She's one of N.L.'s top fly tyers, and is advocating for better accessibility to the outdoors

When Kim Brinson met her future husband Stephen 23 years ago, she had no idea how much the Newfoundland outdoors would become part of her life.

After all, up to that point her complete outdoor resume consisted of a bit of trout fishing with her dad.

She has muscular dystrophy (MD) — a degenerative muscle weakness that gets worse over time — so a life in the woods and waters wasn't too appealing at the time.

Today, however, the 47-year-old mother of five and grandmother to three gets so much enjoyment and satisfaction from the outdoors — not to mention nutritious food — that she couldn't imagine her life without it.

She's an accomplished moose and black bear hunter who lists the challenge and thrill of harvesting a large bruin as her "all-time favourite," plus she's shot numerous rabbits and some birds over the years.

Trapping is another area of experience for her, "and I've always loved a deadly boil up. Nothing beats a bologna sandwich toasted over the fire," she said.

So it's only natural Kim and Stephen have made every effort to ensure their children experience the same wonders — and from all indications thus far, the kids are only too happy to be following right along.

Her 13-year-old son Jarvis also has MD, but it doesn't stop him from participating in all the family outdoor activities.

"I'm all about getting kids in the woods," she said. "There's far too much emphasis on social media these days and not enough on nature.

"We spent a lot of time geocaching with them when they were smaller," she said. "It's the only time they all got along ... pack up the van and go for the day, exploring the woods looking for treasures. It's a great pastime."

Today, those same kids still enjoy fishing, hunting and spending time at the cabin with mom and dad.

Born, raised and still living in St. Lawrence on the Burin Peninsula, Kim charmed her young man from Noggin Cove in Gander Bay — who happened to be an avid outdoorsman — into settling down and raising a family in her hometown, where, outside of other outdoor activities, Kim has become one of the top salmon fly tyers in the province.

"Stephen showed me how to tie flies when we first met, and I guess the rest is history. I never see him tie anymore; seems to be my thing now in my spare time. I tie when I have time and it helps keep me connected to a lot of old friends," she said.

Positive reviews and endorsements of her flies are regular features on her Facebook page.

"I really enjoy it when people send me photos along with thrilling stories of their catch. To know from a fly that I made, people get such great experiences and memories ... I'm proud to be able to be part of that," she said.

Things have been somewhat more difficult physically in recent years, but her devoted husband, she says, is and always has been there for her and the kids as their biggest supporter.

"After a couple of complicated surgeries, my muscular dystrophy has progressed to the point where anything like that is very hard now, unfortunately," she said. "Over the years, Stephen has gone above and beyond to get me down to
rivers I'd never attempt myself ... building me a nice, comfortable box blind with a heater."

Kim says she never would have had the courage to do some of the things she's done in the outdoors without Stephen's encouragement. 

"We really love raising our kids in the outdoors. I feel this is something that needs to be done more often than it is, which is a big reason why we were such supporters of the youth hunting age regulations being changed. I thoroughly enjoy hearing the stories of kids out hunting with their parents," she said.

"I'd like to encourage more people to get their kids outside in nature. When we would spend time outdoors, everyone would get along, act as a team and help each other. It was so nice to see them all  enjoy the same things."

The Brinsons also advocate for changes that would allow more people with disabilities to enjoy nature's offerings.

"I'm confident that more changes will come and more people will get to experience it," Kim said. "Being outdoors makes me feel so alive, and taking advantage of all things beautiful keeps me positive."

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