Episode 55 — In Memoriam of Catherine Schott

Dedication:

This episode is lovingly dedicated to Catherine Schott—a surrogate grandmother, steadfast friend, and bright thread in the Outdoor Ruhls family fabric. “Hey, lady—this one’s for you.”

Episode Summary:

On the one-year anniversary of the show, Mike and Mark press pause on the planned celebration to honor the life of Catherine Schott. As a tribute, they rebroadcast the marriage-advice roundtable episode Catherine inspired—full of stories about love, patience, togetherness, and doing life outdoors as a family.

Chapter Guide

00:00 – Cold Open: Hunting, fishing, cooking… and family.

00:21 – Why This Episode: A change of plans; remembering Catherine Schott and why she mattered to the Ruhls.

02:54 – Mike & Caitlin: 13 Years: “Choose wisely”—banter, what they’ve learned, and favorite outdoor memories as a couple.

Argentina Dorado Story: Overnight buses, chocolate-milk water, and a leaping golden dorado—when adventure meets logistics.

Calls for Wisdom:

Catherine & Leonard Schott: 69 years of marriage—communicate, listen, never go to bed angry, do things together.

Memaw & Poppy (Mike’s parents): 51 years—patience, make memories, variety, and lots of early-morning departures (plus the Cape Hatteras honeymoon “stuck truck” classic).

Caitlin’s parents (Tim & Necie): Opposites who support each other, laugh easily, and learn from differences; Yosemite RV paradox and Irish honeymoon.

Kate & Jed: Same vintage marriage—talk it out, avoid double kayaks, and invite kids into gardens, pools, and first adventures.

Matt (Mike’s brother): The honest take—do whatever you can to keep her happy—and the reminder that even imperfect stories can raise great kids.

Closing Reflections: Find what works for your marriage; struggle makes the sweet parts sweeter. “Happy anniversary, us.”

Note: The rebroadcast centers on Catherine’s voice and presence; her name is Catherine Schott throughout.

Themes & Takeaways

Communication > Perfection: Listen fully, speak kindly, and don’t keep score.

Togetherness Is a Choice: Make the outdoors a shared space—for couples, for kids, for extended family.

Patience & Play: Laugh at the mishaps (stuck trucks, funky RVs, delayed buses); they become the best stories.

Do Hard Things Together: Big adventures (and small chores) are glue for a marriage.

Legacy of Love: Catherine’s life reminds us to show up for people like family—because they are.

People in This Episode

Honoree: Catherine Schott

Guests by call: Leonard Schott; Memaw & Poppy; Tim & Necie; Kate & Jed; Matt

Hosts: Mike & Mark Ruhl; Co-hosted segments with Caitlin

Notable Moments to Clip

“Hey lady—this one’s for you.” (tribute tag)

“Never go to bed angry; learn to listen.” —Catherine & Leonard

“We did family things—because we were a family.” —Memaw & Poppy

“We’re total opposites—patience and support win.” —Tim & Necie

“Talk it out, always. And skip the double kayak.” —Kate & Jed

“Do whatever you can to keep her happy.” —Matt