By Natalie Ferguson

(With a background in retail and a love for wellness, travel, and the outdoors, Natalie Ferguson joined Alabama Outdoors in 2016. )

Growing up in Colorado, our family spent a lot of time in the mountains and just being outdoors.

My dad, the adventure-filled, thrill-seeking, outdoor enthusiast, has taught me most of what I know about all things outdoors. From the bunny slopes to class-five rapids and everything in between, he has paved the trail and shared his wisdom.

Passion for the outdoors

My dad firmly believes that “You can do anything you want to, you just have to want to.” This piece of advice has stuck with me over the years and is at the forefront of anything I strive to do.

He shared his passion for the outdoors with me, and now that I have grown to love the outdoors as well, I love hearing his thrilling stories about his daredevil days, from his trip to climb Mt. Rainier that he turned down, which ended up being life-saving (for him), to when he flipped over in his kayak and almost lost his life in a log jam. 

Theses exhilarating stories tell me so much about who my dad was and is today. He was a competitive skier, an adrenaline junkie who loved to kayak, climb, fish, and almost anything else as long as it was in nature. He gave up most of these activities when he and my mom started our family, as most require too much risk.

No one can catch a fish in anger

Most of these activities, if not all, can take a lot of patience, skill, and advanced knowledge about the outdoors and its elements. My dad says adventurists “take calculated risks, and they know there are certain risks you do not take. So, you know the risk and you take the risk. And that gives you the adrenaline.” 

One activity my Dad didn’t give up was fly fishing. It happens to be one of my favorite pastimes, too. I caught my first fish in Fairplay, Colo., (known to most as South Park) when I was 6 years old, and I was hooked. 

The greatest life skill my Dad taught me from this was patience and respect for wildlife. The patience of learning a new skill: everything takes time and it can be hard to not get frustrated. But, as Herbert Hoover said, “Be patient and calm — for no one can catch fish in anger.” Anglers know this can be true, but most also enjoy the calmness and serenity that fishing brings. I will say that quote isn’t true 100 percent of the time, and let me tell you why 

Fly fishing in Alaska

Once, we went fly fishing in Yakutat, Alaska. I had just turned 16 years old, it was the middle of summer, and even though it was fairly light outside, it was 11 p.m. and we had been exploring and fishing for 14 hours. Let’s just say 14 hours of fishing for a 16-year-old —even if you love fishing— can be tiring. I remember the strong flow of the river as I waded through it, the sights of the wilderness around us, and the smell of fresh Alaskan salmon being cooked over a fire on the shoreline. 

The sun was going down (to the extent it does up North), and so was my enthusiasm. We were casting in this pool alongside seven other avid fishermen, all trying to get a strike from one of the many salmon in that spot. One cast after another with no luck, I began to get impatient. Bored from fishing, cold, hungry, tired— you name it.

Dad, I got one!

My casts were no longer deliberate, and my form was nonexistent. My dad tried to give me pointers and, well, this teenager didn’t want to listen at the time, but he insisted I stay out. Although I felt defeated, I tossed my line in and let it float downstream into the pool, hardly paying any attention. “Ummm, Dad? Help, please! I got one!”

 Not just a salmon but a king salmon. No one could believe it, especially the seven experienced anglers next to me. My pole curved as the fish fought, but we fought harder. My adrenaline had kicked in, and we were not going to give up. 

Being pulled some 50 yards downstream by an over 30-pound king salmon was quite the ride. We did our best to keep him in control and out of the trees and debris so he wouldn’t get tangled and potentially break free. After quite some time, and with everyone watching, we were able to guide him to the shallow water. Then, my dad helped me take the hook out (something that has never been my strong suit).

Time to clean the fish

Little to my knowledge I was about to get real messy. Since I caught the fish, it was time for me to clean it. My dad and his buddies took their time and taught me how to correctly clean a fish and prepare it to bring home, or cook at the fire pit. This is one memory I will never forget.

I am so grateful to share new experiences with my dad and be able to learn so much from him and his experiences over the years. I miss being back home for Father’s Day as we would always have a fun adventure. Thanks, Dad!

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and we can help you find a perfect gift for the dad in your life. Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time.  Visit one of our stores or shop online and take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup. #BeOutdoors