Canoes ✅

Homies ✅

Bugs ✅

As the canoes floated precariously half ashore, the local flies took notice as the okaywego squad completed multiple trips to and from the vehicles.  Hands full of gear there was no hiding as the swarms hammered down on the fresh meat.  Not yet on the water, having truly started our trip, and already limits were being tested. 

Paddles dipping smoothly on the initial stretch, spirits rose as we enjoyed a slight reprieve from the bugs on the wide, flat and slow moving river… Oh, the deceit. 

Canoes overhead, we once again were hammered by bugs as we trudged through what felt like miles of winding, muddy and overgrown trail.  We were on the river to run some light rapids, not to take on a waterfall.  So through the bush we pushed. 

Forced smiles and broken laughs, we were too far in to turn around for the vehicles.  But maybe a turn around is exactly what was needed…  It was time for a stick race. The perfect remedy for some sour souls. Pick your best stick. Wish it good luck. Count to three and splash.  The Homies hooting and hollering as their sticks flowed, floated and even disappeared into the rapids.

As the day progressed so too did the emotions surrounding the day. Glints of fun and excitement as we took on white water and rapids were dimmed by the overbearing swarms of black flies, deer flies and mosquitoes. The word was out that there were some tasty treats paddling the river.  Wet, cold and eaten half to death we made what was to be camp in the early afternoon.  All it took was a quick scan of the squad to know that the best move was to carry on and make the paddle out. 

After a well needed lunch break and some river side laughs we once again set off to continue our explorations with raised spirits. 

As we read the river in real time we called out obstacles, made quick decisions and paddled hard to find our lines…. Unfortunately not always did we come out unscathed.  

“Dude, it was crazy! Me and Badgal got lost in the sauce, missed our line. Smash. Nose first right into a giant rock. I thought for sure this was the end for us. I turn to warn the others not to follow our line, but they are already coming past us…. Danielson and Bert paddles in the air, unsure of their next move as they floated past backwards! Poor Frankie was just sitting passenger head in hands, praying to make it out alive. Man, it was awesome!” - Uncle G. 

Stepping outside your comfort zone surely can be challenging at times.  The ability to take what comes in stride can assist greatly in moving through tough situations while adventuring and pushing limits. Remember to find the beauty in the adventure, disconnect to reconnect and enjoy your time with the Homies by your side. 

Your Adventure Awaits,

okaywego