Page 71 - Louisiana Loop (manuscript Edition)

Anyone old enough remembers the street kids “Spanky and our gang” and so I call these typical Louisiana Lads and
Lassies that as a sign of affection and compliment. There are in fact River Rats or river folk and “MUDDOGS” would be
more accurate as later I would meet others who travel on the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana playing on the
multiple sandy areas that line the area between levee and water side.

At times these “areas” are under water, some are used for “harvesting dirt” and some simply are fun places to go on a 4
wheeler or quad if near enough to those who can access from side road or home.

I would later meet a lot of people on 4 wheelers.
These kids were fun as “accent and all” they talked and asked questions of an old man who was sitting on a tarp cleaning
some of his gear. Goofing off and playing I was struck by the reality of “kids” and how no one when young talks about
diversity or equality, but I am sure if I have my 4 wheeler from Alaska I could have gone “muddin” as we used to call it
with them.

They were funny and fun loving and typical to the lifestyle of the River. Curious and respectful, but fully adapted to their
environment and able to be ‘in the moment’ and just easily move on in adventures I am sure they have yet to make and
discover on their own. Kids like this remind us to live life and enjoy it not just exist as participants.