Navigating the surprises and challenges: lesson learned

“Once a vehicle of trade and an engine of exploration, canoes can be found in backyards, cottages, and camps throughout the country, signifying sunny days splashing around in the water to some. To others, canoes represent absolute freedom to roam the vast wilderness,” according to northameriacan-outdoorsman.com.

A major tributary of the James River flowing southward from the remote mountains of Highland County is the Jackson River.

The 96.4 miles of winding, twisting, turning waters are forever changing. Moving water has tremendous power and even a slow-moving gentle current can become an obstacle.

The ability to navigate through the water in any vessel can be somewhat of a challenge.

Being prepared prior to entering the waters is beneficial because one can’t afford to be surprised if swift currents pick up and send one heading downstream.

A lightweight boat is a good choice for navigating in calm or fast-moving waters. A canoe, about 14 feet long with a wide and stable hull, will work well for a float on the Jackson River.

Basic gear to help ensure safety on the water includes a set of paddles for rowing. An extra paddle isn’t necessary but could prove to be beneficial, for it isn’t uncommon to drop a paddle in the water. Just saying.

It is required by law that each person in the vessel secure a properly fitted personal flotation device. The novice and even an intermediate paddler may have difficulty swimming to shore if the canoe tips.

A whistle attached to a flotation device will help get the attention of other paddlers or bystanders if an emergency arises and help is needed.

Guaranteed to make an adventure on the water pleasurable is a cooler with a few refreshing drinks, fishing poles to land a lunker, a waterproof camera to capture momentous moments.

Oh, yes, do not forget the sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the water can be brutal on the skin, especially fair tones.

When a duo are in a canoe, the more experienced paddler is responsible for steering and therefore sits in the back. The paddler sitting in the front is responsible for providing power and only paddles on one side.

“Paddling a canoe is a source of enrichment and inner renewal,” said Pierre Trudeau.

It was the first day of spring a few years ago, when two paddlers, one experienced and one a rookie, decided that spending a warm sunny afternoon on the frigid waters of the Jackson River was just what the doctor ordered.

So just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful (somewhat) trip that started from a river port aboard a tiny ship.

Scene 1: The skipper, brave and sure, checked to make sure the weather and water conditions were safe for a three-hour tour. A three-hour tour…

“Life jackets?” Check. “Whistles?” Check. “Paddles?” Check. “Cooler, fishing gear, camera?” Check. “Sunscreen?” Check.

Scene 2: The access point of Smith Bridge provides shallow and slow-moving water, therefore making the process of loading up and getting in the canoe easier.

“Grab a paddle.”

“Hop in.”

Scene 3: Life is good! Teamwork. Extraordinary scenery. Mental clarity. Improving upper body strength. Pushing the reset button.

Scene 4: Somewhere near the Cliff View golf course there is an area that can get a little tricky. The surprise of a very large timber out in the water changed the course of what was otherwise a peaceful float.

The skipper communicating a plan was given in a very timely manner but a minor detail was left out. Gilligan was focused and planning to power through the current that was pulling the boat toward the tree.

“Steering around the tree!”

“Hopefully we won’t slam into it!”

Now the weather wasn’t rough but the tiny ship was tossed and if it were not for the skill and courage of the fearless skipper all would have been lost.

Filling with water, ole’ red flipped over and was forced, bow first, into the embankment.

Wet and freezing, the Skipper and Gilligan worked well together to get the canoe upright and gather up most of their belongings. Sorry, no photos.

Miserable. Annoyed.

Onward.

Scooping up a lost paddle downstream, the dynamic duo reached their final destination in a little over five hours.

“You were supposed to lean in toward the tree!”

“What?”

“Seems counterintuitive.”

Meandering the river with its own unique hazards sometimes challenges the paddler.

It is beneficial to understand — if the current is pushing you into an object, leaning into it greatly decreases the chances of capsizing.

There are many twists, turns, obstacles that tend to wreak havoc in and on life. Life is sometimes a difficult adventure, y’all. Caught off guard without a strategic plan can be detrimental to your well-being.

There are absolutely no surprising circumstances in my life outside the will of God. Thankfully, He uses each one for my good and for His glory.

I will continue trusting in the life-sustaining power of the Sovereign God of this universe. He is the one that, if I do indeed capsize, will help me get back in the boat.

In 1887, Anthony J. Showalter and Elisha A. Hoffman penned the words to the hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” The words set to music are a firm reminder that leaning in the right direction cheers us in adversity.

“Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms,

Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

Leaning on Jesus.

Paddling through.