Eddy Lines
By John Lane
Lately I've been paddling with fellow COP members at Griggs Reservoir. After a bit of stretching and the last few pulls on the coffee mug, we wiggle into our sea kayaks and paddle up-reservoir in the shady comfort of bank-side trees. Coming back we often have a bit of headwind _ sometimes a stiff breeze. Without the wind, the summer sun lulls one into a trance. Like a dog dreaming by a fire, the mind is miles away while the limbs are working, performing their purpose, chasing a phantom rabbit or pulling the boat ahead stroke by stroke.
These paddles have revealed a host of things. We've seen snakes and turtles warming themselves on partly submerged logs. A deer popped into the river ahead of us once and swam easily across the river. Fish and bugs and smells (good and bad) and flowers and little birds attacking hawks are part of the scenery. Chatting and enjoying each others' company, reflecting on how just a few years ago, many of us weren't paddling yet is part of the internal landscape. Watching how we've grown in the sport and are now planning a good sized trip together is soul-satisfying.
Time on the water allows for other review as well. I've had time to reflect on my trajectory as boating chair and the pluses and minuses of that career. As I prepare to retire, I've been counting the blessings of many people who have volunteered their time to help make a good program better. Their sacrifice has revealed the depth of their commitment to the program and love of the sport of boating. On this journey I have picked up friends and memories that will keep me, while I lie by the fire, grinning and yipping and pulling the boat ahead stroke by stroke.
John Lane is the current COP Boating Activity Chair.