Columnist Barb Henderson: Punching the clock in a magnificent environment

Barb Henderson

Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

While I once worked 9 to 5 in a business office, I have discovered that memories of a daily routine have almost dwindled away.

I recall that prior to heading for work and facing heavy traffic, it would take me forever to fix my hair and nails, spray on perfume, iron wrinkles out of my business suit and hope to have a few minutes to sip a cup of coffee.

Conversely, woking as a member of the outdoors media can be defined as anything but routine.

When I'm not at my desk writing stories, you'll usually find me on location at lakes and rivers, and desert and mountainous terrain.

I slip into hiking boots, pack my backpack and apply a combination of bug repellent and sunscreen (ah, the essence of outdoors) to start my day.

No need to dress for success. It's more important to dress in layers; this allows the benefit of dealing with the elements throughout the day.

No need to spend time fixing a fancy hairdo -- wearing a hat keeps me warm and shades my face from the sun's rays.

Nails? Well, (grin) they're kept attractively short.

My body has ached from the bitter cold while at other times, I've wondered if I would survive even one hour in our unbearable sizzling summer temperatures.

I've encountered rattlesnakes, waded in muck up to my knees, fought off pesky mosquitoes and have fished rivers and streams within 30 yards of Alaskan Brown Bears.

But I've never had desire to change any of my unique adventures.

After all, arriving at an outdoor destination in plenty of time to witness a breathtaking sunrise can be spectacular.

Sitting quietly and appreciating wildlife -- the bugle from a majestic bull elk echoing off the mountain top; the gobble from a wild turkey as it struts across a field; the honking of geese in flight; the crash of two rams as they butt horns on a rugged hillside or an occasional splash heard when fish jump to grab an insect drifting along a flowing river -- will always be a magnificent experience.

Briefs

Until next time, enjoy the great outdoors.