Gold N Skedadle

Skedaddle: We Need a Bigger Boat!

I never was a boy scout, or girl scout for that matter, but I pride myself on being prepared. When the library's lights went out in graduate school, I led a small group of studiers out with my mini flashlight. I have a leather man tool in my diaper bag and a small roll of duct tape in my glove box. I don't go overboard and keep my bags as small as possible. I just like to have my duck's (all related duck paraphernalia) in a line. I think this is the key to a good fishing trip with two toddlers. You have to plan ahead and prepare accordingly. Food and Drink - For my children that need to snack seemingly constantly, this area is key. I make sandwiches for everyone and then fill the rest of the small cooler with grab-able snacks. String cheese, gold fish (lots of fish), cookies, pea pods and fruit snacks are staples. I bring healthy choices and other "bribery" foods to get us through a tough spot (screaming on the boat and you can't go anywhere). I bring a camelback with hose as the kids enjoy drinking water this way and it can keep them entertained in a pinch. Entertainment - My kids can play with sticks as mud for hours, but I bring a little pack with some key toys. A shovel, truck, measuring cup, flashlight, bubbles and a few small plastic sharks often join us on our trips. I can bury the sharks or let them float down a side stream. The trucks can make great tracks in the sand and make great places to put small bugs. Toys can help distract a child during the boat ride and also let the caretaker fish for a cast or two! Comfort items - I bring a full change of clothes for each child (even socks!). If you have ever had a child fall head first into the river in the first fifteen minutes of a fishing trip, you would understand. I also put in a hat and pair of mittens (I use fleece dog booties as they are small and packable). I stuff these items into a dry bag, just in case. Before my youngest son could walk, I would bring his car seat to use as a resting spot (never harness the kiddo in for safety reasons). I am testing out a boating seat from BabySeaRock that seems like a good spot for a toddler on the boat. What to wear- My kid's wear fleece or polyester for pants and shirts. I can layer up or down depending on the weather. Their outer layer is an Oaki rain suit. This keeps them dry and clean. They have rain boots on their feet over smartwool socks for warmth, even if they get wet.

American Slang

The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: The Century dictionary ... prepared under the superintendence of William Dwight Whitney ... rev. & enl. under the superintendence of Benjamin E. Smith

The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: Dictionary

U.S. Geological Survey bulletin

Dictionary of Louisiana Creole