A wish list for outdoor enthusiasts

Let's see. What I want for Christmas. Tough question. How about fame, fortune and a good fly rod? Fame and fortune aren't likely to happen. A good fly rod, though, is a real possibility. So, being a little on the realistic side, here are some things I think people in various outdoor activities might like:

Ski resort owner: Snow and lots of it falling at night and stopping just before the bright sun breaks over the mountaintops. Oh, and a full parking lot.

Skier: Deep snow, the kind that flies up in the face, covers the goggles and conceals the lips so it's impossible to see the big grin.

Snowboarder: More deep snow and being first in line when the ropes that closed the favorite run come down and the open sign goes up.

Fisherman: A lure fish can't resist, even when presented in an unappetizing way. Oh, yes, and make it the only one of its kind.

Another fisherman: A fly that doesn't get tangled in the brush when the cast goes wrong. Waders that don't leak.

Ice fisherman: A sharp ice auger and good TV reception inside the ice tent on the day of the big game.

River runner: High water, big waves, a clean run and someone else to cook the meals.

Climber. A new route that has never been climbed and strength enough to make it to the top — safely.

Boater: A full Lake Powell and a lonely beach. And, maybe, a boat that gets a hundred hours to the gallon.

Houseboater: Air conditioning, a lonely beach and a boat that gets, oh, an hour per gallon of fuel.

Wakeboarder. Glass-smooth water, a big wake and not another boat in sight.

Water skier: Ditto.

Tennis player: Lots of aces. After all, they are the only guaranteed points against a tough opponent who just happens to be ahead — 6-0, 5-0.

Another tennis player: A great drop shot in a match with a backcourt lobber.

Snowmobiler: An open powder field that never seems to end and a snowmobile that never gets stuck.

Ski jumper: No wind and a long hang time, followed by another jump — and another and another and another.

Skater: Smooth ice and ankles that don't bend when the blades start to wobble.

Golfer: A tee time in St. George and a golf ball that is able to avoid water, heavy rough and sand but is attracted to the cup.

Duck hunter: High winds, low clouds and a heated duck blind. And some of those very attractive decoys to attract the low-flying drakes.

Mountain biker: A single track in a beautiful forest that rises and falls — gently — and a seat that is a little more comfortable over the long hauls.

Bird-watcher: Glasses that are light, stylish and 4-by-10 power. A place where rare birds gather, like Pacific loons, horned greebes, common black hawks and Erurasian collared doves.