June 11, 2004

Solemn Rain

I remember sitting on my couch with tears streaming down my face as national news brought live pictures of the wall beginning to crumble. The tears flowed again as I heard of the president's death.

Many of the young people I know don't remember what it was like to live in the MAD world. Mutual Assured Destruction. In my youth I joined the military with the secret dream that if I served, maybe my children wouldn't need to do the same. Many people remember the negative things about Ronald Reagan, but what I choose to remember is the threat of total destruction is all but gone.

I watched on television as they carried Ronald Reagan's casket out of the Rotunda. As the hearse made its way to the National Cathedral I made my way to Mason Neck. When I got there I listened to the tributes given to him. I was so impressed with the words of Margaret Thatcher. I parked the car and waited for Carolyn to arrive.

It had been a gloomy day. Funeral weather. With the threat of thunderstorms Carolyn and I decided to head up the Occoquan instead of our planned route to Leesylvania. With many more options for bail outs if needed, we still kept an eye on the sky on our journey toward the Occoquan dam.

I had stashed my camera in the day hatch, and I regretted it the entire day. Large Blue Herons perched on floating logs, Osprey raising cries of trespass, 2 mature Bald Eagles and a beaver later I decided it was a bad idea for the camera to ride in the day hatch. I had opted instead to carry my vhf radio in my pfd to listen for weather warnings.

Ten and a half miles ticked away in a short 3 hours. As we landed in the light rain, Carolyn limped in to shore as I learned her leg had been cramped for over half the trip. I felt bad for not offering a 'stop and stretch' break.

It was a nice day to reflect for me: The quiet rain, a warm breeze, with a balanced mixture of conversation and wildlife. An afternoon paddle to prepare me for the 2 long days that are to follow...