Waves Of Heat

            This past weekend some friends gathered here at the Stateline.  Our friendship carries over from our days in college; past friendships, having current adventures, making present memories.

            The heat and humidity was already building in waves as the guys arrived around 8:00 in the morning.  Due to recent rains, the area’s rivers were still running high so we settled on running Turtle Creek.  I’ve paddled this waterway in the past, but under the direction of a friend, I decided to take the guys to a different section of this creek.  Although it was still higher than normal, and a bit muddied, it wasn’t out of control or over its banks.

            After loading our gear and strapping down the two kayaks and one canoe, we headed across the Stateline into Wisconsin.  We stopped briefly so I could show them where we would be getting out.  It’s always good to have a goal to shoot for.  Our two vehicles then headed down the roads that led up to our put in spot.  Heat off the pavement made wavy mirages as we zipped along.  Once we unloaded the equipment, Chris and I took and dropped off my Jeep back at the take out location.  Meanwhile, Scott and Mike stayed with the paraphernalia needed for the day’s adventure.

            When Chris and I returned, we parked in the shade and together we all began carrying everything down to the edge of the creek.  With the mud left behind after the recent flooding it was a little precarious, but only one of us slipped and fell on their butt.  He fortunately didn’t hurt himself, and after we all laughed good naturedly, we helped each other into the vessels.  Scott and Mike took the kayaks while Chris and I manned the canoe.  My dog Kora sat amongst the gear.

Mike

Scott

Chris (and I) In The Canoe

            The creek is perfect for an easy paddle.  It meanders through woods and farm country but periodically cascades over rapids, creating small rippling waves; perfect interjections to keep things interesting.  I had prepared some food to cook along our route.  It’s traditional on most outings I lead, and this was no different even though the sun was beating down and the sweat was flowing freely.

            Eventually we came upon some islands in the middle of the creek.  We pulled up beside one of them after a half hour to 45 minutes of paddling.  The rookies among us, who were spending their first day on a river, were doing great.  It’s hard for some people to experience such things when growing up in the heart of Iowa, where any river that may exist tends to be fairly big.  We indeed are fortunate for what resources we have available here with rivers and creeks of all sizes and depths.

            With an empty stomach, I promised a quick cookout and meal within 45 minutes or so.  Scott said I actually had it ready in 20; a good thing indeed.  For you see, with temperatures in the mid 90’s and a heat index at 104 degrees, there really isn’t anything quite like squatting down next to a rip-roaring fire and an iron skillet to cook brunch.  We were soaked in sweat while standing in the sun, but it was entertaining.  Looking out over the water and nearby fields, you could see the waves of heat.  The food was awesome, however, and filled our gullets.  Kora finished off the few extra spoonfuls that were left.  She was doing great interacting with the guys, exploring the island, and looking out over the gunwales of the canoe as we traveled along.

            We quickly repacked the cooking utensils and got back onto the water.  We talked, and laughed, and caught up.  It was a chance to bridge the gap between the time since we had last gathered and seen each other.

            In fact, as we neared the end, we shot through some narrows under several classic, historic, and unique bridges.  Irony?  Not really!  When we finished, we posed for a group shot.  Pictures are documentation, but they go beyond that.  Pictures tell stories.  Some stories are apparent simply by looking at them and some pictures are stories inferred by your imagination.  We picked up Chris’ vehicle from back at the put in location, and then loaded our gear into my Jeep.  I actually backed up and looked out over the lawn between the creek and the parking lot to double check that we had gotten everything.  I wasn’t certain everything had gotten packed, as I had been tightening down straps for the canoe.  As it turned out, we had forgotten a life preserver and a dry box and bag.  Luckily a family from the district that I teach in found the items still sitting on a rock several hours later and dropped them off at our home that evening.  Apparently it does pay off to label everything with your name, and it’s a reminder that there are good people out there.  Thank you friends!

Me, Chris, (Kora), Scott, And Mike

            When we got back to my house, we were hot and soaking wet with sweat.  Personally I was getting panicky and needed to cool down.  We quickly unloaded, and then jumped into the pool in our backyard.  It was refreshing, and when my wife brought out a pitcher of lemonade it hit the spot; especially when some of us got out and sipped it while sitting in chairs in the shade.

            We continued talking, and then after another hour or so, the guys headed out to their cars so that they could return to their homes and families.  We said our goodbyes, and I waved through the thick, humid air as they headed down our street.  Until next time my friends.
            See you along The Way…