Peg has urged me to write a blog entry – I’ll write it,
photo it, send it, and she’ll transcribe it – but the sad truth is that I can
barely grip my pen.
Big picture, little picture, OK?
The Big Picture is that I’m wondering if I’ve bitten off
more than I (even I) can chew. The
St. L is big, fast, choppy, and today, soul-crushing. After a 5 AM start
from Sorel, I got hammered with crosswinds by 9:30 and felt ready to bail …. the
hands and arms were simply used up. But ...
here I am, 38 more miles downstream, on a beach, ready to flake out. Perhaps this morning’s malaise reflected the
fact that this day, today, is my first day of soloing in 705 miles!? Brian and then Matt have been great
companions; now, it’s just me, and we’ll see!
The Little Picture includes my failing floppy hat, which
submits to every breath and puff of wind.
Remember ‘Wishbone’ in Rawhide?
Festus in Gunsmoke? Agarn in F
Troop? My hat is now an amalgam of
theirs …. and remember, they were cast as comic characters. Simpletons, actually.
Matt was a fabulous rowing companion: strong, calm,
resourceful, optimistic, self-effacing, supernaturally observant, and just
plain fun to be with; he could have easily raced ahead and unquestionably
could make it to Saguenay …. and I miss his company tonight. And thanks to Courtney for sharing him for a
week …. and for driving to Sorel to pick him up.
Hands hurtin’ …. more later …. soon, I hope!
Big ups,
Al
Hello just meet Al in portneuf. Great person! Rowing the st Laurence takes effort and courage. Al , you have all my respect. I Hope you catch the essence of this "fleuve". I Hope It Will fill you up with Nice souvenirs for years. Enjoy your trip and hope you will meet interesting People in our country
ReplyDeleteDany and Nancy