Page 65 - "Mississippi in the 1st Person" - Michael James Stone (Demo/Free)

Sweepers, snaggers, things that stuck up out the water, things in this
shallow of water that grazed the surface of the water, all these in the
back of my mind’s eye I watched for ahead because if you anticipat-
ed them you might avoid them.

For the most part my two kayaks were impact designed. This meant
they would in fact hit things first, then bounce off because of give
and resistance material. The Sea Eagle was designed that way. The
Intex not really which is why I chose it as the Lead Boat I would
paddle. Of the two, the Intex “could” puncture, but the Sea Eagle
370, highly unlikely.

I still had issues to deal with and I knew in the back of my mind I
should just stop and take care of business, like repacking, reloading,
weight distribution……...I knew HOW TO DO IT, I had done it
enough times at home…..

But getting around the bend and at least “feeling” like I was all
alone, I began to feel that gentle contentment those of who aren’t
afraid to be alone feel when we finally get to be in the stillness of
our ourselves experiencing the contentment of just being.

Yeah somethings sucked…..

But I was feeling mushy and warm inside. Like Mississippi Mud…

I just could not have been pruder of my boats as
when I first started even until the end I simply float-
ed and enjoyed the reality of the quiet time patience

can be with kayaking. Alone to heartbeat of my own
mind I felt the river was charming me with is clash-
es of deadness and yet alive inside but dormant to
chill, ready to explode to the springtime of growth.
Looking over miles and miles of open fields I knew
I saw the naked lady for what she did not reveal to
others. Her spring clothes were not to be seen and

her summer dress had not been found, except for the
sky and some warmth from the sun I could have im-
agined this fall day, than a harbinger of spring.

Kayakers had written of regretting passing thru this
area too fast and not enjoying it as much as they
were wont to.
I fully intended not to make that same mistake, and
so far I had.