This past weekend I had the pleasure of my 10-year-old granddaughter's company at her first black powder rendezvous. Her mom had fashioned for her a dress in the primitive fashion and her other Granddad had loaned her a pair of knee-high moccasins.

Summer Putnam is the daughter of my son who was killed on a motorcycle 10 years ago. She lives with her mother near Delta, Pa., and visits us often. She had long expressed an interest in these camp outs and was now able to attend. At the end of the weekend she wanted know when one was to be held.

Once again this shows the interest youngsters have in the outdoors. Even though much of it is educational, if presented correctly, it can be fun for all involved. It is also good medicine for those of us who are older as we relive our own youth through these kids.

We have many ways we can live this experience with our young. Hunting, fishing, nature walks, and camping are just a few. The learning process that goes on and the lifelong friendship is wonderful. In the outdoors there are no age differences — in a way we all be come children again.

Officially bass season is open in all waters in Maryland. These game fish so promoted by the many fishing tournaments are fun to catch but so are many other species. The same waters that hold good bass populations also hold many other different types of fish. All are fun to catch and many will hit the same lure and baits used for catching bass.

If you are going to spend extended time out on the water or wadding a stream, be sure to carry plenty of drinking water. If the early hot days are any sign of the summer to come it will be very easy to have aheat stroke.

And rest in the shade when you can.