Ralphie Rough Road

As I sit back and take in my surroundings, an overwhelming sense of peace washes over me.  The aliveness of this moment is unmistakable.  I do not want it to end.  The sounds of nature surround me.  It is nearing dusk.  The forest is alive with animals preparing for night.

I am floating along ever so gently on a small yet long lake.   For a moment it’s just me.  My companions are further back enjoying their solitude.  As my kayak points ever forward, I sit back and take it all in.  Every so often paddling to keep the forward momentum.  This is all about the journey and not the destination.  For we are simply going from one end of the lake to the other and back again.

Right now it’s about letting go, sitting back and enjoying the serenity of this place.  It seems the world around me has fallen away.  The absolute sense of peace is amazing.  I love this.  This is something I envision myself doing more and more.  There is a deep sense of connection with the water and surrounding nature.

My fear of water disappearing into oblivion.  I have no sense of the depth of the water beneath me.  It dissolves those thoughts into this moment.  Small bugs hover nearby.  I paddle on to escape a few of them.  Despite their slight annoyance I remain in a peaceful state.

Not doing anything.  Nowhere to be.  I sit back and take it all in.

The guys are fishing behind me.  I am alone with my thoughts and this time.  It is blissful.

As we near the shore to disembark,  I am not sad for the end of this journey.  The journey was amazing, simple, beautiful, and tranquil.  For a few hours I truly lived in the moment.  Forgetting all else.

We load up the kayaks and jump in the truck.  I glance back at the lake.  It’s quiet and looks like glass.  We will come back to this place.  Until next time, the incredible peace remains.  Anytime I reflect on the early evening kayaking trip I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude.

Such a simple activity, floating, paddling, relaxing in a kayak on a lake.  Yet a profound experience.  I look forward to the next time with my feet in the water and sitting back to enjoy the moments in nature with nothing to do but float.