Statesman Journal from Salem, Oregon • C1

WANDER I am solitary by nature. I prefer to be alone when out in the wild. Deep observation of the natural world precludes social niceties and the chit chat of casual conversation. Going solo is the best way to completely open senses and become receptive to the narrative of nature. I make exception for a handful of trusted and treasured friends.

Time spent with them in wild places is a cherished gift. We are kindred spirits who share a reverent approach to nature. A wonderful place to experience nature with friends is Sitka Sedge State Natural Area near City on the Ore- gon coast. Sand Lake estuary at the Sitka Sedge Natural Area. BOBBIE TO THE STATESMAN JOURNAL Companions journey through Sitka Sedge Natual Area Bobbie Snead Special to Salem Statesman Journal USA TODAY NETWORK See WANDER, Page 4C Oregon Life Statesman Journal SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 1C When it comes to writing these days, no professional scribbler worth his or her salt has an unlisted number.

If perused the pulp-and-print section of the supermarket, drug store or newsstand of late if you can the latter anywhere close, let me know you probably have noticed the esca- lating war of words. That comes in the form of exponen- tially expanding lists. So, say, a feature in a fashion or glam- our magazine about the techniques for fabulous of a couple of years (decades?) ago has grown to sex tips from around the world. Prepare for global Which is an actual cover tease to an article in Cosmo. kind of a stretch from the old a little vanilla extract behind your ear so when he gets close, think you can dating tip in an ancient issue of Teen magazine that my younger sis- ter, Michelle, once told me about.

Newspapers and outdoor magazines are not immune to the expansive, one might say bloated, list The venerable Outdoor Life, as an ex- ample, such gems as turkey decoys, tested and or new head- lamps reviewed and To which Field Stream escalates the war of words with seasonal such as A-Z guide to the best sum- mer ever, 57 (not a typo) outdoor skills, gear tricks and wild or the even more beefy Fish, Shoot: 68 skills, trips and gear tips for the most successful spring of your Sixty-eight? Really? be summer by the time you get through that. Having done lists in the past, usually topping out at three to I generally Five alternative tools for the outdoors person Fishing Henry Miller Guest columnist Five useful tools: Nail clippers and needle-threader, headlamp, kiddie scissors, nitrile gloves. HENRY TO THE STATESMAN JOURNALSee MILLER, Page 4C.