mountains of support...

Smiles. Hugs. High fives. I've never experienced any thing like it. Each guide from every outfitter addresses me by name: at the ramp, on the river, or somewhere in between. Conversations filled with support and encouragement. Each greeted with a smile...

They want me to succeed.

They want me to stay positive. 

These men. Rough around the edges, but soft on the inside. It wasn't easy for them. Time behind the sticks has sculpted their bodies and minds. This river taught them with every ebb and flow. Daily lessons provided by rapids, rocks, sunlight, temperature, and hatch. School is in constant session.  Most guides are already working on their third or fourth Ph.D. in all things Green. It's something special, then, for them to provide me with information equalivant to cliff notes. Something very special indeed...hard to put in words. 

This selfless act encourages me each day to maintain my sponginess by absorbing every piece of information, to keep an open mind, and, above all, stay positive. 

I cannot thank each one of them enough for their support.