Kyle and I unknowingly scheduled an outing on the same stretch of water for the same two days. It's hard enough to find a weekend that works for both of us, but this was amusing to say the least. He called to see if he can borrow a couple of items then we put two and two together; so we decided to join forces.
When I called Two Rivers to schedule the shuttle I wasn't sure what I'd get. Springtime floods had impacted all of the outfitters and tore down the cabin that had stood since the 1940's and was used for the home base of Two Rivers Outfitters. They're currently doing business out of a trailer and in the process of rebuilding. The owner of Two Rivers was glad to see her dog, Harvey playing with our kids as we loaded our canoes onto the trailers for the shuttle to Williams Landing. We settled our bill and when Kyle and I looked at the total, we noticed the owner had lowered the price significantly since we booked the shuttle separately but were going to the same place.
Once the van and trailers were loaded, we were off with serious enthusiasm. We started the steep climb out of Two Rivers and noticed some smoke seeping out of vents and radio. We crawled to stop and made our way off of the van as smoke filled the interior. We shared glances and tried to make light out of the situation. Soon a small school bus pulled up, we loaded into our new yellow chariot and rode it to the top of the hill, the van followed with the trailer and drivers transferred the loaded trailer from the van to the bus. Once again a roar of enthusiasm came over us as we began our journey anew: the adults talking of school bus rides from years ago and the children talking about last weeks school bus adventures.
We finally arrived at Williams Landing and unloaded our duty boats. The bustle of carrying canoes, paddles, PFD's, coolers, dry bags, and fishing rods carried on in frenzy, only interrupted by hungry kids seeking snacks, PB and J sandwiches and sealed snack packs. Only after everyone's bellies were satisfied did we put on PFD's, loaded the children and eased out into the barely moving current.
Sophia took the bow of the boat. We covered the some of the basic strokes once again including the draw and cross-draw, she was spot on and ready to roll. Kyle and Chris joined us as we finally relaxed and let out the contended sigh that only a quiet river could evoke.
The trees rose above us on both sides and sat atop cliffs, some teasing with colors of change. Soon we spotted a bald eagle looking majestically down upon us, our necks craning to take in his beauty while we floated underneath his perch. A few moments later another bald eagle was gliding above the crystal clear water in the high blue skies.
We took notice of the changes in the river since the springtime floods. We did this stretch of the river last fall, and our campsite last year was washed away, leaving a drop off where a sturdy rope hung connected to a tree. We took time to enjoy the 80 degree day as the tree swings invitation was to welcoming to pass up.
When I called Two Rivers to schedule the shuttle I wasn't sure what I'd get. Springtime floods had impacted all of the outfitters and tore down the cabin that had stood since the 1940's and was used for the home base of Two Rivers Outfitters. They're currently doing business out of a trailer and in the process of rebuilding. The owner of Two Rivers was glad to see her dog, Harvey playing with our kids as we loaded our canoes onto the trailers for the shuttle to Williams Landing. We settled our bill and when Kyle and I looked at the total, we noticed the owner had lowered the price significantly since we booked the shuttle separately but were going to the same place.
Once the van and trailers were loaded, we were off with serious enthusiasm. We started the steep climb out of Two Rivers and noticed some smoke seeping out of vents and radio. We crawled to stop and made our way off of the van as smoke filled the interior. We shared glances and tried to make light out of the situation. Soon a small school bus pulled up, we loaded into our new yellow chariot and rode it to the top of the hill, the van followed with the trailer and drivers transferred the loaded trailer from the van to the bus. Once again a roar of enthusiasm came over us as we began our journey anew: the adults talking of school bus rides from years ago and the children talking about last weeks school bus adventures.
We finally arrived at Williams Landing and unloaded our duty boats. The bustle of carrying canoes, paddles, PFD's, coolers, dry bags, and fishing rods carried on in frenzy, only interrupted by hungry kids seeking snacks, PB and J sandwiches and sealed snack packs. Only after everyone's bellies were satisfied did we put on PFD's, loaded the children and eased out into the barely moving current.
Sophia took the bow of the boat. We covered the some of the basic strokes once again including the draw and cross-draw, she was spot on and ready to roll. Kyle and Chris joined us as we finally relaxed and let out the contended sigh that only a quiet river could evoke.
The trees rose above us on both sides and sat atop cliffs, some teasing with colors of change. Soon we spotted a bald eagle looking majestically down upon us, our necks craning to take in his beauty while we floated underneath his perch. A few moments later another bald eagle was gliding above the crystal clear water in the high blue skies.
We took notice of the changes in the river since the springtime floods. We did this stretch of the river last fall, and our campsite last year was washed away, leaving a drop off where a sturdy rope hung connected to a tree. We took time to enjoy the 80 degree day as the tree swings invitation was to welcoming to pass up.