We are going rafting again or farting for those who are keyboard challenged.
Actually, first we are going paddling. A calm, relaxing, renewing, lazy day on the Elkhorn. Yeah right, my daughter and I in a canoe together, fighting over who is in charge. My son in a kayak yelling, look Mom, watch this, and Kelly, in the other canoe trying to keep her youngest son in the canoe. I am laughing as I sit here typing this.
It will be an awesome day, and we will remember it for years to come.
Now, on to rafting. Yes, Songer "computer geek" we are coming back again. Not as many of us this time but we are planning a lazy day on the New River. Again I laugh, as I recall our last trip, the first day was incredible, perfect weather, nice water, some intense adrenaline moments and some great surfing. Thanks Matt, you got us in the big hole on the first try, and then returned there 2 more times. Yes I fell in, so did Kelly. It was intense and the water didn't taste that good.
Second day of rafting was not as enjoyable, don't get me wrong it was great. Sun shining, more water, the river was up higher, even more intense moments, couldn't make the surfing due to some epileptic paddling by some unknown guys on our raft, Charlie tried his best, thank you. But by the second day the warnings of "You don't want to fall in here, cuz the undercut rocks will kill you," really started to get to me. Yes I made more use of the chicken strap that second day.
Falling in really isn't that bad, it just depends on where you fall in. Most of the time you pop back up and someone grabs you and all is good, but those ominous warnings of "If you fall in here, swim to the.....hmmm, just don't fall in here" weighed on my mind. I am not a great swimmer, and trying to swim with the vest on, the snappy helmet and the paddle, not to mention my extra weight that I carry with me, makes it a real challenge.
Why, do you ask, am I going back then? I must conquer my fear of the New River so that next year, I will have the guts to do the Gauley River and the waterfall. Whay do I want to do that? Well, in some strange way it is actually really fun.
Why am I still writing about the rafting trip? Because it was a life changing event. The drive up was worth gold to me, the first night in the "rustic" cabin was like being at camp. It was great. I wish I could have those experiences more often.
I have done much reflecting and realize that I need to be more like a river. Calm, relaxing, beautiful (haha), steady, reacting, supporting, and sometimes, exciting and wild.
We shall see what happens.
6 comments:
Hello!
I noticed you commented on Martin's blog. Yeah he's addictive. Once you begin reading him you're hooked 4 life:)
Love to hear your thoughts on his blog.
I've commented a number of different places. So far I have only read one of his books, but I hope to read his neweset one that came out:)
Well what to say? I love this post. However, now you have scared me and I think I will back out of canoeing. How funny is that? I will take on the undercut rocks any day, but being "alone" with my children in a canoe??? I can't stop laughing. Side note, we will continue to raft the New River until Claire has such a deeper, wider, and more rock solid faith that not even the meat grinder can shake. :) Then it will be on to the Gauley!!!! I love you sis.
Meat grinder, I must remember that.
You packed yet? :) My dad told Noah he would have to sit real still in the canoe. HA!! Now Noah is saying he does not want to go. That is so funny. I have talked him back into it, but it took some time. Thanks dad, see if I give you anything tomorrow!
Ok Miss Calm as a River, I realize that it has only been a few days... but I know there is more stuff in that brain of yours. I need to get into your head (again). Can you post something?
will post tonight
Post a Comment