The outdoor realm encompasses a vast array of sites-- water, land, wetlands--for us to embrace, explore, and enjoy. Subsistence, recreation, knowledge, and spiritual teachings are available from the woods and seas. The roles of naturalist, hunter, photographer, fisherman, trapper, canoeist, spiritualist, boat captain, hiker, and adventurer are a sprinkling of hats worn by the souls fortunate enough to venture forth into the outdoor world.
Fate and interests, being what they may, pointed me, even nudge me, into this woods and water realm. Yes, good fortune placed a smattering of outdoor folks in my path. Ranges of expertise spanned from the best in their respective fields to dedicated souls. Above all they freely shared their outdoor lore and experiences.
This grouping of outdoor folks shared, if not purpose, intensity of pursuit of their specific outdoor discipline. Often, opinions varied on the use of a resource, ranging from exploitation to preservation. The majority of participants, however, operated on a mid-level of conservation (wise use).
The purpose of this book, Adventures of Woods & Seas, is to share and expose the vast range of outdoor experiences available. With knowledge, we may avoid fighting over the "proper use" of our resources. Let's share this wonderful outdoor realm and the passion of various pursuits. One user group might not fully embrace or understand the motivation of the other. However, the interest, the passion of pursuit, are based on similar footings. The resources provide the mutually shared stage. Let's protect this stage, together. This outdoor world is finite, fragile--in need of shared stewardship.
Yes, I've been blessed with outdoor opportunities that allowed the wearing of many "hats." Fisherman, photographer, hunter, naturalist, sailor are some coming to mind. Locales of experience range from urban ponds and wood lots to equatorial, temperate, and sub-arctic areas around the globe. Adventures of Woods & Seas is a colorful compilation of a variety of outdoor pursuits, destinations, and philosophies of use.
The sequel volume to Adventures of woods & Seas is underway. Further journeys embrace backyard farm ponds of New England, sub-arctic wilds of Canada, rain forests, waters of Central America, the Pacific realm, the continental northwest, the Hawaiian Isles. Focus again will be on the flora, fauna, and people of each region.
On a recent October morning, an urban wood lot walk, well within city limits, produced numerous outdoor sightings: Red foxes chasing mice, rafts of colorful wood ducks milling about, an ancient, nearly albino (white) whitetailed deer ghosting along the wood lot edge, mourning doves collecting on tree branches, and monarch butterflies assembling in preparation for riding the north winds to Mexico for the winter.
I paused, reflected the Adventures of Woods & Seas will never cease!
Join us! Open your eyes, heart, and spirit to the great outdoors.
About the Author
Richard Colagiovanni has been exploring the woods and waters of the world for over 35 years. His outdoor lifestyle spans Europe, North and Central America, and vast ocean realms of the Northern Hemisphere. Journeys that range from backyard farm ponds of New England, sub-arctic wilds of Canada, to equatorial rain forests of Central America. Rich's participation in the outdoor include roles of: naturalist, hunter, fisherman, writer, photographer, industry and governmental consultant, canoeist, boat captain, meditative spiritualist, hiker, university lecturer, and adventurer. Some of his professional membership includes: The Outdoor Writer's Association of America, and The Explorers Club NY. Furthermore, his past employment includes a stint as field guide/report contributor to a scientific investigation sponsored by Brown University. His contributions to the study include field orientation, guiding the expedition, and production of a detailed report of the Pawtuxet River's fish resources. Also, Rich worked with Rhode Island Audubon Society on the "Unique Natural Area Survey". Duties included field gathering of fauna and fauna data-combined-with establishing boundaries and ownership of said land and water parcels.
As a magazine writer/photographer his credits include: Sports Afield, The Fisherman, American Survival Guide, Game and Fish, On The Water, Saltwater Sportsman, Whitetails Unlimited, Charter Industry Trade News, to name a few. He authored a fine book entitled, The New England Saltwater Fishing Guide...the "Bible" of New England coastal fishing. He contributed to European based outdoor magazines produced in Germany. Also, Rich's spectacular photography has graced the pages of books published in Sweden.
Rich has shown his slide/lecture, "Utilization of the Marine Ecosystem" at regional colleges and universities. Furthermore, his evening adult education classes, basic, intermediate, and advanced saltwater fishing are popular.
His outdoor lifestyle embraces job positions including U.S. and International Representative/Consultant for several Canadian recreation lodges. Services include expeditions for fishing, photography, and trekking. In addition, Rich worked as consultant for the Newfoundland and Labrador Government. Here, his expertise was utilized on extensive Government European Trade Missions geared to promote outdoor recreation of eastern Canadian provinces.
Furthermore, Rich's extensive "wood time" had allowed him to receive many of Mother Natures secrets and mysteries--gifts that natural environments will share with man. He was accepted and absorbed into these natural realms, then, numerous wonders of nature revealed themselves to him. The spirit of place began to reveal it's connection with the natural components. As his mind journeyed past the restrictions of traditional western thought-a miraculous show began. A beautiful combination of naturism with indigenous spirits began the revelation process for those ready to see. Through his journals you will be invited to come along with him on this miraculous journey. His forthcoming book--Spirit of the Woods is nearing completion.
