Missing the River Life

It has been over a week since my journey down the river came to an end at the steps across from Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I am left with mixed emotions of elation at such an accomplishment and also a longing to return to the simple life of paddling every day.

I have found some of the experiences that I miss from the river:

  • Beautiful starry nights
  • Not having an agenda
  • Watching the sun rise and set over the river
  • Paddling in the cool of the morning just as the sun is peaking up over the horizon
  • Letting the strong current flow over my body after a long day of paddling
  • Meeting people who I have never known in my life and being overwhelmed by how quickly they treat us like family

Also, some experiences will not be missed:

  • Having sand in my food, in my sleeping bag, in my life
  • Mosquitoes everywhere… including the swarm that only appears as soon as I am all set to do my business in the woods. If you think I am kidding… well, I laughed at Michael when he said there were no mosquitoes in sight and then as soon as he was all set to do his business a swarm approached. I laughed until it happened to me the next time.
  • Putting sunscreen on daily

I have also found that adjusting to life off the river has produced unexpected issues. Who would have thought that I would have to adjust to seeing myself in mirrors again or bathing on a regular basis? Life is just so proper off the river.

I know that I have learned a lot from this trip and have gained a new appreciation for many details of life. I hope to be more generous after this trip. (Not that I feel I was stingy before the trip, but the bar has been raised.) I also feel I will be much more appreciative of the nuances of life including seasoning on food, taking time to simply relax, the art of storytelling, and just how much culture we enjoy in the states.

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 12th, 2008 at 6:20 pm and is filed under Jonathan's Story. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

4 Responses to “Missing the River Life”

  1. spork Says:
    July 13th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    I wish DeGroat was topless, too.

    (Also, congrats, etc etc)

  2. Tom Anspach Says:
    July 14th, 2008 at 8:34 am

    I think it is just a wonderful thing / adventure that you young men have done. I recall a few years ago sitting on a log up at the Itasca State park or feet dangling in the water of the Mississippi and talking with my grandsons (sort of) and planning a trip from these headwaters down the Mississippi to New Orleans. Of course it was just a dream but you did it, or most of it.

    Congratulations.
    -It is good to have an END to journey toward, but it is the JOURNEY that matters in the end. / Ursula Le Guin-

    Tom Anspach Winamac,IN

  3. Dave and Shelby Says:
    July 15th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    Big congrats from Shelby and Dave from St. Joseph Michigan. Glad to here you arrived safe. What a couple months for you fellas. Good luck in the future!

  4. Scott Evans Says:
    July 16th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Jonathon,
    I’ll be in Indiana later this month and stopping
    by Fluid Fun. Are you around there by the 29th? Some day I’d like to hear about your travels in person. Glad you had a great trip and returned safe.
    Scott Evans – Iowa

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