It’s been a while since I’ve been in my boat. But after two years of sitting under the porch collecting cobwebs (the boat, not me), I finally did it. It wasn’t for lack of interest, as I’ve certainly been wanting to go. But paddling—even here in Jackson Hole, where we have several great white-water stretches right in our back yard—can be difficult to find the time or line up with the right partner.
Mind you, I’m not making excuses, but it appears that living an engaged life often causes you to engage in so much that some things fall by the wayside. Could it be work? Could it be the major addition to our house in the past year-and-a-half that I was completely engrossed in? Perhaps the adoption of my youngest daughter from China last summer? Or maybe the fact that we now have two small children whom I really like to spend time with. It is a lot easier to get out for a kick-ass mountain bike ride for a couple of hours than to commit to half a day or more on the river—and more exercise, too. And then there’s my wife: a woman who’s fun-hog tendencies might very well surpass my own. (Remember, Compromise is arguably the most important of the “Four Cs” of marriage.)
Whatever it is, it sure felt good to be on the river again. Just a short after-work paddle, from Taco Hole down to Lunch Counter. But plenty enough to loosen up the hips, brush up on the roll, surf a bit, and cool off on a hot July day.
—Chris