My Grandson

[pop pop]

My grandson, now 16, is living the life I lived as a boy of the same age. He is hunting and fishing almost every day and loves it. I am almost envious, sometimes. Age and diminished ability will do that to you. He sends me pictures of his bounty often. Really into duck hunting at present. His dad said he is hunting and fishing almost every day. He gave Parker 2 more years before college to do this.  He has his own ride, and boat, and he and his friends are really enjoying the outdoors. He lives in Mt Pleasant S Carolina and has a boat launch ramp in the subdivision where he lives. It leads into the Charleston Harbor where Fort Sumpter is located. 

My daughter went to work in a business and the owner had a 18' Jon boat, with a 50 horse Johnson, that he allowed the gas to foul the carbonator, so the boss told Parker he would give it to him if he got it repaired and let him use it if he ever wanted too. Parker was 14 at the time. His dad took it and had the motor repaired and Parker has used it for 2 years now. 

He hunts rabbits in season. Kills Swamp Rabbits and squirrels in the F M preserve. The Francis Marion Wildlife Preserve is just down the road from where they live, and they allow hunting. It is a hunting and fishing dream. He gets in Charleston Harbor and fishes for the giant Redfish when they run in the spring and fall. He has learned the high and low tied cycles and has really become acquainted with the dangers of ignoring nature. He sent me video of him shooting squirrels with a childhood 410 that my father purchased for me in 1956, and it is still knocking squirrels out of trees. It brought a tear to my eye when I first viewed the video. Parker told me he loves the 410. 

I gave his dad several of my guns so he could have them when Parker comes of age, and he is using them often. Like I said I am almost envious, but I am so glad he is getting this start in life. And by the way, they are enjoying the fruits of their harvest as well. I encouraged him to let their mother teach them how to cook their bounty themselves. Made me enjoy the bounty even more. Nothing wrong with a tasty shore or field lunch, you know! They are into camping also. What more could a 16 Y O like, except girls, and I think he has a sweetie also. 

Oh, to be an outdoors Kid. I loved my childhood. I think on it often. "Old Men Dream Dreams", I guess it is true. 

[tacops]

This sure strikes home Pop Pop.  Right in the feels.

[chances R]

Sounds just like my grandson in West TN.  He lives in a small town which to me is preferred to the big city life of Knoxville.  He has it made, still does well in school.  He understands the dangers of lipstick and gasoline....so far.

[pop pop]

If they were my kids, I would be glad they are into the outdoors rather than the urban thing of liquor and drugs and hanging out somewhere trouble is looming. Why my dad allowed me to be in the outdoors although I did not have the privileges of my own boat or auto. My dad had a boat, and he and I used it. Had a tent and we used it. Had a popup trailer and we used it. Well, you get the point "He" and I used them. O, how I miss him. Wish we could have been closer in my later life. 

Edited to add; We lived in another state and had 4 daughters to raise. 

Edited December 5 by pop pop

[pop pop]

We sent Parker 300.00 for his 16th birthday. Wife said it was a special b-day. His dad called me last week and told me Parker used his b-day money to purchase a 12 Ga Mossberg Pump 3 1/2' chamber with a 28" brl and 3 screw in chokes to hunt ducks etc. It was on a Xmas sale for 199.00 + tax at their local gun store. Great purchase!