Paddling the Bow River (Credit:Brad Kopp)
Paddling the Bow River from Three Sisters Campground to Bow Valley Campground the other day, we were taking it easy. Less than 1/2 hour floating down from our put-in point, we pulled up on a gravel bar and hauled out the cooler for a little picnic lunch. The sun was hot, the chicken bagels cool and we were enjoying watching the warblers flit in and out of the coniferous trees on the opposite shore.
Out of nowhere, two racing boats powered upstream. The tandem paddlers in one of the boats called out to switch sides every few seconds as they ploughed through the current. We said hi, they said nothing, concentration written all over their faces. The single paddler granted us a brief smile. We wanted to tell them they were going the wrong way, but didn’t think humour was part of their makeup this morn.
I admired their skill at navigating rather tippy-looking racing boats upstream along this glacial waterway. I appreciated the effort they were putting into the task at hand. I envied their obvious physical fitness. But even still, I wasn’t slightly tempted to give it a try. I enjoy drifting downstream on a sunny summer’s day watching osprey hovering over shadowy movements beneath the water’s surface. I like listening to kingfishers chatter their way along the riverbanks.
As I watched the racers turn around and head back downstream, paddles flashing, I recalled a recent post on a listserv for travel writers with a slightly heated discussion about writing goals versus actual business plans. Personally I don’t have a business plan – but I have plenty of goals. And I enjoy the leisurely route I’m taking to reach these goals. Could I make be working harder and making more money? Absolutely. Would I have as much fun? Nope. I think each writer needs to find what works for them, in their own situation. Maybe you want to race, and maybe you just want to go with the flow and enjoy the journey.
What’s your writing business style?
“Once you make a decision,
the universe conspires to make it happen.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Megan, I’m with you. I work enough to support my lifestyle, a lifestyle that includes lots of hiking and exercise and visiting with friends and family.
And for real, I prefer to float down the Sacramento River in raft, paddling just enough to keep away from the banks and snags.
And thanks also for your kind comment about my dog Molly.
You’re welcome John.
Great article! I just love the quote you put in there from Emerson. I’ve read a lot of his stuff and haven’t seen that one yet. It is so true!
Oh, and I totally agree about the joy of paddling down a river listening to kingfishers. 🙂
Glad to hear you enjoyed the article and choice of quote Hiking Lady!