Along the Current River

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Sunday evening, as we drove down a tree-lined, leaf-covered road, we lost cell signal. It reminded me of the time we had camped in Uriah at the Joshua Tree National Park. We had no cell signal, and no connection to the outside world. It was just us and those camping in the same area. It was nice to leave those things, like cell phones that we almost consider necessities, behind for a brief moment in time.

Monday morning, we woke up early, and prepared for our day. 8:30 came, and the boat rental man arrived with the canoes and kayaks on his trailer. We piled into the van, along with another couple who camped near us, and headed off.

It was 9:40 when we arrived at the starting point. We had chosen to take our float trip in three canoes and two kayaks. Jesse and I started in kayaks, and the rest took their positions in the canoes. We launched successfully and began the float down the river. Most of the time, the river was so shallow, one could easily have gotten out and walked being in only two feet of water.

We had picked an 18-mile float. Brown leaves spiraled from nearby trees across the sky before landing in the flowing stream. An occasional turtle plopped into the water or watched us from a rock. Although a few of us got stuck in shallow areas or lodged sideways for a bit, no one ever dumped. About eight miles down the river, several of us changed boats, and I was grateful for the break that a two-person canoe afforded from the time paddling alone in a kayak.

The day passed mostly uneventfully, as we worked our way down the river, talking amongst ourselves and enjoying time together as a family. The only “mishap” was when Anna lost a flipflop while wading in the water at lunchtime. Her words of advice? When wearing flipflops, only wade facing upstream.

The close of our trip is very near. Tomorrow, Lord willing, at this time, we will be back in Kansas. It has been a special, fruitful trip, and we praise the Lord for it!

Rejoicing in Jesus,
Sarah

Preparing to launch.

Pringle snack time.

Changing boats.
This is the only ferry that is still running on the Current River. It was interesting to watch them take a truck across.

Lunch time.
The only problem? Bees were interested in lunch too.

This led to an incredible cave. Half of the family rowed back into that area (cautiously), and said it was amazing.

We caught up to the couple that had been dropped off six miles down stream. The guys had to empty their kayaks out, as water tends to collect in them.

“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalms 1:3

2 thoughts on “Along the Current River”

  1. It looks like such a delightful day floating down the river! 🙂 Sorry about Anna’s flipflop, though. 🙁 The trees along the riverside look so pretty, and I especially like the picture of the turtle sunning on that rock! And of course the photos with Maxwell family members are great too. 🙂 Praying for safe travels back to your home. Love, Mrs. Patti

  2. What a beautiful place to enjoy Fall colors! The river looks calm and peaceful. How many hours did it take to go the 18 miles?
    >>>>>>>>>>
    6 hours

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