Idaho Falls

IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM  23 I'm working on this East Idaho Outdoors fall issue when my husband yells up the stairs from the basement. "Do you know how many pairs of waders you have?" Hands hovering over keyboard, I freeze mid-thought and ask myself, "Do I really want to answer that question?" Before I decide, my husband hollers, "Seven! You have seven. For one body, you have seven pairs of waders and five pairs of wad- ing boots. Are you kidding me?" I'm so busted. He's found my stash while cleaning out the deep underbelly that is our basement. I hoard outdoor gear like my grandpa hid king size candy bars. I hoard for good reason. I'm going to need it someday. That day is now. My kids are growing taller. Close to my height. Womens small waders easily turn into youth large. Glad my husband reminded me of what I've been saving gear for. The share window is narrow. We're in it. What's in the basement is going into the woods again only this time my kids are wearing it instead of me. I'm wearing my new favorite pair. The kids get the old pairs. They can roll around in the water all they want. My old favorites have already taken a beating by me. We'll all stand in water with rods until the snow flies thanks to my stack of stuff in the basement. I encourage you to check your stack of stuff. You saved all that for a reason. Can't remember why? Then create a why. Kids are a great reason. They'll probably grow into and out of whatever you're storing in one season so don't miss the opportunity to share. Besides, sharing means you need for more stuff. There's new gear in these pages. Add to your stash. Also read up on what bea- vers do for watersheds and what not to do when a grizzly bear charges you. I like sharing gear and guidance. Both are in here. Read, and watch, while you take a break from cleaning the basement. Let me know what you find in the way of your own gear and guidance. I'm always looking for more of both. Gear up and get out. Kris Millgate Out of the basement and into the woods Stack of Stuff Lookout: The Editor Speaks by Kris Millgate IF KRIS MILLGATE PHOTO

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