Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain

I love the sounds and feelings that accompany the rain....thunderstorms tonight.

South Dakota Kayak Challenge 2010

Heading Into Checkpoint #1

(I was still alone at this point)

Heading Out of the Cove

Check Point #4

Bev's On The Water

Eric, Rick, me, Ursula (road crew), Travis, Dave

The South Dakota Kayak Challenge promoters promised wild water, open skies, and a big challenge.  It was all that.  There were those that came to compete.  There were those who came to paddle and camp for several days.  And, finally there were those who pushed their limits with their only goal to finish in one day despite demoralizing winds.

I was privileged to fall into the latter group....and, what I came away with (along with some screaming muscles) was an amazing observation of human nature.  We were spread out over 72 miles - but by the 2nd checkpoint most of us had found 'partners', and by the 3rd checkpoint no

one was paddling alone anymore.   Winds (20 - 30 mph SSE headwinds the ENTIRE day with long gusts up to 40 - 45 mph), fatigue, motor boat traffic, sandbars, wing dam currents (especially fun at night - not!), temperatures in the 90s, and finally darkness, took it's toll.  I don't think anyone consciously intended to form groups - but we did.  Everyone of us.

I can say that I wouldn't have made it without my travel companions - Nathan Edwards and Eric Hart.  These guys were an answer to prayer, and we managed to keep laughing.....knowing that the rest of the gang waited at the finish line was also a motivator.

New experiences bring new memories and new knowledge.  But, I've always known that we all need each other to get through this journey called life....

Oh, yeah - it happens that I was fortunate enough to place 3rd for women soloists.  The first two were 'racers';  I was much more fortunate to be a 'grouper'. :)

Ada Hayden Under An Almost Full Moon

Rio - Party Pup Extraordinaire

'Rio' Relishes Life

In My Hostas!

Portuguese Water Dog - Rio is always happy.  She wouldn't hurt anyone; I've seen her have her tail and ears pulled, been pushed and shoved aside....yet, she doesn't bite.  She's a joy, and she's funny! 

I wonder how the Obama's are doing with Bo. :)

Graduation

Yippee!

Still Crazy After All These Years.....

Family

Best of Friends

Emily's First Voyage.

Abbey-

Have kayak....will travel.

Birthdays and Graduations

Congratulations for Successful Hard Work  - Lydia, Jen, and Ben!
 Happy Birthday - Luke, Lydia, Ben!

Happy Birthday Lydia!  Cinco de Mayo.  Congratulations on your ISU Graduation, and all good energy for Vet School in the Fall. Love those red flowers in your hair.

Ben - Happy Birthday and Congratulations on your Master's Degree from Wheaton College.  What an accomplishment!

Happy Birthday to the 'twin' sibblings.

Lydia and Luke - Florida 1989

Paddle Across Iowa

These two Red Rock Armada Kayakers paddled from Lake Red Rock Dam to Keosauqua, Iowa today. Pretty Impressive.