The Canoe Trip

A trip down the Blackwater River

The Canoe Trip

The sound of aluminum grinding over sand as our canoe slides into the stream

The clunky sounds of paddles and gear as she settles in by the bow

The cool feel of the stream on my feet as I push off from the shore

The realization that being alone was worth getting up early

 

The sound of our small talk as we start out on our trip

How nice it is to be out

How pleasant to be alone

How wonderful the passing scenery

 

The talk eventually subsides

Except for occasional decisions

To the left of the stump

To the right of the rock

 

We don’t really need to talk

We’ve been journeying together a while

We’ve negotiated rough waters before

Crashing into the trees along the bank we laugh

 

Lunch on a quiet sand bar along the stream

Nothing fancy

Strawberries and grapes for dessert

I cool off in the water as she snaps a picture

 

The others, strangers catch up

We wave and smile, exchange greetings

Beautiful day

Have Fun

 

Back on the water the mid day sun gets hot

Our backsides eventually get numb

A wonderful trip but enough is enough

The simple joy of arriving at our destination

 

We pull the canoe ashore

Drop off our equipment at the rental

Back in our car

Our journey continues