Going with the Flow

September 30-October 1, 2011

October has arrived. Faces and places are becoming more and more familiar. Still new experiences cross my path. Example: this past weekend I went canoeing. For those that know anything about what I have done in the past, you might be thinking that this is not new territory. You would be right in thinking this. I have many miles of paddling woven into my aching shoulders. However, I have never canoed on the Roanoke River in the northeastern part of North Carolina. Nor had any of my companions.

The small band of us­­– my boss, 4 of our student trip leaders, and I –drove out on Friday to navigate a 14-mile loop. The plan was to stay the night at a campsite that was accessible only by boat. The plan was executed beautifully; however, the nature of our surrounding brought about an interesting first experience.

The campsite wasn’t actually on the ground. Instead it was a platform built among the beautiful Cyprus groves common in marshy, swampy lands. With our feet never touching soil, one very regular activity that usually required land became a little tricky. For some, this duty would not raise any concern on an overnight trip. For me, the ins and outs of life are like clockwork. After a good night’s sleep, another “first” experience took place.

Fortunately, prior proper planning took place and the necessary tools needed for this special occasion we brought with us. Whoever built the platform even built this small place surrounded by walls so one would have some privacy.

All I can say is that I read the directions on the bag thoroughly before I set it up in the bucket and went about my business. Could I have held it? Probably. But I figured, if I ever am going to tell others how to go through the process, I needed to buck-up and experience it for myself.