Perspectives from a canoe: a season of changes in many ways
Edition #10
Welcome to another edition of my series - Perspectives from a canoe. I hope my adventures navigating the water inspire you.
A paddle usually clears my mind
Just recently, I enjoyed one last paddle before the colder temperatures return more frequently. Here in upstate New York, we had a few mornings in the high 20’s but I can see the writing on the wall. The cold temperatures are coming soon to stay.
Launching my canoe in a quiet outlet stream at the southern end of Owasco Lake, I hoped to find some solitude and stillness where I can shed all other thoughts and focus on the natural surroundings - the autumn foliage, the moving water, the birds.
Just sliding my canoe into the water and hearing the sound of the water move around and hit the sides of the canoe encourages me to push aside any distracting thoughts in my mind - like what else is going on in my life, in the world - well you know.
A quiet paddle pushes extraneous thoughts out of my mind.
My canoe is small - about 11 feet long and weighs under 15 pounds - and can be quite bouncy. If I want to remain dry, I need to pay attention to the water currents and any obstructions on the water trail. In other words, I need to pay attention to my boat and not anything else. A good thing - stay in the moment so I can remain dry.
My paddling outings have emerged as opportunities to be in the moment, fully in tune with my natural surroundings, the sounds, the scents and the vibrant colors. I realize I need to do more of these experiences.
A lightweight canoe forces me to pay attention!
Looking up & ahead: a season of transitions
On a recent hike into the woods, I stopped to look at a beautiful and tall tree. I gazed up at the tree’s canopy. Since this was early Fall, the leaves near the top of its canopy had changed color but the leaves towards the bottom of the canopy had not turned yet. The colorful transition from the top of the canopy and downward was stunning and thought-provoking. This beautiful tree was in a state of transition right before my eyes. The “bottom” leaves were still waiting to transition……
Changes are coming - I expect that - I know that I need to be prepared mentally and spiritually for the transition. Soaking in the scents and sounds of the forest on a regular basis encourages me to stay grounded - placing one foot gingerly in front of the other - and to keep moving forward.
Fall is my favorite time of year to run, too.
After taking some time off from running, I realized that I missed it terribly - I missed the cardiovascular exercise that running provided, the joy of being outdoors and the ability to clear my mind when I run. I find that I can solve a lot of problems when I am running. So after a solid six weeks of running, I feel much better and ready to take on winter adventures.
Below: getting in some miles at my favorite local trail system.
I hope you enjoyed my inspirational paddling adventure today. I look forward to sharing more with you.
My next big adventure to be revealed soon
I am returning to a favorite winter destination for an unbelievable endurance goal. Please stay tuned as I share my next winter adventure with Jake Griggs of Working Order. I am stoked to share the announcement with Jake.
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My inspirational reading right now on Substack
I admit that I spend a lot of time reading (and commenting) on other writers’ work on Substack and probably not enough time on my own writing. I continue to be amazed and inspired by many of you.
Here are just a few:
Jon Norris is a professional photographer and Explore Landscapes is his newsletter - his photographs of Joshua Tree National Park are stunning. Please make sure to check out his posts on dark sky photography.
Sarah Lavender Smith writes Mountain Running and Living from her home base in Colorado. I have been reading her excellent columns in Ultra Running Magazine for years and now she shares her life on a Colorado ranch while continuing to pursue her running goals. I joined her monthly Zoom chat a few weeks ago and caught up on all things in the trail & ultra running world.
Julia Hubbell continues to inspire me almost every day with her entertaining posts at Too Old for This Shit. Her writing inspires me to continue to pursue new adventures.
Erik Hogan of Field Notes - Erik’s reports on his backpacking trips and unforgettable mission trips. His writing brings back a lot of memories from my own backpacking adventures. Erik skillfully complements his wonderful prose with stunning photography - especially his waterfalls.
The Slow Sip by Cathy Jacob. Cathy has been helping me to slow down all year. We all need this now and then.
Jesse McEntee of Next Adventure where he writes about how “spending time in the wild rejuvenates” us. I was honored to be asked by Jesse to contribute to his post on Unleash Your Inner Survivor where he discussed his essential gear for conquering challenges in the wilderness.
Please check out these wonderful writers and photographers.
The adventure continues. Thank you for coming along on my paddle.
Canoeing looks fun. I have only paddleboarded, and it's definitely too chilly out there for that!
One of the reasons we started paddleboarding is because the inflatable boards fit in any vehicle, and my wife can load, unload and inflate one easily when I'm not around.
Loved this piece Jenn. I could feel a sense of peace blanket me as I read it. I love following along on your adventures. Finally, thanks for your kind words about The Slow Sip.