The second Thursday of the month, you’re going to find me on a river paddling. Generally the Meramec river. Tonight was no exception and I was bring a new paddler with me. I met Tonya at a doctor’s appointment. She was working and I struck up a conversation with her. Somehow, it came to paddling. It sounded like she had not had the opportunity to go in a long time and I invited her for the July sunset race. I think she gave up on me, because she was quite surprised when I called her about a week before to make sure she was still coming.
It took some serious encouragement, but I got her to come out to the river. She ended up bring her son (I think his name is Sam). The three of us piled in the canoe and took off for an adventure!
Melissa paddling away.
Melissa and Jojo paddling kayaks.
Sam and Tonya. Look closely and you can see the deer on the bank we’re pointed at.
Always making faces at Melissa.
Which is why she returned the favor!
There are the three of us enjoying a perfect evening together.
Tonya didn’t bring any shoes that could get wet. We were helping her stay dry as she got in the boat.
It brings me joy to spread my paddling opportunity with others!
If you’re reading this and you want to go out paddling, drop me a comment and we’ll see about working something out!
Hogan haake