Mother's Day gifts for an Outdoors Mom

While I love flowers and manicures as much as the next mom, below are a few items that I'd love to receive this Mother's Day and I'm betting may some other outdoor moms wouldn't mind getting, too.

MN State Parks Annual Pass

For just $25, this is the gift that last until next Mother's Day. Vehicle permits are good for a full year from the month of purchase and give access to a whole roster of outdoor activities and fun at Minnesota's 72 state parks and recreation areas. Annual permits can be purchased at state parks, the DNR License Center, REI metro locations or by calling the DNR information center at 1-888-MINNDNR. The family vehicle needs one of these pronto!

Keen Waterfront Sandals

You would think after all my years of fishing; I'd have a good pair of non-slip, waterproof shoes. With my Canadian fishing trip coming up later this summer, I'd love to get a pair of Keen Waterfront sandals. I love their closed toe design, lug soles and quick dry features. Plus they look good après fishing, too! Nokomis Shoes in South Minneapolis and Crystal carry a nice selection and their personal service is some of the best in the metro.

Fishing with Bluegill "Bro"

I met Brian Brosdahl while working in the outdoor field and his panfish prowess is legendary. Time spent with a guide is always money well spent – not only will you learn tips and tricks, you'll usually bring home a limit of fish. Bro guides around the Walker and Bemidji area and you'll have a trip filled with fast action. Just be prepared to sign a blood oath not to tell what lake you were on.

I never go fishing with out a sweatshirt or jacket close at hand for those early mornings or windy days. I've always loved Rapala's classic logo and their witty advertising slogans like "cast it out – fish bring it back." I'll take anything from Rapalagear.com – I especially like the soft green classic sweatshirt.

MN BOW Workshop or Beyond BOW Event

As a mom so much of our outdoor time is spent watching over and taking care of our families, that we don't get work on our own skills. A weekend workshop or Beyond BOW event is a way to try out a new activity or improve skills in a fun, supportive atmosphere. The fall weekend workshop is September 11-13 at Eagle Bluff in Lanesboro. Or register mom for one of these upcoming Beyond BOW events. June 27-28 is the Women's Fishing weekend at the Baker Near Wilderness Settlement in the west metro and Introduction to Fly Fishing at Glendalough State Park is on June 13^th.

No matter what my family gives me for Mother's Day, the best days are ones spent together creating memories. One of my favorites is an early summer fishing trip where we spent the afternoon sight fishing for sunnies and going through a whole package for red licorice as bait!