Joyfully to the Breeze
Tyler Schrapf
“Joyfully
to the breeze, royal Odysseus set his sail, and with his rutter, skillfully he
steered.” – The Odyssey. Out here with all this majesty and glory I have been
feeling rather privileged, like a young prince. My life has lead me to this
extraordinary chapter. While we may not be sailing like young Odysseus, the
concept of ruttering is all too prevalent, as several
members of the expedition still struggle to stay in formation.
After
our first long hard day of +14 miles, I was reminded of a quote from my
favorite American tall tale; The Ballad of John Henry the Steel Drivin’ Man. – “A
man ain’t nothin’ but a man, but before I’ll let that steam drill beat me down,
I’ll die with a hammer in my hand.” Replace hammer with paddle, and steam drill
with river, and you wind up with the general attitude of our group as we
compete to catch up with our pace to complete the expedition on time after
several days of inclement weather.
The
campsite we are staying at is remarkably modern. There is running well water, a
dock, and some very friendly Canadians who brought us firewood, diet soda,
fresca, and bottled water. – And they let us stay for free. As we continue our
journey, I think of all my loved ones back home who I know are praying for us
every day I ask for patients and strength, and the ability to grow and love.
If
ECOEE has taught me one profound lesson thus far, it is that like love, nature
is patient, and if treated with respect, nature is kind. It will provide. As I
become increasingly accustomed to this backcountry lifestyle, I often find
myself wondering how it will be to go back to a world of telecommunications and
fast food.
As
I exit my final day as leader of the week, I enter a period of deep reflection
on my actions and intentions, and I am reminded of a quote by Ralph Waldo
Emerson – “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us.” . . . Alas, tomorrow is a new day, and 3 sets
of rapids with the possibility of 5 portages will be pondered upon as I sleep –
Goodnight.
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