Monday Memories

Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About Canoeing With Mr. Bug? A long time ago, Mr. Bug invited me to go on a canoe trip down the Ipswich River with some friends. It would be just a short jaunt on a beautiful fall day and then we'd go to get something to eat. Scenery, activity, and food -- oh yeah, and a cute guy -- I was so there! I need to give you a little background here. My mom and dad made sure I could survive in the wild - I can start a fire with two sticks, I can make a shelter in the woods,I can tie knots, I know first aid, I can paddle a canoe. My Girl Scout troop was an adventurous one - we camped in the snow, we went biking on Cape Cod... we did it all. Our troop did a 5 day canoe trip in Maine. (I trained for that one, but I think we went on family vacation that week, so I couldn't go.) Mr. Bug's outdoor experience was a little different. He can run fast. He can ski very well. He's a terrific tennis player. He can play baseball. He can do jaccuzzi laps while sipping a martini better than anyone I know. Do you get the picture?? We've always said that together we make one well-rounded person. We arrive at the top of the river. I ask Mr. Bug where he wants to sit in the canoe. Mr. Bug says, "I've never been in a canoe. I'll take the back." You steer from the back of the canoe. I told him that since he's never been in a canoe, maybe he should let me drive until he gets used to it. He agrees. (I silently say a prayer of thanks and muffle a thankful sigh.) We start down the river. Mr. Bug is loving it! He understands how to paddle and is doing very well - in.the.front. We float down the river. We laugh with our friends. We are having a great time. We stop about 1/2 way down and have a snack under the trees. It is lovely. When we go to get back into the canoes, Mr. Bug says, "I'd like to try to drive. I think I can do it." I agree, but I have my doubts. We start off. We head across the river and promptly hit a rock. I try not to laugh. I tell him. "It's okay. You're just getting started." Mr. Bug gets us out of that jam and we head back across the river and hit a fallen tree. Now it's funny! We do this over and over until Mr. Bug realizes that everyone else is floating DOWN the river and we keep going ACROSS it. Fortunately, he decides to let me drive the last little bit. There is a small waterfall at the docking station. If you miss the docking station, you go over the falls. I was really glad I was driving at the end. Fast forward 18 years... Mr. Bug and #1 Son are canoeing at the state park this weekend. #1 Son is in the back to start. Life is good. They are doing great! They go all over the lake. They are a finely tuned machine. They swap places. Mr. Bug is in the driver's seat. He's doing great! He steers! He paddles! All my lessons have paid off! They float into the dock. #1 Son ties the canoe to the dock and gets out. They take out the cooler. They have done it! Wait! Mr. Bug is getting out of the canoe. He makes his way forward. All he has to do is put his foot on the dock. SPLASH! Oh no! What happened?! Mr. Bug is in the water! Poor Mr. Bug! His foot slipped. (It really was quite funny!) We'll have to go back and try again - this time, we'll bring a change of clothes for everyone... LadyBug Links to other Monday Memories

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