The Pensive Paddler

Yes, we are all aware
paddling is a dangerous sport. Sure, by and large it is safe enough because we
take proper precautions, but it is dangerous.

So, June 9th was the bonus release at the
Wausau, WI play park and we headed up because we knew it would be a great time.
After all, everything you could need is there: great water with great features,
Headquarters (VFW), and fun times with good people.

We were right. A great time was had by
all. There just seemed to be something in the air, though. There were more
swims than I can remember occurring for some time. That is not to say anything
bad. The Wausau crew did a great job changing the course and maintaining just
like they always do. Due to those aforementioned precautions, everyone was
okay.

As we called it a day, there was a quick
pick-up game of Four-Square (Paul won). Then, we headed up to Rib Mountain
State Park to call it an evening. The first order of business is to go ahead
and get a fire going.

We all split up to gather firewood (We
can do more damage that way). Finally, Paul started to stir up the coals and
Rich and I started to “split” the firewood. We were sticking some decent size
logs in the crotch of a tree, and then bending it until they snapped. As a
courtesy, I warned Rich about the rocks on the ground as I didn’t want to see
him face plant on one of them. So I then proceeded to grab a hold of the log
and leaned back to pull it around the tree as Rich pushed from the other side.
This particular log snapped without any warning and I slipped and fell on to
one of those rocks. Other than seeing stars, I am okay (thanks for asking
Paul).

From here forward, I will not forget
that on the river is not the only place I should probably where my helmet. Feel
free to follow suit.

By Tom Schrader