Graybeard Outdoors

Epilog

I believe every one likes a "good story". That is not to say that mystories are "good". I've
never claimed to be a novelist, a story-writer or a politician. What I put to print is rooted in fact
and reality. Certain "embellishments" are fundamentally essential in order to compress a day or
week int a few chapters. Some details are left along the side of the road.

But I am reminded that Wild Geese, while on their migratory path, leave no one behind.
If one goose is tired or injured and must land, two other geese land as well and will remain with
the tired or wounded goose until either the goose dies, or takes off to rejoin the flock.

And so it is with most honorable men and women. At least, thats been my lifes experience.
Whenever one needs help, there is someone there to render it....if the one in need has been good
in deed.

Story-telling about the outdoors falls much into the same mold. One printed story will be
read by many. Hopefully, each will take something from it of benefit to their lives. And, it could
well spur another closet-author to come to daylight and share his or her outdoors experience.

And that is why I do it. Theres no money in it. Money is, in fact lost, because of it. Writing
deters me from my occupation. It has its own claims on my lifes resources. But I enjoy doing it.

How much is true-life and how much is fiction? What does it matter? There is both. The men
I write about actually lived. Many are still alive. The events described actually took place. The
circumstances surrounding the events may have had some literary license applied. But certainly
not enough to sway the theme from the true course of literary rectitude.

Is there such a place as the "PTA"? Are there such mountains as Kea and Loa? The answer lies
in geography......yes. Do such animals, in such numbers actually exist on the big island as it is
called? During the time period I refer to, they certainly did. Hawaii now has a Hunter Education
program, and licensing requirements. But during "my time" such were of no concern to those of
us who "took to the high ground".

Were there such men as T-man, HUMA, Rolex, Brick, and Carrot? Most certainly. Some reside
in Arlington now. Others now play with their grandchildren. And others may never see the light of
freedom because they still remain behind, rotting away in bamboo prison cells because our
current Commander in Chief has seen it "fit" to press forward on the commodities trading front -
instead of the human exchange front that would bring all our patriot americans safely back home.

And it is to the memory of those MIA's and POW's that I dedicate all my efforts at telling stories.
Because, between the lines, they live. Between the lines lay their honor, integrity, and sacrifice.
God Bless them all.