I've been taking my twin boys to Canada on a fishing trip every year since they were 2, they are now 24. The trips in early years were with power boats and had us staying in cabins. They love to fish, especially for Northerns and Musky, and are now very good fishermen, much better than me. I took them on a canoe camping fishing trip when they were about 12. They hated it. Too much work. The last 4 or 5 years they have been coming with me on my yearly canoe trip, mainly motivated by fishing. Last year I went on a trip from Nym to Sturgeon with my son Dan, just the two of us. He caught the biggest fish of his life. He loved it, but not only for the fishing. He finally has gained an appeciation for the adventure, the solitude, the scenery and the the sense of satisfaction from being self sufficient. It was a great trip. Just be patient and let them come to it in there own time, and if they don't, love them just the same.

Thank-you all very much for your replies. I thoroughly enjoyed them!

When my boy scout troop went on their annual camping trip and I had an appendectomy instead, when it was over my Dad decided, for the first time in his life, he would take me on a backpacking trip.  It was a disaster because neither of us knew what we were doing.  But it hooked me.  I had my own 3 kids backpacking, with their own little adjustable kid packs by when they were 4, 5, and 6.  Also fishing.  Also did a week's houseboat trip with them at Lake of the Woods, and my oldest turned out to be exuberant going after the walleyes.  Later, I took them on a canoe one-nighter; unfortunately my daughter fell in totally at the shoreline getting out of the boat.  Now they are in their 30s.  Daughter wants no part of the outdoors.  Oldest is a technical climber and fisherman and cyclist and hiker.  Youngest is a camping/hiking fanatic and involves his kids too.  Took two of my grandsons on a two-night canoe trip about a year and a half ago at ages 5 and 6.  They had a magnificent time.  And I suspect we'll be doing it a lot more if my back and legs will give me a few more years.  My son, stepson, and son-in-law are all excited about a tripe we're planning this summer to the Q for the 4 of us.  I'm stoked.  I used to go hiking backpacking regularly and only occasional canoeing.  But as the bones get creakier, the canoe is easier than the feet.  Bought me a whitewater canoe last week and joined up with a group of folks who want to explore Colorado rivers by canoe.  I think I've been blessed with a natural enthusiasm for all sorts of diverse activities, and there's enough variety so that all the kids and all the grandkids share some interest or other.  And I make sure that's nourished.  Once a year, near their birthday, I have a one-on-one date with each of them, doing something that they like.  Pro sporting events, camping, horseback riding, museum, concerts, theater, and quite a few others.  These are some of the best times, and I don't go along reluctantly, I have a blast doing the things they like; and then most of them are eager to put up with me on a hike or in a canoe.  Not a bad life for an old man.

"Bought me a whitewater canoe last week and joined up with a group of folks who want to explore Colorado rivers by canoe."

so Mountain, in case you haven't heard

bring that new boat out on the 19th of March- S Platte Evans to Kersey - annual multi-club group trip - anywhere from a dozen to 65 boats show up, depending on the weather

Quote:


Dude, I want your life when I'm older (i.e. have grandkids).

"Not a bad life" indeed.

If every father and grandfather took such an interest, our crime rate, dropout rate, illegal drug use rate, welfare rate, etc. etc. would be sharply reduced.

-- kypaddler