Welcome Cottage Grove Journal Readers

By Brian G. Schommer

What started out as a weekly “outdoors” column published in the Hastings Journal a few months ago has now grown to a weekly column being published in THREE area newspapers. Is this syndication? Shortly after the first couple weeks of writing the column, publisher John McLoone asked if he could also print it in The Pierce County Journal? “Sure,” I said. “It opens the door for some different storylines and maybe a bit of ribbing regarding Collegiate and Professional sports teams,” I added. Sadly, there has been very little opportunity for any ribbing from the Minnesota side of the river. NOW Outdoor Adventures is being published in ALL THREE Journal Newspapers with the opening of The Cottage Grove Journal… so welcome aboard South Washington County folks!!

“Journal Outdoors,” as the column was first titled, became Outdoor Adventures after the paper ran a little “Name the Column” contest. After sifting through several options, the name OUTDOOR ADVENTURES was selected in part because it describes the content quite effectively and, the story behind the person who submitted the name; Mildred Ruhr of Hastings, was a story waiting to be told. Her submission shared several different names, some constructive critiques of the paper and a wish of luck topped with gratitude. Her postscript noted that she sent the submission “snail mail” as she no longer had a computer, was 99 years old and lived in an assisted living facility in Hastings. Talk about a dose of “feel good” in a time that we all could use a few boosts… OUTDOOR ADVENTURES became the name.

The focus of this little corner of the paper is heavily based in “feel good” and the gamut of “outdoor” activities is its cornerstone. A few of regular readers from the other publications have said that from time to time, the column has been “inspirational” or “motivational” to them. That most likely comes from the extra amount of “feel good” that finds the final column on deadline day. What you will not find are professional tips and/or expert advice on the top hunting, fishing, camping or hiking gear. To provide this type of information, I would have to be an expert and I am far from an expert. I would be called more of a “Jack of All Trades and, A Master of None.” You will not be told of hot spots, honey holes and secret places where that big 14-pointer is hanging out. If I ever do write about areas such as that, beware of its authenticity. People who hunt and fish tend to do one thing better than hunting or fishing and THAT is… Well, let us just say it has something to do with spinning yarn, and NOT making sweaters. If I am successful as a columnist, this column will be a “go to” spot for some enjoyable and entertaining reading. Even if only for a few minutes, The Journal hopes you will find a little “happy time” in your life right here. I promise that the “happy time” will be here for the picking, just like a ripe red Regent Apple at a local orchard because THERE ARE NO POLITICS ALLOWED. That is right… none. I was taught by my mom (who often lands a line or two in the column) that “you don’t have to agree with someone to respect them.” To maintain the “feel good” flow, I will try to avoid as many issues that really tend to trigger people. The only triggers that will earn ink in this column are those that are connected to hunting.

The column is NOT just about Hunting and Fishing either. For example, one of the first columns was about a new EBike rental business in Hastings… but not just about the business… Did you know that there are OVER 33 miles of bicycle and walking trails in Hastings? Did you know that those trails also connect across the river and you can bike all the way to Prescott, Wisconsin? That business (Port of Hastings Outdoors) plans several expansions once the Confluence project is complete (the old Hudson Sprayer Building). In Prescott, they have some awesome parks (especially Freedom Park) as well as some other cool outdoor spaces including stunning scenery along the St. Croix River. Prescott also has a “Sportsman’s Club” that I will very soon be reaching out to and possibly joining… that is if they allow “Mudducks” to be part of the group. They appear to be heavily involved with conservation and preservation efforts of area habitat. If not, there has been chatter about starting one in Hastings which would also be kind of awesome if you ask me. You didn’t ask me; but if you think this would be awesome and live in Hastings… let’s chat. Adding Cottage Grove into the mix just opens more doors and opportunities. From my day’s past in Cottage Grove as the Pastoral Associate in Youth Ministry at St. Rita’s Catholic Church (oh my… THAT was a LONG time ago), I became familiar with many excellent outdoor spots in the area and look forward to revisiting some of my old stomping grounds again. One of the first things on my list is to see if the outdoor archery range still exists and hopefully, I will finally do some exploring again down at the Ravine. Hiking, Biking, Snowmobiling, Camping, Boating, BBQ… and just taking time to be outside and enjoy what we have been given (like the 1200+ word column about Decks) is what you will be able to read about here.

If you need to contact me and/or have photos that fit what we are doing here with “Outdoor Adventures,” please send them to [email protected] with a description and maybe a little storyline. Please be sure to include your contact information. If your photo submissions are hunting related, we ask that you keep it in good taste and the blood to a minimum. It should go without saying that all photo submissions should be kept in good taste but, this is 2020 so, I will error on the side of caution this one time. If you have column ideas, be sure to pass those along to John as well. I am hoping soon that I will earn my place and receive an actual Journal email address. Come to think of it, I bet if I asked John for one, he would find a way to get me set up. “Hey John… I know I have never asked before, but can I get an email so folks could contact me directly instead of putting more on your plate?” For now, email John and he will make sure that your questions and thoughts get to me. By asking for the email in the column… I now have at least 25 witnesses (confirmed by very raw polling data) known as official readers (also known as family and friends) of my request.

Coming up in the next few months, I am hoping to make a visit soon to a local Apple Orchard or two and put a column together about the experiences, sounds, smells and tastes. Of course, there will be some hunting banter with Deer Season looming in the very close future. Maybe a late fall hike or two to area parks and for sure, once the snow flies, some trail riding on the Polaris Indy Adventure. I hear there are cross country skiing and snow shoeing opportunities close by. These are two things I have never done and if there is someone who would be willing to introduce me to these crazy activities… I am down. Like I said, Outdoor Adventures is not just about hunting and fishing. As a columnist, I have a wonderful opportunity to share stories with those who chose to read this weekly block of literary wit (or something that may rhyme with wit) and that that is pretty much where the “me” ends and the column begins. The column is about Enjoying the Great Outdoors. Welcome Aboard Cottage Grove!!!