Wild Rivers

You would be foolish to attempt to navigate a true wild river, cascading down from a high-altitude glacier in the mountains. The water has an unusual bluish hue, a result of the glacial flour pushed into the runoff, which trickles down into the upper tributaries and eventually transforms into torrents and a cascading maelstrom.

As you dip your paddle into the water, you must hold on tightly to prevent it from being pulled out of your grip. Brace yourself against the thwarts and grip your seat firmly. The wild ride begins with sudden draws, sweeps and pries, and you must always be vigilant for rocks that seem to emerge from nowhere. With a flick of your wrist, you can catch your boat before it enters a deep hole, requiring little strength to avoid disaster. Nothing is more thrilling than riding a wave train down stream. a flick of the paddle keeps the boat running true and safely through the maelstrom.  You end the ride a bit soaked and surely have a bit of bailing to do as the bottom of your canoe is awash.

 Downstream from the rapids, there’s always a calm pool or eddy to catch your breath. You can hear your heart pounding, and for once, you feel truly alive.A thrilling experience no doubt, and you  faced a near-death situation and survived. Wild rivers serve as our allies against complacency and civilization. They sustain us and nourish our souls. In the tranquility of the lower river, we reflect on life, its meaning, and our desire to preserve the wildness of rivers.

All rivers start in the mountains but few reach the ocean unscathed. Dams, mills mine tailings, sewage and floating jetsam of civilization clogs their paths and poisons  the purity of nature. Be a defender of wild rivers and public lands. Our natural resources are too valuable to give away or sell to the highest bidder.