Thursday, May 28, 2009

May 27. Charles Jordan. Today started much later than expected, around 11:00, and we were on the water by noon. This is due to last night's crazyness.

We paddled about 15 miles to an awesomwe campsite high above the water with an easy plafce to retreat to if the water did rise. Chili, cornbread and grits were for dinner, cooked by Kim, Patick and Karen. Yummy!

We have seen lots of bald esgles the past week and while we have been on the river. I have never seen so many eagles before.

This was some campsite experience. Our first campsite and camp area was completely surrounded by water when we made the final move. The water probably rose a solid 6 feet over the course ofthe night and was still that high when we woke up and waded back to where our boats were tied up.

This is referred to as " type II fun" according to Patrick. The classifications are as follows: Type I fun = fun during and after. Type II fun = no fun during, but fun after...when you reflect on it. Type III is neither fun during or after.

CRAZY NIGHT!

Robert's definition of adventure is agony in retrospect. This event is exactly that. Here is a quote from A River Runs Through It that Robert pointed out that fits perfectly for last night: "eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs throught it. The river was cut by the world's great floods and runs over the rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by the waters." Norman MacLean

This even has changed the whole rest of this leg of the trip. We are coming up with a more resonable plan for miles and camping on the Wateree River.

6 comments:

  1. Wow! That is one Caa-razy night, but it will probably be one of the first things you think of when looking back on this trip :) so it was a good memory maker! yay for dreadful stuff that turns into good memories! yay! hehe

    You guys are so close to the end! Enjoy every moment! Soak in the beauty ;) and have fun!

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  2. You all had quite an experience last night. Patrick I am proud of you that you were able to see the humor after a not so humorous event. I agree with your "fun" classifications and think that those who can find something positive out of a most negative situation will be happiest in life. I agree with Chelsea...this will be a memory of the trip that will stick with you forever!
    How exciting to see so many bald eagles! What a thrill! Charles, I enjoyed your post...he quote from "A River Runs Through It" was perfect. Enjoy your day today! Love you Patrick! Mom

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  3. Charles,
    What an adventure. I am glad that you all are safe and sound and camping on high ground with room to retreat. Your vivid telling of the events was something to read. That night was probably more fun to read about than to experience first hand. Are you seeing bald eagle nests in the trees along the river? Love, Mom

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  4. I remember the last time I worked over on Lake Sautee (back along time ago) I saw a pair of Bald Eagles fly overhead. I can still picture that sight.
    Very cool.
    Also, when I read 'The River Runs Through It", I got to the last page and turned back to the first page and reread it. I was not ready for that story to end. Good book. Sounds like a great trip.
    Tombob

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  5. Charles (and Patrick and group): Quoting one of my favorite excerpts from one of my very favorite books and then also my son, Patrick's, three part fun classification? I am compelled to comment--I think we can all feel at least part of what you experienced last night--and it was a great blog. I hope the rest of the trip is filled with Type I fun. Love you Patrick. You are my son.

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  6. It has been so great to experience your noble adventures vicariously through the blog postings and pictures! What you all are doing is so awesome. Thinking of you guys all the time...
    Stay strong! Kim, te extraño demasiado! No puedo esperar para verte, gemela. Te amo mi palomita : )

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