looking over the shoulder

at the end of this tumultuous year, with so much to think about, i have to stop and give praise for all the blessings i've experienced. now that our lake is frozen and we're confined to the river i have had to shift my focus to the movement of life. last weekend we paddled to the Dollar Bridge from the dam and the wind was stronger than the current. so much to consider when life takes the same course. i remember the headwinds Katie Lindquist, my rider in RAAM 2001, encountered on the high plains of Colorado. When every other factor weighed in, a twenty mph headwind was enough to call it quits. on most other days it probably wouldn't have fazed her. on our Des Moines River a headwind doesn't seem too difficult most days, but on Lake Superior it was enough to keep us bivouac'd on the rocks all day. how often does one small detail become the deciding factor in everything we do?

our history defines us in so many ways, and often limits us by our hesitations and indecisions; yet, it allows us the freedom to soar with the eagles on that one occasion when we stop fighting the current.

"The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it" - Woodrow Wilson

in a year when the economy has redefined all of us, there is time to rededicate ourselves to understanding that we have the power to survive any test of will, and the determination to turn and go with the flow. To make our Way easier we simply have to turn and absorb the energy that is needed to reach our goal. no obstacle will sweep us away or turn us under if we have the flexibility to bend with the pressure, and not break. for all the mistakes, for all the wrong turns, for all the indecisions......... i give thanks for the ability to learn, and keep on paddling.......

thanks to all those that have helped me on my journey in this past year. i look forward to exploring new destinations, new sunrises, and new sunsets.