I had grown up accustomed to heading north to Pulaski during the colder months. My brother and I would load the car on little notice after a small break in the schedule. The back of truck soon was riddled with fly rods, waders, boots, sling packs, tons of jackets, and landing nets. Not to mention enough brightly colored egg flies to supply Fat Nancy’s (the staple of local knowledge and equipment for the Salmon River).

The runs north were filled with laughter and reminiscing of times of both great success and amusing failure. We’d laugh at the times where my dad took a spill in a run, only to swear off Steelheading all together. We’d remember the times where a swung fly out-fished the bait guys and when my brother had to land a 12 lb. fish with half a fly rod after it snapped above the cork. We’d plot the small side channels and creeks that were loaded with Salmon and Brown Trout which other anglers refused to fish. The good times of the past, the unsatisfying gas station snacks, the warm cups of coffee, and a never ending playlist of Creedence Clearwater Revival seemed to alleviate the dullness of upper New York State.

This past winter I’ve enjoyed several weekends up north during the steelhead runs. It’s become a tradition for me, and when the frigid snowstorms descend upon the northeast I instantly gravitate towards the rivers draining into the Great Lakes. I was fortunate enough to fish with my dad and brother on the creeks of Pennsylvania that make-up “Steelhead Alley.” We stayed for a few days and spent more time agonizing over the methodology of these fish than actually fighting them. In the end we hooked and landed plenty of fish, sometimes in creeks no wider than one lane street.

I also spent several days living out of my car as I fished the creeks of Lake Ontario. I spent a couple days fishing the Salmon River, and a few more trekking through the smaller and less popular creeks. It was an adventure for sure.

I’m all about Made in America – no secrets there – but it’s so much fun to toot the horn of other American businesses when they make such a great product!

Bo is such a great and generous man and I’m proud to call him a friend, but I don’t think he knows just how special his gift was this year. But in my best attempt to explain, I have to tell a story:

While I was serving as the Order of the Arrow National Vice Chief in 2001, I had the pleasure of visiting Philmont. It’s known as the Boy Scout’s summercamp for a reason – the country in northern New Mexico is amazing, the trails are beautiful, and the terrain is perfect for backpacking Scouts. It’s a place that’s defines special in a way that could only be appreciated by those who have climbed Baldy, traversed the Valle Vidal, or sat atop the Tooth of Time for sunrise.

I’ll always consider that time in New Mexico of the greatest in my life.

The OA Trail Crew program is two weeks long. In the first week, two foremen, my fellow arrowmen-workers and I added a stretch to the now well-used Black-Horse trail toward Baldy. Every morning, Cubby, Austin, Schmidty, Tennessee and I hiked up one of the steeper sections to the project site, worked all day with hand tools (no power tools allowed in the back-country), and returned to camp each night with new memories, tired backs, and a well-earned appetite. I still reach for my pick maddox when there’s a rock to pop out or stubborn root. We cut and cleared trees, pulled boulders, cut new trail into the hillside, and built a switchback that will surely be there when my grandchildren go to Philmont. The week was capped by a pilgrimage to the summit of Baldy – an unmatched feeling for me hit when we stood on top when I realized that so many other Scouts would later stand where I was after hiking the trail I just helped build.

Week 2 was our trek week – our reward for service rendered – and the venue for a growth-driven program that in itself made me a better leader and a better man. We set out on a trek that started in the northernmost section of the camp and ending 70+ miles later. We bushwhacked across the Valle, climbed Deer Lake Mesa, played Loggerball in back-country camp, and hiked the Tooth Ridge. A week later, I entered basecamp after one of the greatest sunrises I’ve ever seen:

I’m grown now, building Vedavoo, and still in Scouting as a Tiger Cub Den Leader. So much has changed in the years that have passed, but those memories from New Mexico are still so special to me – perhaps moreso every year that goes by.

At the beginning of my trip, the last meal I had before I embarked was in Las Vegas, New Mexico. I remember how amazing the steak was even now – and how I had said afterwards that every trip to Philmont should start in Las Vegas for a great steak to fuel your legs. At the time, I expected to return sooner than later, but I haven’t had the pleasure yet. Perhaps someday I’ll return, and hike the same trail I helped build when I come with my son and his friends.

But for now, I have the pleasure of enjoying this great jerky from Bo – also of Las Vegas, New Mexico – and remembering one of the greatest experiences of my life.

> ALL AMERICAN – Built with American Woven, 1000 Denier Cordura and Durastretch fabrics, and produced in in our Massachusetts workshop or our LEED Certified Factory in Pennsylvania.

> BETTER DESIGNS – Years of development and serious field testing have made our packs more simple, more durable, and more versatile than ever.

> MORE USEFUL – Our newest lineup is designed to carry your gear down any dirt road or trail regardless of what you’re doing. Fly Fish, Hike, Climb, or Travel – and all with the same, go-to pack.

Check back on 1/2/12 to join in the celebration!

We were founded on June 19, 2009 – so still less than 3 years along, we launched this company with products that were personally and painstakingly designed in my garage and built in our workshop. Today, Vedavoo gear is still made with pride in America – and that feels pretty awesome. Whether fresh from our Lancaster, Mass. workshop, or from our Pennsylvania factory, all of our packs are carefully built using American woven materials to be your trusty sidekick. All of our t-shirts are made using American Farmed Organic Cotton and recycled poly fiber, and every shirt is printed to order in the USA. Our goal has been to build packs that you will consider.

Small business Saturday is designed to encourage buyers like you to pick up awesome stuff from small and local businesses – like Vedavoo.  We hope you’ll join us on November 26th as we offer you special deals on Vedavoo Gear and Apparel.  

Thanks again for your support and patronage!

Scott Hunter, Founder