From the Helm
by Paul Woodcock
Editor's note: Apologies to both Paul and John Ohrt. This column was actually written by Paul Woodcock, not John Ohrt as was stated in the printed newsletter. John's column will appear in March.
Each year the canoe club gives out awards for those members who have paddled 100 miles in that year. I would like to challenge every member to achieve this goal. One trip a month would allow you to reach this goal.
Ten years ago I remember being on Lake Texana on December 31 paddling the last eight miles to reach my 100 miles. I think the club award that year was a mouse pad with my picture on it in a canoe.
Since then I have reached this goal every year, and have received a variety of plaques, flags, statues, and hats as rewards.
The one I am most proud of is the miniature red canoe for the most miles paddled (536). My son bought me a model Woody shown in the photo at right.
Paddling all these miles comes at a price: projects unfinished, letters from the home owners association for an unmowed lawn, birthdays missed, etc. But the joy of seeing the wild life: the otters, deer, moose, elk, black fox, eagles and the peace of watching sunsets and sunrises, listening to the wind rustling the cotton wood leaves makes it all worth while. As Mary Z says,"See you all on the river."