I’ve had a mind to sell my three kayaks for a long time, but yesterday’s trip down the St. Joe changed my mind. Maybe I still don’t need three; but I certainly need at least one for days like this. A friend drove my neon green kayak and me to the public landing at Jasper Dairy where he pushed me off the boat ramp and I paddled away.
I’ve done this trip many times in the past several years; and even though it’s the same route it is never the same experience. Today was no exception, except that perhaps it was the best trip of all. The fall colors were in high bloom and it was a spectacular sight. It was also a revelation of what pleasure kayaking is really about.
Pleasure kayaking is about pleasure, not performance. It’s about relaxing, not racing. Tranquility, not turmoil. In fact, I’ve taken to not wearing a watch when I kayak so that I’m less conscious of the time. What does it matter if it takes two hours or two and half to get from Point A to Point B if the purpose of the trip is to revel in nature’s display in the solitude of one’s kayak?
I put my iPod on Shuffle, which might be contradictory to enjoying nature in solitude, but I found the songs that showed up enhanced rather than detracted from the entire experience. “Fanfare for the Common Man,” for instance, never sounded more majestic. Neither did the “Rollin’ on the River” lyric from Creedence’s “Proud Mary.”
It sounds crazy, but I’m thinking I’d like to go down the river after the first snowfall. I suspect it would be breathtaking (and warm, if one is dressed appropriately). Maybe then I’ll be listening to “Old Man River” as I glide across the crystal water to my house. Or maybe it will be Christmas carols. Now that’s a thought!
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