At first this morning I was worried because after reading through the computer she decided that in order to make it up to Remi she would give him a bath. A bath may be good for me but it really wasn't what I had in mind. I gave her my best take me somewhere look. She then double checked the weather predictions for the day and said that we could go. Next thing I knew she was loading up the car. Wait, wait. Is that the folded up kayak going in there? I am not a big fan of standing on things that move around under my feet. Does she not remember that? 
Apparently she has some memory issues. But I did hear her muttering about sunscreen and something about a recent testimonial regarding the dangers of forgetting to put any on when undertaking lengthy kayak trips.
But then I also heard her muttering about the refrigerator in the Short Bus. She had gone out to the rig to retrieve the sunscreen and happened to open the freezer compartment of the refig to be sure that it was dry inside. Just a few weeks ago she had been so excited and happy to know that the frig still worked and had only required a simple fix. After the Pottery man decided that the Short Bus would be better parked next to his Pottery Barn the GHL had decided it was best to just keep the frig turned off for now because of the tilt to the ground. Well... 
apparently she doesn't know how to turn a frig off. She turned it off automatic and propped the door open so it would not mildew. Apparently she has been cooling the great out doors for a couple of weeks now. The freezer was nice and frosty! 
I won't even talk about watching her try to pump up the Sea Eagle. Seems that she "forgot" which direction to turn the valves. I had to just sit there and watch her pump two of the chambers twice and was expected not to laugh. I worry about her day dreaming and lack of focus. What happens if we get out on the river and she forgets where to stop for our ride back to the car? 
Anyway, being the faithful companion I am....I got in the kayak and headed down the river with her.
How far can I lean over if I want to get a drink? Not far enough. I know that she wanted to try to keep the kayak dry but really. Please can we stop?
Much better now. I sort of wanted to pee some and get a drink and roll around in the water some.....
Now I can relax. This riding the river isn't so bad. The GHL told me that I might be more comfortable without my life jacket. She sort of figured that I could swim (or wade) my way to safety here on the river. She was right. I can enjoy the views.
There were turtles (no alligators here in Ohio) but I've shown you river turtles before.....no Sandhill Cranes or exotic critters here. Only a few lonely mallards.
Some of the trees reflected the power of this spring's rains and high water. I am glad that I wasn't out on the water then.
Some people have their "camps" or houses along here and sit out watching all the weekend canoes and kayaks go by.
Me, I have to admit that even the small rapids were fine and that the GHL was right. This kayak river thing is okay especially since the temps are not boiling and the sun often stayed behind some hazy clouds.
I also liked watching for the art work displayed along the shoreline.
Some master carver creating secret river creatures.....
Some creatures ready to pick off tired sleepy kayakers and their trusting companion.
Don't let her know that I told you but I think that she was starting to doze off about the 7th mile. There were several times when I didn't see much paddling going on.
So we made it to the 9 mile take out and a van came for us along with another small group of kayakers and drove us back to our cars. The Sea Eagle had to ride on the trailer in back strapped in with all the hard shells. But the fun surprise was that the driver of the van was one of my grown up, just graduated from college, needs a teaching job in social studies, 4-H dog project friends. I remembered him! I got to ride up between the front seats with him and he scratched my ears half the drive home. This kayaking thing really is looking up. But I have to admit that I may have dozed off a bit, too. But then I wasn't suppose to be steering the kayak!
Looks like a great day. Hope that was downriver - all those miles.
