To be sure, if all our world's "leaders"- i.e- those whose decisions affect us the most - agreed to go on a Grand Canyon river trip, world conditions might not be quite as perilous as they are...Well you see I just got back from one, and still somewhat buoyant from all the laughter and peril and awe and interdependence we rowed through.
I have what us boatmen refer to as "riverhead" For many days I have been lulled awake by the steady roar of an ancient river. For many days all I've had to think about is how best to run it, where to camp, is everybody ok... For many days I have been around the same 11 persons, in one of the wildest locations anywhere. Reflection on all my nautical mentors, of whom Pyg is quite irrevocably amongst. Much welcome internal silence, perspicacity, courage, have I gleaned, methinks. For many days. So returning to Civilisation and all its perils is like a backwards steamroller; too much schnaedle; immense profundity deflates into the talk-show version. These are a few symptoms of riverhead.
Consequently, when I dream tonight, the oarlocks shall creak and groan, waves splashing across my knees, sunlight on me shoulders, the surging bow... ROW ROW ROW
4 comments:
It's simple son, "rubber side down". This motto also works for driving.
All I want is a little cabin in a little valley.
Except when I want other things...
Never gone rafting, but I have the same problem coming back from a long (or even, sometimes, a short) backpacking trip.
Back in 1990, I did a 4-day trip out of Kings Canyon. The day I hiked in, there were enormous headlines about US forces massing on the Kuwait border. The day I hiked out, there were enormous headlines about US forces massing on the Kuwait border. It was the most striking representation of the illusory nature of the news cycle.
Tom, we should stay in touch. I'd be happy to have you on a trip, and I'm starting to plan next spring's trips.
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