This past weekend my family went camping with some friends to the Youghiogheny River in PA. We took the kayaks and headed for the white water class 1-2 rapids. The river was beautiful and scenic. PA is gorgeous! We had a great time.
The trip down the river was about 5 hours. I was doing fine until about 2/3 of the way down... I went in and whoa was the water cold.... my gracious.... I laughed because I could not speak... The guys got me to shore and drained Little Red and away we went again. Then once more I went in.... This time I got myself to shore the guys retrieved my paddle and Little Red.... I had to hike the shore line in and under brush to get back to her. But off we went again.... Then right before we got to the take out spot I went in again... righted Red and climbed back in... A little water in her made the going slow, but only two people saw the third dip I took...
Boy was I cold while the guys loaded the kayaks onto and into the truck... A barely warm shower back at the campground felt good... We cooked hamburgers for dinner and had Birthday cake for my sons 18th birthday....
The next day they all went back out but my back was sore so I stayed back and went for a hike... Walked 8 miles of the prettiest countryside you could imagine. Then went back relaxed (I was tired) and wrote this poem.
Peaceful River, Down I float
In little red, my kayak boat.
The water glistens, it sparkles merrily~
All of God's Creation, I enjoy verily.
Ducks with their ducklings, gliding having fun.
Just like us, in the warmth of the sun.
A hawk, above us, in the air
Soaring quietly, as if, without a care.
At the bend in the river, a graceful doe
Taking a drink, in the cool shallow.
Underneath us- fish swim about.
Underneath us- fish swim about.
"Thank you, Lord!" I want to shout.
My fascination and elation end.
My fascination and elation end.
Something is calling for my attention.
Rushing water, now I hear.
And just ahead, the ripples appear.
The warning sign, Oh dear,
Telling me that danger is near.
But it's too late, I see the rock.
My Youghiogheny River road block!
Broadside against it, I am pinned.
The current slowly tips me in.
The coldness steals my breath away.
The river tugs at me, as if to play.
She bumps me into submerged rocks,
So cold, I find it hard to talk.
I am not afraid, there is no fear.
I am not afraid, there is no fear.
My help, family and friends, are near.
They tow me and my yak to shore,
They tow me and my yak to shore,
Dump the river out, I get back in and go some more.
By the end of the day, tired and spent,
About 11 miles, down the river we went.
It was truly an amazing time!
It was truly an amazing time!
But today, I'm so sore, they left me behind.
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