Missing It All

It's the weather, dude. This winter will go into the books as an unusual one and one not friendly to paddlers (at least not around here...but I digress). If it isn't the sub zero (F) temps it's the shore ice conspiring to keep us ashore. And I miss it. I miss the paddling and just being out on the water. More over, and what I've come to realize, I miss the group's energy.

Usually, when weather keeps us ashore, we still meet for coffee. This past weekend, however, even that wasn't to be as slick ice covered our roads, and we all felt it would be safest not to wander out. Missing the weekend gathering reminded me of how important my paddling partners are in my life. They are, one and all, fine people, and I would enjoy their company whether or not they paddled.

I've floated in calm waters and bashed waves with this group. We've sat together around cafes, and some of us have sat together around camp fires. We've eaten new year's day chili together and rolled in pools together. Missing all this has been the hardest part of this winter. Still, JB sends encouraging e mails and reminds me that Canoecopia is just around the corner. Come to think of it, there is no reason I can't have coffee with him during the lunch hour.

Paddle safe...
DS