Sunday Sanctuaries has officially become an expeditionary field guide. New paddlers joined us this weekend to explore the White Oak River and it's peace. A friend of mine had some friends visiting whom are dealing with the hardship of terminal disease and wanted a relaxing, peaceful, therapeutic experience for everyone. 'Peace like a River' was the prescription for the day. We paddled up river investigating small tributaries, farm field landings, old-growth cedars, columns of cypress and hydroponic gardens. The coolness of the river and the heating of the afternoon sun provided the perfect environment for laughs, stories, song and river whistling. Upon arriving at the end of a tributary filled with whirling butterflies and whiz-by insects we paused for a treat of our trademark 'fruit of our labor' zip-lock tradition. Each paddler was gifted with a bag filled with 7 fresh fruits: raspberries, blackberries, green grapes, globe grapes, raisins and nuts.
I noticed the difference in the mood of the river from morning to afternoon and commented that the wildlife were much more active and vocal in the mornings but must have been napping in the lazy, hot afternoon.
It was great practice to guide new-comers to the paddling world and gift them with a calm-soothing experience.