We went for a little adventure yesterday, just up the road and down the river.
We started out with our 2nd and 3rd new- to-us canoe. (Our first one was stolen, “may the thief break their leg everytime they climb into it”,Tim. LOL Forgive us and them Father.) Added some safety gear and our fishing tackle. We left just after lunch on a beautiful sunny day.
Soon we were in our canoes floating down the river. All of our children are fairly new to canoeing and it has been decades since I learned and canoed. Canoeing brings back many happy memories from my childhood.
The river was calm but swift. We cast our lines here and there, but mostly I was enjoying the scenery, the colours dancing in the light and the damsel and dragonflies flittering in the sun.
The first lesson of the day came when my son and I tried to tuck ourselves in close to shore, to cast a few lines. The current took us in a bit more swiftly than expected. The alders rushed at Fred. He panicked, my yell of “don’t” came to late, he leaned and sploosh! We were swimming.
Two lessons came from this: 1. Remember the fine details…always close your tackle box. Luckily we were able to save his tackle because the canoe righted itself although filled with water.
The 2nd lesson was when things come rushing at you, stay calm, back up, DON’T PANIC, think it through.
At least we have a good story to tell, lol.
As we continued we had to cross a shallow section of rapids. Because of inexperience, we walked through them slowly and carefully enjoying the water massaging our legs.
Wasn’t long till the kids learned they could ride down the rapids in their life jackets. Down they would come, then slog back up, to ride down again.
Tim and I rested, watching their simplistic fun. Basking in the playground that the Creator provided for us. Enjoying the delight on our children’s faces.
How blessed we are! Can’t wait till the next lesson from the canoe.
Beautiful Remade 