Just Around The River Bend
Today, my father and I embarked on a canoeing adventure down the mighty Pearl River... sort of. This time of year the Pearl River is actually pretty low, so it lacks some of the "mighty" qualities that one would look for in a river going adventure. Alas, an adventure was had! We pushed off from the boat ramp at the dam below the Ross Barnett Reservoir and paddled 9 miles to the boat ramp behind Mayes' Lake. This trip usually takes 3 hours, but today's float took 4.5 hours. What caused the extra 1.5 hours? Wind. Yes, mother nature gave us a steady headwind to paddle into. My dad and his Boy Scout self suggested we take a shorter float because the wind was so strong, but I in a moment of middle child persistence said let's do the whole trip. I'm now paying for this decision because my biceps are on fire, and not in the good "feel the burn" after you work out fire. This is more of a "holy crap, I'll never be able to move my arms again" kind of fire. Fear not, I took enough Aleve to plow through this blog post. Anyway...
On our terrific river excursion we saw a cornucopia of Mississippi wildlife. We saw a lot of fish, many birds including cranes, blue heron, water turkey (it's real), ducks, kingfishers, wood peckers, and other wild birds we didn't know the names of. The highlights of our wildlife spotting were two alligators, and owl, and an eagle. That's right, an eagle! This she-eagle was perched in a tree, so we paddled closer in hopes of seeing her fly. We did see her fly off, and what a sight that was... only after she pooped. Gross, I know, but I bet not a lot of people can say they've seen an eagle go number 2. We also heard an owl. It was awesome. He hooted at us for about 5 minutes. Any Chi Omegas reading this will appreciate my gallant efforts for hoot in response in the hope of him emerging from his tree hideaway, but sadly he remained a faceless hoot in the thick woods of Rankin County.
Despite the headwind, my father and I had a wonderful trip. We talked about everything under the sun. We joked. We reminisced. He even gave me some ideas and metaphors I will for sure use in a sermon someday. I tried to start off singing some songs, but after he got a little carried away with the song "Just Around The River Bend" (as this post is titled) I thought it would be best to refrain from singing.
If you have never been canoeing. GO! If you are interested in going with someone, TAKE ME! Only after my biceps recover of course....
On our terrific river excursion we saw a cornucopia of Mississippi wildlife. We saw a lot of fish, many birds including cranes, blue heron, water turkey (it's real), ducks, kingfishers, wood peckers, and other wild birds we didn't know the names of. The highlights of our wildlife spotting were two alligators, and owl, and an eagle. That's right, an eagle! This she-eagle was perched in a tree, so we paddled closer in hopes of seeing her fly. We did see her fly off, and what a sight that was... only after she pooped. Gross, I know, but I bet not a lot of people can say they've seen an eagle go number 2. We also heard an owl. It was awesome. He hooted at us for about 5 minutes. Any Chi Omegas reading this will appreciate my gallant efforts for hoot in response in the hope of him emerging from his tree hideaway, but sadly he remained a faceless hoot in the thick woods of Rankin County.
Despite the headwind, my father and I had a wonderful trip. We talked about everything under the sun. We joked. We reminisced. He even gave me some ideas and metaphors I will for sure use in a sermon someday. I tried to start off singing some songs, but after he got a little carried away with the song "Just Around The River Bend" (as this post is titled) I thought it would be best to refrain from singing.
If you have never been canoeing. GO! If you are interested in going with someone, TAKE ME! Only after my biceps recover of course....
HOOT HOOT!!! :) Sounds like an amazing adventure Katie!
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