I'm so glad I signed up for Charlie Lamb's book! Frankly, I had forgotten that I had. It arrived on Friday. I've read several chapters so far; Meeting Fred Bear, Squirrel Massacre, Hoyt Pro Hunter, First Deer, and of course the Forward and Intro.
I love that you can skip around through the contents.
I like how this book is reminding me of things I hadn't thought of for a long time. My first deer hunt with a bow (16 years old) was a few year's after Charlie's in 1970.
Charlie reminds me of the simple camping trips with just bags or blankets on the ground or in truck bed. The awe of seeing certain animals up close for the first time.
Its fun for me to notice things that are coincidentally, common to some of my own early experiences. I remember meeting Earl Hoyt when I managed the Busch and Weldon Springs WMAs (92-95). I remember how humble he was and how most people at a "field day" had no idea what an Icon Earl was and he didn't feel the need to remind them. Charlie's mention of the St. Louis Archery Club -- one of the first such clubs and they had an archery range on the Busch area in a beautiful old forest (sadly dilapidated when I arrived).
I too started working in Forestry and spent most of my early exotic forays (outside Indiana where I lived most of my life) in Wyoming.
I'd bet that many of us on this site will find that Charlie recounts countless occurrences, techniques, and FEELINGS that we have tucked away. His book will turn back the clock in a very good way.
Every chapter in this book is far better than most of the feature stories I read in bowhunting magazines. I don't feel like I'm reading an "info-mercial". Although I do like mentions of some of the early equipment and Charlie's home-made accessories.
Everyone connected to this book is a complete stranger to me except for this website. So, simply for your own good I'm suggesting if you haven't picked up a copy of this book you are in for a treat when you do!
Sheesh, sorry about gushing so but this book has lessened the grey in my hair and taken some sting out of that bothersome left knee.
Thanks for the memories!
P.S. The only surprise to me is that, like so many story-tellers on Trad Gang (learned from Charlie) there aren't hour-long gaps in the story as we wait around the fire for more! Ha! I expected 4-5 blank pages at every point a story was getting really interesting. Thankfully, I'm not made to suffer like that as I read this book.
Topic: Charlie's Book is Releasing Memories! (Read 128 times)
