Two summers ago I was new to guiding whitewater kayak trips down the Upper and Lower Green River just outside Saluda, NC.
We were assigned to guide one of two trips in the morning on the Upper and then one of two trips on the Lower in the afternoon.
I had paddled the top half of the Lower Green numerous times at this point a gentle class I and II river and very family friendly. But I had not once paddled the bottom half of the Lower Green and on this day I was assigned to guide that trip.
I felt somewhat unqualified because after all...aren’t I expected to “Guide” this trip down the river? I was nervous and apprehensive...and felt a bit like an imposter.
But then...the owner of the company walked past...and asked me what was up. I described my misgivings about this...and he said something that I have never forgot.
“Rachel, read the water. You’ll guide this trip in ways you don’t even know you know.”
A lightbulb went off in my head...because he was right. This was something as simple as reading the river.
Rivers have a way of showing you the path through them. There are tells. If you’re tuned into them and are looking ahead.
And just this morning I was reminded of this story while thinking about the future.
What may come? What may go?
And then… “Read the River” popped into my head.
You can’t paddle through rapids that are two miles down river, because you can’t see them. You’re not there yet.
But you know exactly how to paddle through what is right here right now...because well...it literally is all about reading the river.
Countless life lessons like this one I’ve learned from the mountain river. And if you’re reading this still...I’ll bet you too are a river lover.
Cheers to the river lovers and to the rivers!
Photo Credit: Fotari70DX from pixabay dot com
