CC's Outdoor Journal

Happy New Year!
With the beginning of the year it is a custom for many to make a resolution of things they intend to do for the coming year. Year after year, the top three tend to be to enjoy life more with friends and family, quit smoking and to lose the bulge. If you think for a minute, they are all very attainable if tackled in that order.
Invite a family member or friend out for a walk the next time you think you need a cigarette and watch your attitude improve, the bulge dwindle away and your smoking habit be replaced with a heart-pumping, healthy walk.
If I've learned anything in changing my lifestyle habits, it's that you need to be ready to change things for yourself. It doesn't matter what I may write or a friend may say. What matters is that you are ready and willing to change for YOU.
Last year, I set out on a goal to lose weight and feel better about myself. I did great for a few months, lost some major weight, got active and then it all began to taper off. For the past few months I've struggled and haven't been able to get out of the slump. I know what I have to do, but doing it is more a battle than keeping with it.  
Here I am. Ready to challenge myself for 2011. I have already signed up for the third annual Dempsey Challenge 10K in memory of my mother-in-law, Joyce. I plan to raise more money, lose more weight and run even further this year while I train.
I would love to have you join me as I run through town and would truly appreciate your donation to the Dempsey Center, as they can utilize the funds year round.
If you would like to show your support, contact me by emailing ccrockett@rumfordfallstimes.com or visit www.dempseychallenge.org and click on “Find a Participant” and type in my name, Cherri Crockett. There you will be able to make a donation straight to the Dempsey Center through my participation with the Rumford Hospital Team. I thank you and appreciate anything you may be able to do to help people in our area as they battle their cancer diagnosis. You can even join our team as a walker, runner, cyclist or volunteer.
So, what will you be doing on January 1? I have my sights set on the ice. It's that time of year again, that's right, ice fishing. I am so ready to see everyone out on the ice, enjoying their time and taking photos of their catches to share with me. Remember to be safe and check the ice for thickness before venturing out.
We all need to remember to take responsibility for those items we bring out on the ice and in to the woods while we're out there this winter. I'm sure you would hate to be swimming next summer and have winter trash floating around you or hiking through the woods  to see trash left by someone that was out on their snowmobile.
If we all do our part to carry out what we carry in, landowners will not hesitate to continue to allow recreation on their property.
Each year local snowmobile clubs visit with landowners to be sure they can still access their land and each year more land is shut down due to the abuse of property. If you're not sure of the trail, ask first. Don't follow the trail and assume it's okay to drive over someone's property.
I wish you a safe beginning to 2011 and hope to hear from you all. Email me at ccrockett@rumfordfallstimes.com to share your stories of adventures while out enjoying the winter.

CC's Outdoor Journal Photo:

Giovanni Milligan of Peru joined his family last weekend to take advantage of early ice fishing on Ellis Pond in Roxbury. He is seen here with a brook trout he caught. (Photo submitted by Laurieann Milligan)

CC's Outdoor Journal Photo:

Rumford Hospital/Sudden Cardiac Arrest team members Laurieann Milligan, Kelly Greene, Laina Halle, Stephanie Jacques and Cherri Crockett are seen here prior to the 2010 Dempsey Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Flash)