Cheeseburgers in Paradise: June 19 Group Ride
"Nature and the Birth of the D'Arbonne Kayak Club"

As I reflect on last Saturday's group ride--I wanted to post some thoughts about this group as we've now launched group ride #2. And what a ride it was! Thanks to Jan and Vicki for capturing what to me was a really unique experience. Not only did we travel through some green lush vegetation that looked right out of National Geographic, we also saw the elusive Osprey nest which had moved from the Hwy 2 location. Then later in the ride we saw a deer in the water along the shore eating leaves from a tree branch. Wayne was the first to notice that something was attached to the deer. Then we all noticed that this was a Mother deer giving birth. Now, I don't know if the birth was just happening or if something went wrong during delivery, but the deer scurried off as we approached. We later all tied together in what seemed to be the middle of the lake and ate watermelon. When we decided to swim we noticed we were still not more than waist deep. It was a four mile ride, but it seemed peaceful and calm. Full of nature, wild and spontaneous and a great group of kayakers that all seemed happy to be there. What a nice change of mind from our 8-5 pace of hurried and detailed organized deadlines and plans. There was no real plan to this day and it seemed to unfold just fine. We ended up after the ride discussing the "loosely organized" group during our Cheeseburgers at Lester's. My conclusion was that I don't have a specific vision for where this group will evolve. There is no specific plan for where we will go next. My opinion is that the group has been born. Each person that has witnessed the birth of the D'Arbonne Kayak Club either through the Facebook page or through attending a group ride is considered a "member" and thus can lead the group in any direction you suggest. Just like nature, what will happen will happen and each participant can help the group evolve and grow in different directions. I'll continue to post ideas and suggestions (as each member can do) and in the end, just like in nature, what will be will be. And either way, I will enjoy the ride. Henry David Thoreau said, "I believe there is subtle magnetism in nature, which if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright."

May 8 Group Ride

Twas the day before our first group ride and all about my house;
I was sending one last Facebook post from my computer mouse.
My own kayak has been broken in with care;
Now I just hoped everyone would be there.
The D'Arbonne State Park found plenty of kayaks as if it were a snap;
So, now all I needed was to find my sunscreen and get a good night's nap.
As I was all nestled in and snug in my bed;
I had visions of the lake beauty dancing in my head.
When I woke Saturday morning, I heard such a clatter.
I rose from my bed to see what was the matter.
The wind was blowing and white-capping the water in a splash.
I said, "Oh-my. This wind is gonna kick our kayak bash."
Arriving at the launch site, my wondering eyes did appear;
The lake water was calmer and the sky was crystal clear.
John Witherington had kayaks unloaded and lifejackets so quick;
Then came Vicki, and Jan and Lynn--three great cool chicks!
The Boyd family was there with the youngest at age six;
And Kurt T. and Peggy with her orange kayak that really kicks!
Then Kurt B. with his iphone and Leigh in her cool cowgal brim;
And two teen boys with their high energy and vim;
On Jon, on Jean, on Gary, on Katherine too!
Thanks to Tom and all the State Park crew.
As we boarded over the launch retaining wall...
We hit the water as we dashed away, dashed away all.
Around the bend under the cypress tress the kayaks they flew;
Laughter and chatting as we bid the shore adieu.
We dodged under docks as the boats were abound;
And we made a semi circle for a group shot in the round.
There was laughter and chatting and everyone was so merry.
Reapplying sunscreen so we would not get so cherry.
We talked about the next month and the next trip we might cull;
And mentioned a race for the annual Watermelon Festival.
A quick ride of a mile or two with the wind we did bustle;
Going back into the wind required a little more muscle.
After a short bathroom break, we were cruising through;
And finished exploring an island with a neighborhood view.
After we beached the kayaks at the end of the ride;
We shared a picnic table and lunched side by side.
And we all proclaimed as we loaded our kayaks and drove out of sight...
Kayaking and making new friends is such a welcomed delight.
So to all our new kayak friends and many more to come next time;
Happy Kayaking to all for this day was just sublime!!!!!

A "Stephanie Herrmann" 2010 original! (this poem is copyrighted--steal it without permission and I'll use the lawsuit money to buy a new kayak!) :)