Lions, tigers, and bears…oh my!! More like deer, fish, snakes, and turtles…but hey, they gave me the restoration that I needed after a grueling nine months of school. I ran away for two and a-half days to a family friend’s get-a-way hidden in the hills of Van Buren in the Ozark waterways, where it was quiet, peaceful, and I had the ability to paddle around in my kayak and take pictures and enjoy the smooth gliding of the water. I did absolutely nothing but eat twenty-four/seven, read non-school books, and watch movies all weekend. Other than freezing for the ten minutes that I attempted to swim in the river (it’s very chilly up there where all the natural springs run into the river), taking myself up-river for about thirty-minutes float (great exercise), and napping…my days were very quiet. It’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
Things that happened while away: I was stung by what I hope was a wasp on the thumb the night of arrival, while trying to close the gate (in the semi-darkness, hence why I’m not sure what got me). One small incident when a snake slithered off a log and I thought I would have to travel like Peter and commence to walking on water to get way from it…I just calmly steered my kayak in the other direction and went on my way. Kinda odd watching it go into the water though about two feet from my ride, but at least it wasn’t ‘in my ride’.
I also hit the local burger/ice-cream joint in Van Buren (The Jolly Cone) for some ice cream…it topped the weekend off. Now back to reality and preparation for next semester. Have to watch baby shows and read a book on how to pick priorities. Gotta love summer vacation. :)
ERM