The River Adventure
Yesterday, Luke (age 13) and I embarked on a two day canoe trip down the Namekagon River.
A giant blue heron guided our entire excursion. Every time we rounded the bend, we'd see the heron, standing like a sentinal. Upon our approach, he would fly ahead and out of sight, signaling, "Follow me! Adventure ahead!"
Either we had one amazing blue heron guide, or he has a few dozen stunt-doubles!
During the trip, we saw seven deer drinking from the river, and came within just a few feet of some. We spotted two otters, an oriole, five bald eagles, some beaver dams, several ducks, an osprey family -- with the mother nesting, a raccoon, and about fifty large brown trout!
We shot some class 1 rapids and maneuvered around rocks and fallen trees. Towards evening, we camped, made a fire and feasted on hot dogs (on the stick -- without the bun), canned corn, baked beans, and spaghettios. For dessert, we roasted marshmallows.
Tucking into our pup tent early, we did a lot of father/son "guy talk".
This morning, we finished the last few miles of the trip, and then hiked into the nearest village to call home for a pick up.
I missed a few hours of work to do this -- and it was a great decision.
Like a stiff, sunburned, arthritic old man, my arms and back are really sore tonight. But I wouldn't trade it for anything!
On the way home, Luke said, "Dad, that was so cool! It was one of the best experiences of my whole life!"
I smiled contentedly and replied, "Me too."
A giant blue heron guided our entire excursion. Every time we rounded the bend, we'd see the heron, standing like a sentinal. Upon our approach, he would fly ahead and out of sight, signaling, "Follow me! Adventure ahead!"
Either we had one amazing blue heron guide, or he has a few dozen stunt-doubles!
During the trip, we saw seven deer drinking from the river, and came within just a few feet of some. We spotted two otters, an oriole, five bald eagles, some beaver dams, several ducks, an osprey family -- with the mother nesting, a raccoon, and about fifty large brown trout!
We shot some class 1 rapids and maneuvered around rocks and fallen trees. Towards evening, we camped, made a fire and feasted on hot dogs (on the stick -- without the bun), canned corn, baked beans, and spaghettios. For dessert, we roasted marshmallows.
Tucking into our pup tent early, we did a lot of father/son "guy talk".
This morning, we finished the last few miles of the trip, and then hiked into the nearest village to call home for a pick up.
I missed a few hours of work to do this -- and it was a great decision.
Like a stiff, sunburned, arthritic old man, my arms and back are really sore tonight. But I wouldn't trade it for anything!
On the way home, Luke said, "Dad, that was so cool! It was one of the best experiences of my whole life!"
I smiled contentedly and replied, "Me too."
i think for tomorrow's entry, you should write an ode to manitoba or something. :) see you in a few hours! (assuming i can find hayward and/or your church!)
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