I used to be fluent in Water. Words in the form of paddle strokes rolled off my tongue without a thought and I would write epics in an afternoon. This past weekend I got out on two of my favorite creeks; Big Creek and the Watauga. It was interesting. As a result of not being in my boat for so long I’d lost my timing. I could still stumble through, but I wasn’t singing, and because of this I got rolled 4 times often missing my roll on the first try. I’ll get it back, but its gonna take some time on the water.

Even more interesting was the role reversal. While seldom a leader on the river, I was used to being totally comfortable on most water. I aways felt that if the shit hit the fan, I could be counted on to be there and help with the rescue. Implicit in this is the fact that it wouldn’t be me needing rescue. This weekend I wasn’t just the last one through, this past weekend I was following – and theres a difference.

Everyone gets a turn and folks that I’d once led down things were now leading me. Its humbling and I am blessed to have good friends that back me up – thanks yall!