If you’re a kayaker, it’s never “and the creeks don’t rise.” Even if the rivers are TOO high, we know they’ll be coming back down soon. And coming back down means that sooner or later, we won’t be able to play anymore.
Yesterday, four of us got a chance to run a river that rarely runs in the summer. It runs frequently in the winter and the spring, and I got to spend several wonderful days (see “Girl’s Day Out” blog post!) there. I am always mindful of the days on this river, because I had just fallen in love with it, when the two year drought meant that I didn’t get to run it for those 2 years. So, I’m always aware that this run may be my last for a while.
I didn’t even promise myself this one. I hoped, but didn’t KNOW until Sunday morning when I saw the gauges were falling, but from a level that I knew would hold till at least afternoon.
This time, my companions were 3 women, two new to the Locust. One of these wanted to borrow and try one of my boats. She’s just reaching the level where the Locust is an option. The other is an experienced kayaker who just has never done this particular river. The third is a kayaking friend who never believes that she has the skills to run hard stuff, but has one of the most accomplished set of skills I know.
The water turned out to be very muddy, but at a marvelously fun level! However, it’s amazing how storm water can make a rapid look intimidating. Even though I’ve run Powell’s Falls a dozen times, it LOOKED big and fierce and ugly. Here’s what we saw!
After looking at it, the others opted out. No problem, rapids are something that you decide to run, or decide to not run. You’re alone in your boat and you make the move or miss it, so it’s always your decision. (There are rapids where you have no choice but to go through, but that’s another blog!)
Of course, as this clip shows, it was no big deal… much nastier looking than running!
But, this morning, we’re looking at a lot of stuff that’s way over flood stage. And more rain in the forecast… and that means, no excuse for avoiding work. And my work includes writing this blog. So, now that this is done, it’s time to run (not a river, on foot – can I get a trail run in before it rains again?)
Tags: Alabama, Courage, ignite, Play, self esteem, Whitewater