I’m the worst at keeping track of days. I have a lot of pictures to post but my signal is in and out, so I’ll just post a couple of thoughts instead. I’m attempting a straight 100 mile paddle into Memphis tomorrow. Some of its at night, so we’ll see how that turns out. It’s extremely dangerous.
Anyway, I was thinking about lots of different things yesterday. One thing I came to realize was how we’re all connected, even if it’s not physical. Every person we come into contact with impacts us in some way. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad. Even just hearing about another person, whether you meet them or not, connects and impacts you. It’s something to ponder considering the power it can have. It gives us a choice on how the react to, respond to, and how to treat others. It’s not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. Certainly if we continue to let the wrong ones in our personal lives. However, random meetings and hearsay can be treated differently. This is where good choices and good responses mean the most. A simple smile or a kind word can go the distance. It’s can be a hard choice to make because life can be hard at times, but even through the tough times we can lighten the load by knocking a few chips off of each other’s shoulders.
I haven’t always been this kind of person, but learning these things is what expeditions are all about for me. I don’t want to set records, I just want to become a better, more loving person to the people I meet. I hope to inspire others as well. I hope my kids can see the change. According to them, I look frustrated all the time. Even when I’m not. Sometimes the world off the river is a lot to take in, but I want to experience it and actually enjoy it from now on.
My Gypsy Road 