January is upon us and it's time to take down the Christmas tree and stash the decorations until next year. It is also the time when we should be checking out the 2012 hunting and fishing regulations and planning this year's outdoor adventures. The planning guys at CrossTrackers are already putting together hunting and fishing outings and would like some input from the membership as to what type of trips you would be interested in this year. We are equal opportunity folks and would go hunting and/or fishing at the drop of a (camo) hat!
The January Main Event will be on January 25th at 6:00 PM at the CrossTracker Lodge (Sandy River Airport, 42323 Oral Hull Road in Sandy). Our guest speaker is Karl Findling, co-owner of Oregon Pack Works, a newly launched backpack and binocular harness company based in Bend, Oregon. Karl's primary career is a professional fire captain and has been in the EMS, structural and wild land fire field for thirty years. Karl is also an avid backcountry hunter with a passion for chukar hunting but also enjoys hunting deer, caribou and elk. In his many years of hunting, Karl has experienced a lot of "oops" moments and "misadventures" that he will share with us. His DIY tips and "how-tos" should provide many colorful stories as well as useful information for the backcountry hunter. As usual we will provide a complementary dinner and there is no cost attached to being on the CrossTracker roster.
Last month we had a Christmas party in lieu of our regular Main Event and it was spectacular! Santa showed up and we had an old fashioned ice cream (sorta) social. Gifts were exchanged and we sang Christmas carols and heard poems and the "Christmas Story." There were approximately 85 moms, dads and kids in attendance and a good time was had by all! CrossTrackers also provided several families, who were having a tough time, with food and gifts in an attempt to give them a Merry Christmas. A big thank you to all who provided food and monetary support for this worthy project.
There have been some changes to our Bible study hosted by pastor and "bear hunter" Jason Roeder. Starting January 30th, instead of meeting on Tuesdays, we will be meeting from 6:30-8:00 PM every other Monday evening at the Lodge. At our meeting on the 30th, we will be showing the movie "Courageous," so invite your friends. We have been averaging between 16 and 18 attendees and still have room for more! A new study is about to begin so you will be on the ground floor and won't have missed a thing.
One of our members, Dave Boatman, wants to remind you of the up-coming Camp Morrow Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held January 20th through the 22nd. It will be held at Camp Morrow's private 5 acre lake which borders Pine Hollow Reservoir. There will be a guest speaker and prizes and the $75.00 registration includes both lodging and meals. Online registration and brochures are available at http://campmorrow.org/ice-fishing. The address is 79551 Morrow Road, Wamic, OR 97063.
Don't forget to use the CrossTracker forum or the bulletin board at the Lodge to set up hunting and/or fishing trips with other members.