![]() ![]() One day, after a rainstorm, the river was high but not too high to kayak. So, we were obliged to wait for perfect conditions and for that reason, this wasn’t something we did as often as both of us would have liked. If the river was too low, there were spots where we’d get stuck. ![]() It also depended on the water level of the river. “When can we go kayaking again? Can we go tomorrow?” The problem was that it wasn’t simply a matter of Katy’s availability, or mine. Our kayaking expeditions were so much fun that I was constantly nagging Katy. When we agreed on a spot, we’d hop out of our kayaks and wade onto the beach, drawing our boats high up on the sand, to make sure we didn’t lose them. We’d navigate downriver for an hour or two and, when we got hungry, start scanning the shore for places to picnic. I quickly developed a measure of confidence, piloting my little boat. I’d angle my paddle this way and that, experimenting with different depths and strokes, practicing turning, and slowing down. Sometimes, if things slowed down, we’d paddle a little. We’d wade into the river and each one of us would climb into a kayak and set off downstream.įor the most part, the current would carry our kayaks along. The plan for the day was always simple: We would take sandwiches, drinks, and towels, and pack them into “dry bags” to protect them from the water. The most difficult part was loading the kayaks onto the top of Katy’s car! One of the best things about kayaking for me was that very little effort or skill was required. There’s something magical about observing life from the middle of a river. I’m not an outdoorsy type, but somehow or other Katy managed to talk me into kayaking. During my time in New Hampshire, one of my favorite ways to spend a summer day off was to kayak with her down the Saco River. She also has an evil streak, which delights me. She’s smart, funny, generous, and extremely kind. During my time there, I met and became friends with a wonderful woman, named Katy. At the time, I was a single mother, raising my two children by working as a bartender at the Eastern Slope Inn. One of the clearest lessons of my life was a number of years ago, when I was living in a crumbling house in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Life is about lessons, would you not agree? If we’re not learning every day, all the time, then what on earth are we doing? Often, the universe speaks to us in gentle metaphor, and if we’re completely present in the moment, we can recognize lessons, delivered in poetic images. “Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you. ![]()
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