bearsden to ourselves.<br /><br />May 14-16th I flew down to Tampa Florida. Definately not my place to be, had fun at the wedding Saturday night, Sunday was a waste of a day, and back in Boston MA by 11AM Monday morning. Would I do it again, maybe depending on the accomidations and itinerary.<br /><br />May 21st was the MA-RI Council of Trout Unlimited's Spring Meeting, cookout, and fishing weekend. because of a scheduling screw up, instead of Indian Hollow, it was at Trout Brook in Holden MA. Cast a few flies before work, but it wasn't as good as Indian Hollow.<br /><br />May 22nd, East Branch of the Westfield, fished from the Gorge downriver to the beaver pool. Plenty of Rainbows, Browns, Brookies, and Atlantic Salmon parr action even with fast water and spinning gear, as the fly gear was useless, drifts were upstream 30 feet to downstream 50 feet in less than 3 seconds, far too fast.<br /><br />May 30th, left for Pittsburg NH, trailer in tow, and caught plenty of browns, rainbows, brookies, and landlocked Atlantic Salmon over 5 days. Stopped at National Powersports and test sat on a couple Royal Enfield motorcycles, one which will be the new exploration vehicle next year.<br /><br />June 5th, attended the Central MA TU chapter Family Day. Cookout, fly fishing for trout, and general fun, even Holly and Cassie had fun.<br /><br />June 19th, went out on Lake Singletary again, caught a couple smallmouth, and had a tank malfunction, namely a hole in the bottom of the poly tank, had to come back in on electric power only, new tank ordered later in the week as old tank was 15 years old.<br /><br />June 26th, went out early in the morning fishing with my father on Singletary, trolling flies, and took a nice 14" Largemouth bass, along with a few large Crappies in the 12-13" range and a surprise, White Perch in a 12-13" range. Plenty of fish, and plenty of fun that morning.<br /><br />June 27th, last night off for awhile, went to see Bad Teacher at the movies with Audrey. I laughed through it, and look at it as it was an ok movie, then went to dinner at Uno's afterward.<br /><br />July 3rd, went to the movies to see Larry Crowne. Definately a good movie, could used better writing, but worth watching. then went to work, working straight from June 28th to July 10th, gotta love OT!Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-10088656443188028692011-02-13T12:00:00.001-05:002011-02-19T21:01:10.165-05:00Sportsman Matt is back.......Yes folks, I'm back. I've been busy, and despite all the weather in the North East, I've been holding my own so far.<br /><br />Now unveiling my new ride for this season......<br /><br /><a href="http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/SportsmanMatt/DSCF0727-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 294px; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/SportsmanMatt/DSCF0727-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A 2006 Honda Big Ruckus PS250.<br />This is the Urban Tank of Scooters, a workhorse.<br /><br />It also means that because of it's size, a Motorcycle license is required. Also has to be registered as a Motorcycle.<br /><br />On the positive, it weighs in at 389 pounds, can be manhandled if needed, and of all the scooters out there, this is the one that's designed for offroad riding.<br /><br />Definately a Sportsman Matt Approved and Endorsed Ride!Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-82476254089210379682010-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:002010-11-19T01:47:38.055-05:00My New Fly Fishing Exploration Vehicle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9r0YNrQCjWL-h0mLJwMl0X0FZjHCaG3NWLfCXLUlW5YEeN8bkggpQsgNO5IAQ29BAdAf81cPrKB-XLNfNhPqwToh9GLEzXpZXnTGDygMEmtVhUrbiRcwYtDopoeWu9CMTGTmAY8Q37jUU/s1600/1289592847140.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541148621330967922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9r0YNrQCjWL-h0mLJwMl0X0FZjHCaG3NWLfCXLUlW5YEeN8bkggpQsgNO5IAQ29BAdAf81cPrKB-XLNfNhPqwToh9GLEzXpZXnTGDygMEmtVhUrbiRcwYtDopoeWu9CMTGTmAY8Q37jUU/s320/1289592847140.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>Something I picked up off Craigslist</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwXhM5V8vFwkkp6l9Tp0XODiV59RA2y16pPCp_2iVaXAnY8wI9w3zp4mXu0jvpkZWnHnarRSJX5ryHbuv0MLAzyN17p8jFvsLBjND_MLtVuBXLl-p2iSshkix6AA1k-ZTV2msXbZIaqDR/s1600/1289592845489.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541148614072789730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwXhM5V8vFwkkp6l9Tp0XODiV59RA2y16pPCp_2iVaXAnY8wI9w3zp4mXu0jvpkZWnHnarRSJX5ryHbuv0MLAzyN17p8jFvsLBjND_MLtVuBXLl-p2iSshkix6AA1k-ZTV2msXbZIaqDR/s320/1289592845489.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Pictures are Pre Modification.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-38070579718066730722010-11-01T01:00:00.000-04:002010-11-19T01:41:55.536-05:00Trout of the Swift RiverFor those wondering where I've been last month, here's what I've been chasing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cIoUqEGwDFNMxf32JMh_k2z8Ph6J5YaufmtzAzajAm_PYa27e3e6vhkFCB4vrIxjhnJnm-7GR6OTo9Kr_-s7TIIJchL77fX6MVtwwgUTPIz3DWpNpVS0Ul5WQYiRqIqRZsrl2eyMtVcm/s1600/DSCF0652.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541146721674994354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cIoUqEGwDFNMxf32JMh_k2z8Ph6J5YaufmtzAzajAm_PYa27e3e6vhkFCB4vrIxjhnJnm-7GR6OTo9Kr_-s7TIIJchL77fX6MVtwwgUTPIz3DWpNpVS0Ul5WQYiRqIqRZsrl2eyMtVcm/s320/DSCF0652.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaplk66fRHvO1Zxp6YF-I7IyEZVp-KgELnPnrnHDNIZ1Tajzbr7bfPMOaU-HDIiAo6RoJdnYK8B3shOUd6MK2YDdcblPmttQsp24Ni1CP7NrvZ87_8PQpMDy_CDg3-DpA5my6YgesLjRE/s1600/DSCF0653.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541146715909887314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaplk66fRHvO1Zxp6YF-I7IyEZVp-KgELnPnrnHDNIZ1Tajzbr7bfPMOaU-HDIiAo6RoJdnYK8B3shOUd6MK2YDdcblPmttQsp24Ni1CP7NrvZ87_8PQpMDy_CDg3-DpA5my6YgesLjRE/s320/DSCF0653.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBIDJ5_2bW03FZQx8rPu50kSBjy09PGzV_QjMzsAaadIyXu2wDz7Q6lWtlt0Pe9lw8zxyRGaF5OyXHu7PixJYMgnMqgWQwyM8UoQnbIEBUwooB1SEAb6W-8HTYJ4sE6f8e2Voz-m4yCWm/s1600/DSCF0651.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541146712255445682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBIDJ5_2bW03FZQx8rPu50kSBjy09PGzV_QjMzsAaadIyXu2wDz7Q6lWtlt0Pe9lw8zxyRGaF5OyXHu7PixJYMgnMqgWQwyM8UoQnbIEBUwooB1SEAb6W-8HTYJ4sE6f8e2Voz-m4yCWm/s320/DSCF0651.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HxzsiF6B1IAHFF6Z0RpfrNPPLKe3k-4-1LXq4Fk0MRt5zJs5TPQtP2FWRt2G9Q_BeXZZ9Lpnqq0WhhuHl7MfmU05L0y9KsvkhQLFf2Gg8T-lG7-tLqsUwrk0CgTz8ddaICvawci6sGrP/s1600/DSCF0647.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541146709369953266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HxzsiF6B1IAHFF6Z0RpfrNPPLKe3k-4-1LXq4Fk0MRt5zJs5TPQtP2FWRt2G9Q_BeXZZ9Lpnqq0WhhuHl7MfmU05L0y9KsvkhQLFf2Gg8T-lG7-tLqsUwrk0CgTz8ddaICvawci6sGrP/s320/DSCF0647.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Nice 15" rainbow on a Size 20 Hare's Ear Nymph </div></div></div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-16423133279506845202010-06-08T11:52:00.004-04:002010-09-01T13:51:34.744-04:00Campfire in a Can<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1c3UHXI21D858Y1FMSdAQ6NSrc1L6XboOWcgCjpPMHF3X3VdAWBPbf184ez4F61mpgfp9mskM84X56G-vd_ilcWLuBJf2s9I8bUG7NSjZfEXAqm2NKfveZ7v7j8ZTUyaNrhYTK3MzOfZ/s1600/DSCF0325.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512004121288235026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1c3UHXI21D858Y1FMSdAQ6NSrc1L6XboOWcgCjpPMHF3X3VdAWBPbf184ez4F61mpgfp9mskM84X56G-vd_ilcWLuBJf2s9I8bUG7NSjZfEXAqm2NKfveZ7v7j8ZTUyaNrhYTK3MzOfZ/s320/DSCF0325.JPG" /></a><br />A small propane powered campfire to replace the old wood campfires of old.<br /><br />To get into a touchy area for me and others, the reason manufacturers are coming out with stuff like this is that a few years ago some broad (I'm keeping it clean folks!) from Worcester MA, saw an Asian Longhorn Beetle in her backyard. So she called the EPA, USDA, Media, etc...<br /><br />Next thing you know, they are cutting down square miles of hardwood trees, banning export of hardwoods from areas that "may" have beetles, and new legislations to make people pay through the nose for firewood, and of course make them poorer in this Depression. (Yes folks it's a Depression, the government just doesn't want to admit it)<br /><br />So with bans on importing firewood, plus fines and confiscation laws put into place to make the ordinary folks pay even more, it's no longer feasable to burn wood in a campground.<br /><br />So this is my way to combat the tyranny of stupid governmental laws, the campfire in a can doesn't burn wood, doesn't import bugs, and doesn't create soot and lots of smoke. But it does use Propane, so carrying an extra 20# propane tank is required.Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-24485850893597807212010-06-01T12:00:00.000-04:002010-06-08T12:22:10.167-04:00Indian Hollow Fishing<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK5kRqXkm2QruaOhX7bto3RrGCnNbSkuJdsilh7I_t2Q2x2ROOVmolpxbsnWWrWrKJPBPYRWSDox_sgvBeuAkR0PAOcEviNRy_H45cPCCa__87Nyl0aCoEHRQCU-TTKpHCq4nK5tqkOHf/s1600/DSCF0161.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480437641765062210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK5kRqXkm2QruaOhX7bto3RrGCnNbSkuJdsilh7I_t2Q2x2ROOVmolpxbsnWWrWrKJPBPYRWSDox_sgvBeuAkR0PAOcEviNRy_H45cPCCa__87Nyl0aCoEHRQCU-TTKpHCq4nK5tqkOHf/s320/DSCF0161.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlHoa6eDlQpY0X4_1Ao6fxU0-p3ZRUPmOB2VUbpOSyyqRDwzp45Vpl4cXN1HPNb2IiYZ0dJzN4cJzTBYpq_enF2nyaUUZI4ZdrcUpDxVFgmCrXpZt_Ff_-8K3m3hc1-qWIITlxzsvtpgO/s1600/DSCF0207.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480437648265471650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlHoa6eDlQpY0X4_1Ao6fxU0-p3ZRUPmOB2VUbpOSyyqRDwzp45Vpl4cXN1HPNb2IiYZ0dJzN4cJzTBYpq_enF2nyaUUZI4ZdrcUpDxVFgmCrXpZt_Ff_-8K3m3hc1-qWIITlxzsvtpgO/s320/DSCF0207.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Nice Rainbow taken on Saturday 5/22 from below Knightville Dam</div><div> </div><div>And a Salmo Salar, The Leaper.... Caught on Sunday 5/23 from below Chesterfield Gorge</div><div> </div><div>Hopefully that little Atlantic Salmon will get nice and big over the next several years and return.</div><div> </div><div>BTW both fish were released unharmed other than their pride.</div><div> </div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-34697194715262905912010-05-05T12:00:00.000-04:002010-06-08T12:15:33.744-04:00Kid's Fishing Derby didn't go as planned!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNFI4e2F_Wukm8b8LEKhOzROSnDHJstTPGqW263ouI8CAq12LF55l_hhVpaqTWiVm1VTb5SuP6cnrWhYQHjC2t2tEYSqjgrzNlLfbbR4DBPdCLkoku4pSh_f3xqWQVCw8HItuZkkcXfpC/s1600/DSCF0143.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480436141825519314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNFI4e2F_Wukm8b8LEKhOzROSnDHJstTPGqW263ouI8CAq12LF55l_hhVpaqTWiVm1VTb5SuP6cnrWhYQHjC2t2tEYSqjgrzNlLfbbR4DBPdCLkoku4pSh_f3xqWQVCw8HItuZkkcXfpC/s320/DSCF0143.JPG" /></a><br /><div>As the picture shows, no fish, and boredom waiting for a bite.</div><div> </div><div>The big kids pond had a couple fish come out at the beginning, the little kids pond netted almost all the fish taken for the derby.</div><div> </div><div>On the positive, there were plenty of hot dogs, chips, soda, juice, water, and entertainment with all the lines being tangled as the little kids kept trying to fish the big kid pond.</div><div> </div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-222987486566141112010-05-01T18:05:00.001-04:002010-09-01T13:52:36.823-04:00The Sportsmen Classic gets jacks and more....Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-83727815490566243202010-05-01T12:30:00.000-04:002010-05-01T18:35:37.516-04:00Kid's Fishing Derby Tomorrow....I almost forgot, the kid's fishing derby is tomorrow at the Orange Gun Club. Ages 0 to 14 get to fish the clubs 2 stocked trout ponds, with prizes for the kids.<br /><br />Pictures to follow...Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-91892497010205015082010-04-28T18:00:00.001-04:002010-05-01T18:16:31.575-04:00The Sportsmen Classic gets jacks and more....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7CGQy_Me3VEwnTYvG57XRApgJKl4_hg9S-kUHvd1c-lDOkHJ8LRtPMDvZ9GOFubIc-3WkY-G-0_gyny_oi-wvVtMpztn9eODDmTAwRVaJVn_uPH_ALn9-2FNnYQ8hZwRI5PrNSUUO8qj/s1600/DSCF0138.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466426900963968370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7CGQy_Me3VEwnTYvG57XRApgJKl4_hg9S-kUHvd1c-lDOkHJ8LRtPMDvZ9GOFubIc-3WkY-G-0_gyny_oi-wvVtMpztn9eODDmTAwRVaJVn_uPH_ALn9-2FNnYQ8hZwRI5PrNSUUO8qj/s320/DSCF0138.JPG" /></a><br />First I installed the levelling jacks on all 4 corners. Also in this picture you can see the RVQ Grill mount just above the trailer tire below the window, the Mud Daubber Screens on the heater vents, and the step carpeting to help keep the camper clean.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR8LqAnXOUyPw5eSvK7-vB_7fh9sJohvvcDob3WHjonbKjYok75qS3QOkCfmB0G0uVTDUPmvbCqJ6_KK0-GmJmossfC7pNkpqy3jwZg-Syh71bM_DkWxhfQ9ULPqFxOmVe-HFFtfHjuXe/s1600/DSCF0140.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466426895622651490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR8LqAnXOUyPw5eSvK7-vB_7fh9sJohvvcDob3WHjonbKjYok75qS3QOkCfmB0G0uVTDUPmvbCqJ6_KK0-GmJmossfC7pNkpqy3jwZg-Syh71bM_DkWxhfQ9ULPqFxOmVe-HFFtfHjuXe/s320/DSCF0140.JPG" /></a><br />Then I added the LP Port for the RVQ BBQ Grill and Little Red Campfire in a Can.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvDuplVMv2FtpXh20gu6gGocFA1UW8E_TXlXfBTbCMNqqe4Q2VxYwS0BK0_f2kHAxapEZtNRkv2IbyK07bWynO57_64LfgJ4BGlQZplqGWAkldE3rfTFSBJBaY5JlVjHZrqbbp2uH9sFR/s1600/DSCF0139.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466426886603868498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvDuplVMv2FtpXh20gu6gGocFA1UW8E_TXlXfBTbCMNqqe4Q2VxYwS0BK0_f2kHAxapEZtNRkv2IbyK07bWynO57_64LfgJ4BGlQZplqGWAkldE3rfTFSBJBaY5JlVjHZrqbbp2uH9sFR/s320/DSCF0139.JPG" /></a><br />I also added the Mud Daubber Screens over the heater vents, helps keep wasps and other critters from building a nest in the burner assembly of the furnace.<br /><div> </div><div>Also not seen are the inside modifications, additional hot water heater bypass plumbing, winterizing suction port for the water pump, queen sized matress in place of the 2" thick Full Xtra Long matress from KZ, plus the venerable Classic Flies Sign.</div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-26512654806628944972010-04-25T18:00:00.000-04:002010-05-01T18:31:42.044-04:00First Trout of the Season.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwdGPkWz-u7T9bhUASnqsWDmXNFftgW8XoQ2ovSkDvKb98EbcuoZJaaym1oCTNXgtcB8pth8dr6YYUS9zv1cCiNOBXaWtegJrV86BiYQlJ1IjYIDsZc-nJIjRuU2NpniEq4kRyZK07NHq/s1600/DSCF0116.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466432547927715618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwdGPkWz-u7T9bhUASnqsWDmXNFftgW8XoQ2ovSkDvKb98EbcuoZJaaym1oCTNXgtcB8pth8dr6YYUS9zv1cCiNOBXaWtegJrV86BiYQlJ1IjYIDsZc-nJIjRuU2NpniEq4kRyZK07NHq/s320/DSCF0116.JPG" /></a><br /><div>April 25th, cold, wet, drizzly, day. Set up the 10'x10' Portable Awning for cover. Also perfect for spinners and spoons.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RdmAfaqfWPPfBTlHYSgBOJm97cFXOTQVFWCUYeMjxxnqvtld5sg3y3RIJcZGs9HzmJoYJ6wNV0G_QtHfKAC0-Nj2UPIxDgmIiXKNcGvx1RnISBKoetViBsYaHT-z_k3iq1VVmQ3g2vz3/s1600/DSCF0124.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466430381230346882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RdmAfaqfWPPfBTlHYSgBOJm97cFXOTQVFWCUYeMjxxnqvtld5sg3y3RIJcZGs9HzmJoYJ6wNV0G_QtHfKAC0-Nj2UPIxDgmIiXKNcGvx1RnISBKoetViBsYaHT-z_k3iq1VVmQ3g2vz3/s320/DSCF0124.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>I volunteered to help the local Amateur Radio Club out with radio communications for the annual River Race in Sturbridge, sponsored by the Sturbridge Lions Club. So while I was waiting I cast a couple times....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZvnXtVA5S3QSSJamQ8YoWLsL3R7j1CwW5BoTNq-9wmnSEbLVU0qwAcHn20tPVoPaBJ_m2UYpxE0O4sNRjahjfV6658C46vOaQDtixeC1ncpRVZ7afM0ZUWu9EMwiFZEi3T4ArF5iLjLf/s1600/DSCF0120.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466429872334419346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZvnXtVA5S3QSSJamQ8YoWLsL3R7j1CwW5BoTNq-9wmnSEbLVU0qwAcHn20tPVoPaBJ_m2UYpxE0O4sNRjahjfV6658C46vOaQDtixeC1ncpRVZ7afM0ZUWu9EMwiFZEi3T4ArF5iLjLf/s320/DSCF0120.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>And hooked this nice 12" rainbow. Too bad it did a self release before I could pick it up, but notice the Orange Rooster Tail.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPxihLVW1r4p37wJVfhQx0LzJGkZhQP_qry8XYZ0oRGTjHQ-TeVuNXfe29k2m_Mq3UHT_kIFlqmt-0TDamMzoleaVnY2lAIiROZUedHQhmanZ0K1y7zgOUIPl2vjOg_TPrYw2QaAg97Pf/s1600/DSCF0121.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466430105802222754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPxihLVW1r4p37wJVfhQx0LzJGkZhQP_qry8XYZ0oRGTjHQ-TeVuNXfe29k2m_Mq3UHT_kIFlqmt-0TDamMzoleaVnY2lAIiROZUedHQhmanZ0K1y7zgOUIPl2vjOg_TPrYw2QaAg97Pf/s320/DSCF0121.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>Then a couple future Rogue Angels showed up and tried to outfish me...</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mAqlKqCTljhjdfnpkN3vxDBoeNmmEz74IppQBRIw0H-OHNcydCDt3bxRzpLaTABbWwze1KMJTaF0mrsc5_hmPgqaNfPbKHL5HEY2MFK9We6JWFMh0oRQxNyPOdu5ZhbPKXzt6RN8AU3t/s1600/DSCF0133.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466430637711085602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mAqlKqCTljhjdfnpkN3vxDBoeNmmEz74IppQBRIw0H-OHNcydCDt3bxRzpLaTABbWwze1KMJTaF0mrsc5_hmPgqaNfPbKHL5HEY2MFK9We6JWFMh0oRQxNyPOdu5ZhbPKXzt6RN8AU3t/s320/DSCF0133.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>Until the Pirates of the Quinneboag River showed up!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>BTW the River Race was a success, 112 canoes, kayaks, and rowboats participated.</div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-91141471972061864042010-04-22T18:00:00.000-04:002010-05-01T18:05:16.946-04:00Maxx Air II Cover Installation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPzGWdwYq2tJSRZj3x2Xd-PzlWBmQqPARF2imHkm8ZLvxfa2JUNbikCehFbPbmhsfIQq7TuOcWCTIJiNtoZq7izx45wWBfPHtw933kU2924rMjU7buxSqjyYw9J9k1aKG-mKFYIM0ecCr/s1600/DSCF0110.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466425281824339074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPzGWdwYq2tJSRZj3x2Xd-PzlWBmQqPARF2imHkm8ZLvxfa2JUNbikCehFbPbmhsfIQq7TuOcWCTIJiNtoZq7izx45wWBfPHtw933kU2924rMjU7buxSqjyYw9J9k1aKG-mKFYIM0ecCr/s320/DSCF0110.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Yes it only takes a few minutes each side, along with an adjustable wrench, 3/16" drill bit, cordless drill, and a phillips head bit. Line it up, mark where the brackets go with a Sharpie, and drill the 4 holes needed to bolt the brackets to the inside of the roof vent.</div><div> </div><div>Plus side is that now with the Maxx Air II cover installed, I can air out the trailer no matter what just by leaving the vent cover inside open.</div><div> </div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-59285954704566850772010-04-21T12:00:00.001-04:002010-05-01T18:00:39.360-04:00The New 2010 KZ Sportsmen Classic 19BH<div>Yes, It's official.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE77x1KHQ-KY0Df9czHJbqh7T5cnkTJEYij6AKdkO9TZPOAwiYwbKIOjUAEoLV7mxeIuy_4eFbc-JhJdOrBcTyTy8OIqUwbIqRnzEYO_souOVbXXdlT1wM8_GjFzUrhQ55fC7Ej3BNO6a/s1600/DSCF0103.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466423999971436482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE77x1KHQ-KY0Df9czHJbqh7T5cnkTJEYij6AKdkO9TZPOAwiYwbKIOjUAEoLV7mxeIuy_4eFbc-JhJdOrBcTyTy8OIqUwbIqRnzEYO_souOVbXXdlT1wM8_GjFzUrhQ55fC7Ej3BNO6a/s320/DSCF0103.JPG" /></a></div><div>The 2010 KZ Sportsmen Classic 19BH has arrived!</div><div>Now for the fun to start, as this is a basic model, with a few necessary items needed to make it into the ultimate fisherman's portable retreat.</div><div> </div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-31608115631664634462010-04-18T07:00:00.000-04:002010-04-18T07:00:00.621-04:00Three Days and Counting Down!!!Three more days and I pick up the New 2010 KZ Sportsman Classic 19BH Travel Trailer, my new base of operations when in the field away from home.<br /><br />Soon I will no longer be camperless!Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-29523082271172675492010-04-03T07:00:00.000-04:002010-04-03T07:00:06.518-04:00I Officially Own My Travel Trailer!Got my title today for the new camper.<br /><br />This means that I own my camper outright.<br /><br />I'm getting more excited every day.<br /><br />18 more days to go until I pick it up.Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-51555315863990260782010-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:002010-04-02T22:37:43.382-04:00March is over... April awaitsSo I ended March on an up note. Still camperless. Still can't breathe out my nose.<br /><br /><br />But I did pick up a nice new toy.<br /><br /><br />An American Tackle Rod Smith Pro Rod Lathe.<br /><br /><br />And I finally finished my 8 foot 4 Wt 7 Piece Fly Rod, and my 5 foot 5/6 Wt 1 piece Fly Rod.<br /><br /><br />And I finally bought my fishing license.<br /><br /><br />And I finally spoke to a doctor who recognized my problem breathing through my nose, and proposed a solution.<br /><br /><br />So I'm ending the month on a good note.<br /><br />20 more days until I pick up the camper...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xg7igCtSSO8BGKWuduBvQEohsiw8aJQrC6NjHSPLGMz_6HXx6uXnAUlubLYt1b4s4aY-hg0L2ENLyw-2LQUW_tYmWDijldbfUNFBg7A2xaFMfG84BMYg-yTaVBRnC-0vP0CsFogqLMaU/s1600/DSCF0032.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455731646885437074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xg7igCtSSO8BGKWuduBvQEohsiw8aJQrC6NjHSPLGMz_6HXx6uXnAUlubLYt1b4s4aY-hg0L2ENLyw-2LQUW_tYmWDijldbfUNFBg7A2xaFMfG84BMYg-yTaVBRnC-0vP0CsFogqLMaU/s320/DSCF0032.JPG" /></a>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-6112914288475041732010-03-15T21:00:00.000-04:002010-03-19T19:47:42.163-04:00Camperless in Massachusetts...As the title states, I am now <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">camper-less</span>.<br /><br />I sold the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sunline</span> for a fair price Saturday to a fellow from New Hampshire, who braved the weather to see it, and with the help of my father, loaded it on my truck to deliver to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">his</span> home in New <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hampshire</span> Monday morning.<br /><br />It rained and was windy, Sunday morning as I went out to go to breakfast, noticed my canoe was missing off my truck cap on the back of the old C1500 Chevrolet my father was planning on rebuilding after the head on accident.<br /><br />First I had a few choice words, then went out to find it on the ground 8 feet away, the wind picked it up off the roof rack of the cap and tossed it across the ground, complete with a couple dents too.<br /><br />So now Monday morning I left with my father to take the venerable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sunline</span> camper on it's last trip with me, it was a long, hard drive, with the wind and rain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">buffeting</span> the camper from all directions. Luckily we made good time, leaving at 6:15AM and arriving at the new owner's home at 9:30AM. The surprise was that the clouds broke as we got there, the sun was out and the sky was bright blue. Beautiful weather compared to the drive. So we unloaded the camper, went over the winterizing stuff and the little facts about owning one of these campers, and Dad and I left, leaving a little piece of me behind with the memories of the fun trips I had and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">conveniences</span> of a small home away from home where I went.<br /><br />Of course the Sunline is now on it's 4th owner and still rugged and solid enough for years of more adventures.<br /><br />I'm going to miss that camper.Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-19622123960934326622010-03-08T12:25:00.002-05:002010-03-08T12:57:43.466-05:00It's March, been a fun few months....First, I finally got back to blogging. I've been busy the last couple of months, and things keep getting tossed and turned everytime I turn around.<br /><br />January we did a trip to the fly fishing show, the kids got to tie some wooly worms and collect more brochures. Then in February I got my tax return back, bought a new amateur radio transceiver that's more portable than the ones I use now. I also received a new phone, the My Touch Fender Edition from T-mobile as an early Valentine's Day gift from my girlfriend, then tackled the Springfield RV Show at the Big E with a full entourage (myself, my father, my girlfriend, and my daughters) We walked all 3 buildings, looked at several dozen trailers and various motorhomes, collected several brochures, and afterwards tried to go to Olive Garden in manchester CT but due to a long wait due to being Valentines Day, had to go to Hooters for dinner. Other than being a Sports Bar, my girlfriend's "I'm going to kill you" stares, and the over driven sound system with the Daytona 500 on several big screens, the burgers were good, and the price wasn't much more than going to Olive Garden for dinner.<br /><br />Then the following weekend I took Saturday the 20th off, did a road trip with my father which encompassed the following itinerary:<br /><br />Breakfast at Annie's Country Kitchen in Sturbridge MA<br />Sportsman Show in Springfield MA at the Big E Fairgrounds<br />Cabelas to shop for a new fly reel for my father's saltwater fly rod<br />Stop at All RV to pay for my new travel trailer (KZ Sportsman Classic 19BH)<br />Then Mohegan Sun to have the buffet, play the slots, and buy some Krispy Kreme Donuts.<br /><br />Then Sunday the 21st, my father met up with my girlfriend, her daughter, and myself for a trip to Ikea in Stoughton MA. Had lunch, bought a bedroom set for the girlfriend's daughter, and a new couch for the living room.<br /><br />Now it's March, got the trailer registered, in the process of selling the truck camper, and getting a couple rods ready for fishing season.<br /><br />More to come with pictures as soon as I get the bugs out of the new camera, computer and tethering system.Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-54082425792902626712010-01-08T19:30:00.003-05:002010-01-08T19:39:09.349-05:00Been a long couple of months...Howdy, I've been busy getting ready recovering from the Christmas Season, adapting to a 5 day work week, and have come to a slight standstill on the truck camper project.<br /><br />But do not dispare, as Friday January 15th to Sunday January 17th is....<br /><br />The Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough MA.<br /><br />Prices to get in went up, $15.00 for 1 day, add another $10 for each additional day if you buy the ticket for the additional days on the first day.<br /><br />Looking foreward to it, convinced my father to take a trip and look around, plus the girlfriend's daughter is going to be so thrilled to attend (she has no say in the matter because it's a "Professional Day" at her school so I'm watching her for the day)<br /><br />Plus I'll be going Saturday morning with my daughters, they have kids day run by the New England Fly Tyers, who teach the kids how to cast a line and tye a flie.<br /><br />Pics will be coming.<br /><br />Add in plans will be in motion for the camper project, the existing truck camper, and several fishing trips.<br /><br />Stay tuned.....Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-33666349028375097062009-11-12T18:35:00.003-05:002009-11-12T18:41:31.502-05:00Laying out the Floor FrameThe First of many parts cut to size... <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtwg05F5vWmiGOieK-P_qrb3dB-RL75NIIZM9SnsvG1Qlhv04InFecjRd2ancFsmiitmPhDPXaOv1rh6NkuaiSAPwcYunu9aZwfNG99P_MG7FmOHSv9Ba90q3JUK3sMeEeZ7-vcFbjFiY/s1600-h/IMG00077-20091112-1305.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403365453757070226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtwg05F5vWmiGOieK-P_qrb3dB-RL75NIIZM9SnsvG1Qlhv04InFecjRd2ancFsmiitmPhDPXaOv1rh6NkuaiSAPwcYunu9aZwfNG99P_MG7FmOHSv9Ba90q3JUK3sMeEeZ7-vcFbjFiY/s320/IMG00077-20091112-1305.jpg" /></a></div><div>And the framework laid out on the living room floor...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLjEbZh6f7Bbs0blBVHVHscs4nk7LjJkShLCifRApZS94UvOJtIMx3TwRZruaEbymWljML9NdVILStlLw6KcJlNePiw2a2FumM5o2kIYIAxIAJL8ELS5dpJ9axLcu2E698oC-b3SYYB3H/s1600-h/IMG00078-20091112-1315.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403365461764519442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLjEbZh6f7Bbs0blBVHVHscs4nk7LjJkShLCifRApZS94UvOJtIMx3TwRZruaEbymWljML9NdVILStlLw6KcJlNePiw2a2FumM5o2kIYIAxIAJL8ELS5dpJ9axLcu2E698oC-b3SYYB3H/s320/IMG00078-20091112-1315.jpg" /></a><br />Starting this project is going to be fun, and later this winter the whole project is headed to a new location, where more workspace is available and the final assembly will take place.</div><div> </div><div>Keep watching...</div><div> </div><div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-19821042201833707552009-11-11T18:19:00.002-05:002009-11-11T18:29:56.234-05:00Construction has commenced....I've been busy the last month, did a trip to Salem Ma to the Witch Museum, the Haunted Trolly Ride, and House of Seven Gables. Definately a good rest and relaxation trip. Throw in a new co-worker and two days off a week in a row, I'm actually able to work on the new truck camper project.<br /><div></div><br /><div>After getting all this literature and books about RV construction, I broke down and bought the Glen L Acapulco Plans. </div><div></div><br /><div>After spending several weeks reading, measuring, checking, rechecking, and budgeting, I finally bought some lumber and started construction.</div><div></div><br /><div>First thing is that you need to lots of 2x2s which are actually dimensionally 1 1/2" by 1 1/2"</div><br /><div>So a trip to Home Depot produced a 2x14-16' for just under $17.00</div><br /><div>Then after cutting it in half, the ripping commenced. Recommendation... Do not rely on a battery operated saw to rip 2x stock. I can get only 14 feet of rip before the battery goes dead.</div><br /><div>But the plate vise I used to hold the lumber (capacity is 2x6) worked well.</div><br /><div>Here's a pic.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0STttCbn5g_IkY2HoYWdJf9VmFreuUNlgnMwWD4pl-zUtXAEcubR5952aSuH6Kvj5K5SCRSSewLf0YcS5fcwN_rKM-KxHShisfMwkUx8J35Dqdh8iigJp2XSETnmM_3b7AM2EpnfyOAWQ/s1600-h/IMG00076-20091111-1349.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402992074107493010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0STttCbn5g_IkY2HoYWdJf9VmFreuUNlgnMwWD4pl-zUtXAEcubR5952aSuH6Kvj5K5SCRSSewLf0YcS5fcwN_rKM-KxHShisfMwkUx8J35Dqdh8iigJp2XSETnmM_3b7AM2EpnfyOAWQ/s320/IMG00076-20091111-1349.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1643206426593426965.post-76675064925675013782009-10-04T00:00:00.000-04:002009-10-05T01:24:46.052-04:00Planning for the Future Sportsman CamperHowdy folks, been a little while since I last posted. Been busy at work and also busy working on the plans for the new truck camper. Well I went and did something I didn't plan on. I ordered a book from England called "Travel Vans" by John Speed. Nice book, talks about European RVing and Camping trips around Europe, along with how to plan and build a RV for travel.<br /><br />I read this book cover to cover several times since receiving it last month. It's well worth the 23.99L (British Pound) including the shipping to the US.<br /><br />I also went and bit the bullet and bought the plans from Glen L in California for the Acapulco Camper. Nice blueprints, very basic construction, and best of all, I can build this in sections over the winter and do the final assembly when the weather is good and dry. Overal the camper will be 7 foot wide, have an 8' floor, a extended cabover sleeper making it about 13'8" overall length, and a center height inside of 6'4".<br /><br />I'm also modifying the plans from Glen L, bringing the combination of Old School and New School together for the next 20 plus years. First is the plans call for the bed to be 64" wide between the tailgate opening. I've only got 60", so the first thing is to narrow the base by 4" overall. Second the overall floor is actually 8'1", so i would need to pull the tailgate off the GMC when using the camper. But with a floor length of 8'0", I can keep the tailgate on and use the tailgate as a deck or porch when entering and exiting the camper. So the camper is getting shortened 1" in length.<br /><br />Other modifications include a Fantastic Fan, a roof vent over the sleeping area of the cabover, a vent over the bathroom area, rubber roof, aluminum siding, 4 corner jacks, an insulated floor, and modern windows, a modern door, and LED lighting. Toss in a 12V Refrigerator, propane heater, and possibly a hot water heater also.<br /><br />And to start the project off I purchased the SMEV Sink Stove combo off Ebay, a nice little package of a 2 burner stove and stainless steel sink attached. Overall it's 31" by 13" by 5" with a sink 13" by 9" by 4 1/2". So I'm already started in planning, and will be starting construction next month.<br /><br />Funny part is now I find that staying in the truck camper is more relaxing, especially when out on a fishing trip or just out sight seeing the countryside. It's like staying at a hotel on wheels that I don't have to pay for unless I stay in a campground, plus I can retire to after a long day of fishing.<br /><br />Stay tuned and keep looking.Sportsman Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09494532999286479196noreply@blogger.com0