I hope all is well in the River Kid world...Even though there haven't been many meetings yet, it's definitely been a busy fall with the benefit, a new dugout canoe project lining up, and the addition of a series of paddling trips with Mike Clark.
The last trip lived up to the name of Mike's company, BIG MUDDY ADVENTURES. It was a rainy, chilly evening when we slid the 24-foot Clipper down the bank into the muddy Miss. It let up only for a short teaser before coming down again while we cleaned a 100-yard stretch of river bank littered with cups, bottles, bags, and the ever-present and blessed invention, Styrofoam. We bagged about 10 onion bags of trash before settling back to a warm campfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, munch chips, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy a precious few moments of relaxation before paddling back across the Mississippi in the dark with the reflection of the city light pollution on the river and the sounds of the Chain of Rocks rapids up river to keep us oriented and humbled. And that was where we met the worst of our work for the afternoon...we were faced with a VERY muddy 100-yard portage uphill in the rain and darkness. Our headlamps blazing, we trudged up the incline...three and a half round trips to get all the gear and the Clipper (now feeling like it was 30 feet and 400 pounds) back to the parking lot.
Sounds like fun, huh? And yet...it was just that. It wasn't the kind of fun you derive from playing a video game, watching a movie, or even reading a book. This was real...an experience filled with challenges and learning opportunities...chances to be strong, solve problems, be there for your friends when they needed you, lean on a friend and know he or she will be there for you. And it was a chance to gain some very real understanding and appreciation for nature and what it has to offer.
It's hard to explain how the river changes people, but it does. And almost always for the better. I have no doubt that the kids who attended this last trip will never forget the experience. Thank you for supporting your kids and giving them the opportunity to create memories. And additional thanks for cleaning up the muddy mess we created. :) Good times...
There will be more Mike Clark trips this year...we are working on a date for the November trip. We originally planned on Nov 12, but that will need to be moved. I will let you know the new date ASAP.
This week - There is a regular meeting Friday from 4-5pm in the Library. Mike Clark will be joining us to teach the whole group a thing or two about being prepared for paddling. This is fantastic for us in a couple ways: 1. Mike is one of the premiere big river guides in the world. A chance to chat with him is a precious opportunity for many reasons, but basically - HE KNOWS RIVERS. 2. - As an outfitter, Mike receives a HUGE discount on all outdoor gear from NRS (Northwest River Supplies). He has agreed to extend his discount to us on this occasion and allow all RK families the chance to order gear at his prices.
For this reason, I would like to invite parents who think they would like to put in an order to attend this particular meeting. Mike will be talking about the gear that's best for three-season paddling (excluding summer which requires little technical gear). Then those who so desire, may add to the order. Mike's discount is about 60%, so I recommend you take advantage of this fantastic offer, especially if you or your River Kid plans to join Mike on the next few winter paddling trips!
Also, there are TWO great cleanups going on this weekend on the River des Peres in University City.
RdPWC Cleanup Saturday - there will be a group gathering for the 10th Annual River des Peres Clean-Up on Saturday, November 7th from 1 to 4 pm. We have a dumpster and snacks provided by MSD and Coca Cola.
Groups will be working just a bit upstream of the Mona Terrace site in the River des Peres along Olive near 81st Ave. Park on the east end of the Food for Less parking lot (Food-for-Less is at 8020 Olive).
Sunday, November 8 - 1-5pm - More honeysuckle and garbage removal at the site where we worked a couple weeks ago. South on Mt. Olive from Olive - veer right onto Groby Rd. Park near the bridge and walk East along the bike path to find the location. Adults with chainsaws looking for a workout are very welcome. I would also like to put together a team with heavy duty digging tools, shovels, picks, crowbars and such, to tackle a huge imbedded pile of shopping carts and other heavy debris buried in the sand along the river. This pile has been there long enough that a small tree has grown around some of the metal on one of the carts. It's time to break up the garbage party.
There is no need to RSVP about attendance at either one of these. However, if you are planning to bring a tool or two and join me, let me know. I'm not sure when I'll be there just yet, but if I'm there, kids may be dropped off. If not, a parent needs to come join in the fun as well.
A few tips -
- Bring heavy work gloves
- Wear heavy rubber work boots or plan to stay out of the water
- Bring a water bottle and snacks if you're staying a while
- Dress in layers and according to the temperatures
- Program my cell number into yours! Ask me.
Have a great week! Let me know if you have any questions about current events,
Ben
