A day full of excitement as I journeyed along the beautiful Susquehanna River!

Waking up at 10:00 A.M. was difficult, considering that I had not fallen asleep until 4:00 A.M. I'm not sure if I'm a restless sleeper or if I'm just not uncomfortable with the bed. After quickly getting dressed and packing up the bare essentials @kommienezuspadt, @guthrie, @bonni, Hal and I made our hour long journey toward the Susquehanna river. 

The day was perfect! Not a single cloud in the sky. We arrived, @bonni had ensured that we had a few kayaks reserved from Endless Mountain Outfitters, located in Sugar Run, PA. Two employees from E.M.O. came to assist us. Both fresh faced and full of nerves. One helped us with our life jackets then guided us down to the riverbank, advising us of the route we would be taking. After the kayaks were roped onto a van, we began our journey towards our start location. 

The employee driving us admitted that he wasn't familiar with the way and decided that the best thing to do in this situation was to trust his instincts. Mind you, we were so far out that our cell phones had little service and GPS was unheard of. We painfully witnessed the lad's inexperience in driving. He had trouble putting the vehicle in reverse to turn the van around towards the road, the frustration and embarrassment was easily read off his features.

Finally, we arrived at our destination. We were able to quickly unload, situate ourselves and begin our descent. The water was beautiful! Green all around us. This peace was short lived, barely lasting fifteen minutes. @guthrie has an irrational fear of bugs. Several dragonflies would land on the kayak that he shared with @bonni. He freaked out, shrieking, thrashing with fat tears and smeared snot on his plump little cheeks. 

Here is the last peaceful shot that was taken before the waterworks. I also missed the chance to film an adolescent bald eagle as it swooped across the river and then landing in the treetops. Of course it happened right after I packed away my camera. I'm not entirely upset since I found myself more captivated with the sight before me. I understand the need to document ever moment, but there are some things that are better left to view with the naked eye. 

A third of the way down the river we had decided to trade kayaking partners. @bonni was having a hard time calming down the little guy so we figured he'd be more comfortable with his dad. @kommienezuspadt and I attempted to get close to an island but we had to pull away a few times because of the current. 

There was so much activity going on around us. We were on the island, @bonni quickly making her way straight for us and a very unfocused, concerned grandpa Hal. I heard a surprised shriek and turned to see that Hal had flipped his kayak. @kommienezuspadt rushing in to see if he was hurt, while I called out to a nervous @guthrie who was ready to jump off his kayak. 

We all took a brief moment to calm ourselves before getting back into the water. The new task was to row as fast as we could to the end of this route. Let me just quickly remind you that the peace from the start of our journey only lasted a short fifteen minutes and our estimated time of arrival, by kayak, was two hours.

@kommienezuspadt's phone was destroyed by the river and @bonni swore that she would never go kayaking ever again. Honestly, it could've been worse. No one was seriously injured. I tried to explain to @bonni that we had a bawling city kid who hates bugs, one minor kayak flip, and a destroyed phone. I rated the danger scale- 4/10. She called me sweet for trying to comfort her, telling me with confidence that she was serious about being done. 

Finally, we were back on solid ground and united with a very happy, energetic child. He had a heartfelt talk with dad, was still unhappy with the outcome of the day but was excited to be buckled into the car with his favorite item, the iPad.

Before the night was over we stopped for a late night cold treat at Curly Cream. Yep, sweets make everything better. Biggest lesson, not all city kids are cut out for a day full of nature. 🙅🏻

Thanks for reading! So much has happened in the last few days and I've been without internet! Look out for my next few posts which will take place in New York!