Flow on, river! .... Frolic on, crested and scallop-edg’d waves!

oh, friends.
we survived the trip out (although the roll top portion of the desk did not), and enjoyed our time to the fullest.

as soon as we arrived we changed into river clothes and followed the trail to the beckoning babbling.
Amigo the cat raced and chased us along the path, delighting Emory and throwing her into hysterics.
He waited on the shore as we canoed to the gravel bar, mewing his encouragement to our lone laborer, Leland, who was paddling with all his might. (as aunt julie walked through the chilly swells, pulling us along)
my spunky river baby was rough and tumble, navigating the mossy stones and catching a minnow for bait, splashing herself in the face and breathing quickly in response to the cold.
the first catch of our day, a quick cast, a slow reel, a stick fish? no, a large drum!!! a wild one, strong one, fighting for freedom.
slow but steady Leland pulled him in, his first catch ever, all on his own. "it's effortless, it's commonplace" his face seemed to say... until the fish broke out of the water and absolutely rocked his world.
he let him swim back to his family because it didn't match uncle's fish, and was 'too big'.
he passed the rod to me and i stood, feet (mostly) firmly planted, letting the current make me sway, feeling the smooth water wash against my skin, cast & reel, cast & reel, inhale & exhale.
the sun was warm and friendly making the water just brisk and not brutal, the breeze gentle and full of autumn leaves.
bliss, friends. bliss!!
fish & okra for super, pancakes & bacon for breakfast, rinse & repeat.
friday was full of more wonderful same.
joel, granny & gramps arrived late friday night to welcome in the early morning.
as soon as it was warm we headed down to share our joy.
they were tired and lagging... until they stepped into the river.
i could see the weight fall off his shoulders and the tension leave his face.
cast & reel, cast & reel, inhale & exhale.
bliss.
little fisher man and i went out to the still pool on the other side of a little 'island' to see what we could tempt onto the hook.
again, first cast, a fish! this time, an acceptable smaller size, a little bass, very pretty and (eventually) very tasty.
we floated down the river, ran back up the gravel bar, floated down again.
the time passes too quickly down on the river!
it was time to head back to the house all too soon.
the kids got baths, leland's fish was cleaned and cooked, we had yet another yummy lunch by aunt julie and then packed it up and loaded in.
you know when you've had a wonderful trip but as soon as you get in the car to come home the tired catches up with everyone and destroys all the calm and joy? we didn't let it happen.
the calm prevailed!
we made it home and into our comfortable beds, safe & sound- but already longing for that cast & reel, inhale & exhale.

thank you Chad & Julie for a wonderful, relaxing, delicious few days. love you.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome
are your deeds!... Psalm 66:1-3a
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24