Getting more people involved in outdoor recreation and connecting everyone, not just kids, to nature is more than a passing interest for me.

FISHERSVILLE

Heading to Richmond? Great.

FISHERSVILLE

Leave it to the tough-talking coach to bring the house down, as rock stars may or may not still say, just a little bit.

Let’s just get this out of the way, bub. Because you know at some point someone is going to bring it up. Whether they’re looking to discredit Wilson Memorial’s three-game sweep of the defending Group A champs, or whether their knowledge of volleyball in the state of Virginia is still stuck somewhere in the Midwest.

So this is where it happens. This is where it hits you in the face like a cast-iron frying pan. Under the dim glow of the Mill Mountain Star and the take-off path for Roanoke Airport.

Go ahead and call them tears if you wish.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Washington. This time for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s board meeting.

SWOOPE

What did you expect? For Pickle Nuckols, in what could be his last home game, to throw off his helmet, beat his chest and let out some animalistic roar?

Someone call Geico.

LEXINGTON
We’re pencil-neck pen pushers. Searching high and low for any reason to throw a shadow of a doubt upon R.E. Lee coach David Tibbs and his Fighting Leemen football team.

A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to give a speech at the Colorado Conservation Summit in Keystone, Col. My speech was about the impacts global climate change would have on hunting and fishing. One of the side benefits of giving a speech in Colorado was the opportunity to do some fishing with my stepson Matt who lives in Montrose, Col.

FISHERSVILLE

They’re as different as apples and oranges, yet go together like peas and carrots. (Yes, 1994 called and wants its cliche back. So save your breath. I know.)

STAUNTON - Washes are for cars and dirty socks.

Before returning to civilization here in the Valley, I spent 27 years in Washington, D.C., working on public policy. For the last 10 years I worked on issues directly impacting hunting, fishing and land conservation. During a recent visit back to D.C., I was asked to offer my opinion on the outlook for hunting and fishing issues in the next administration.

R.E. Lee’s Dae’ Quan Scott can play football. Heck, Ray Charles could see that.

As a recent Valley transplant, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the opportunities to improve your hunting and fishing skills, get involved in local conservation efforts and help a kid learn about Virginia’s outdoor heritage. As hunting season approached I was curious to see what public hunting opportunities there were within about an hour-and-a-half drive from my home in Verona.

STUARTS DRAFT

It was wet.

It was muddy.

Whether you are new to an area like me, or a long-time resident, a little local knowledge can really help.

It’s not easy being a U.Va. fan. The open date this weekend gave me an opportunity to reflect what has become of the football program and make me question my sanity as I continue to cling loyally to a team and that hasn’t brought me much joy in recent years.

GREENVILLE
They line up in pairs and walk down the hill that leads to the softball field. Little grammar-school cheerleaders that you could carry in a teacup if you so desired.

Every birthday is another indication of aging, but it’s also an indication of life. Here in Waynesboro, a recent census report has our senior population doubling by 2010. I have spent every day of my life living and learning from those around me on how to age with grace. 

STUARTS DRAFT
Nobody in the Waynesboro postgame huddle even bothered to turn their head toward the Stuarts Draft side.

The boyish glee that broke out over their faces was astounding.

So there you were on the NFL’s opening day, all fat and happy with New England’s Tom Brady as your fantasy football quarterback, ready to sit back and watch another 50 touchdowns roll in.

It’s just a dream for Waynesboro coach Steve Isaacs.

One of the questions I’m most often asked regarding fitness and getting in shape is “Why is it so hard?” My answer is usually a simple one, “because we make it hard.“

STUARTS DRAFT
Who says it’s all playbooks and the Good Book out in Stuarts Draft?

The son is about to find out what’s in a name. As much fun as he’s had sitting in the old man’s office and answering the phone when the tabloids called, Hank Steinbrenner’s vacation is over.

Don Layne didn’t forget.

Everybody forms a circle around the man they call, “Coach,” and “Sir,” with their eyes wide open and mouths slammed shut.