Green Chairs and Squeaky Sheets

For 34 years, readers of the Yakima Herald-Republic looked forward to Rob Phillips’ Northwest Sportsman column every Thursday morning. Whether he was sharing a memorable day afield, a hard-earned lesson, or an unexpected adventure, Rob brought the outdoors to life with warmth, humor, and honesty.

Along the way, there were plenty of mishaps. He fell out of boats, found himself banned from a café in South Dakota, and crossed paths with more than a few unsportsmanlike sportsmen. Through it all, his stories captured the joys, frustrations, and unforgettable moments that come with a life spent outdoors.

This collection gathers many of those reader favorites, along with other memorable tales drawn from nearly 60 years of outdoor experiences. The result is a rich mix of humor, reflection, and adventure from a writer who has spent a lifetime exploring the wild places and colorful characters of the American West.