STAYING IN THE K.N.O.W.
LUCKY TO BE IN KENTUCKY
A little over a month ago, someone from my home town started a facebook group called “You know you’re from San Bernardino if” and my bff who still lives there added me as a member. It has been fun recalling the good old times in Berdoo, as we who lived on Route 66 call our city. It is uniquely located at the base of
the San Bernardino Mountains, a little more than an hour’s drive from California beaches, and is referred to as the “gateway to the desert”. It sounds like a wonderful place to live for outdoor enthusiasts. (It is also close to Los Angeles, and the LA gangs were moving in—still are.)
But as I read through the posts of what we did as kids, teen-age and young adult hi-jinks, and more, I do not see fishing, hunting, hiking, and other such activities mentioned. Outdoor activities seemed to be drinking beer by the creek in Waterman Canyon, the nudist camp in another canyon, dances at Lake Gregory, and a debate on whether the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club started in Berdoo or nearby Fontana. No spelunking either, although there are old abandoned gold, silver, and uranium mines in the mountains and
desert.
There is so much to do in Kentucky, for all ages, whether it is a specific “sport” or just a walk in the woods. Some of you ladies may have been deprived growing up—only boys could do those things—but you know better now. We have BOW, to teach us how. We have KNOW to do outdoor things, and to network with other groups. And you have your children and grandchildren to pass the love of the outdoors on to.
Many of you, even if you were not allowed to hunt or fish with the boys, likely enjoyed the out-of-doors in other ways—gathering edibles, wildflowers, or craft materials, or just walking in the woods. Why not share those experiences with others? From the beginning, KNOW has been about members sharing with other members. We have hiked from member’s homes. We have fished in private lakes. We have canoed through
private property. We hunt turkey on a member’s farm. One member wanted to try growing shiitake mushrooms on logs, but had to buy a huge amount of spawn, so she threw it open to the members and we had two weekends of inoculating logs, so many were interested.
On the other hand, there are members who do not have access to the resources they would like to explore. Do you have land available for hunting? Why not invite KNOW members for the appropriate season? (We have liability waivers available.) Do you have a lake or pond with too many fish? Do you have a woods or
adjoin a public woods where a group could hunt deer sheds, mushrooms, wildflowers, etc., or go birdwatching? Is there someplace you have always wanted to explore, but don’t have anyone to explore with? Invite KNOW to join you.
Before I frighten you off with these suggestions, let me tell you that some events only draw a few people. Sometimes it is just the people who live nearby. Sometimes just a few people are interested in that sort of activity. You don’t have to be afraid that the full membership of KNOW will show up on your doorstep. So c’mon ladies, invite us over to come outside and play!
JUDITH GRESHAM – EDITOR, FIRST CHAIR
