Gosh, isn't this gorgeous? Can you guess where this is? No, we weren't on a trip to a national park out in the Wild West, but it sure felt like we were. Believe it or not, it's Richmond, downtown Richmond on a Saturday morning stroll on Belle Island! In fact, Dominion Power's headquarters are right there on the other bank. (I bet there are some really big fights for the corner office there!
Yes, this is the James River as it passes through our under-the-radar "River City," right by the amazing Hollywood Rapids. Richmond has the distinction of being the only city in the U.S. with these heart-pumping Class 4 rapids within city limits, not to mention rolling smack through town.
Since the water levels are so low this year, even more rocks were exposed than ever, looking like stranded humpback whales. Of course, this creates even more white water and makes rock-hopping downright easy! It kind of felt like we were cheating, but we got over it. I guess Sam could have worn his flip-flops after all... Ah, at least he was taking at all in stride as Joe Cool.
Alas for this kayaker it was the other extreme, a whole lot harder to maneuver, especially where he got stuck. Hey, that makes it all the more fun, right? He's out there battling against the rapid rapids.
Phew! He did make it out of that rough patch after a bit of sheer terror but now has a great story to tell over a beer.
Ah, but the happiest of all was that crazy dog who took a running leap into the river, flopping around with glee and straining the leash to its very end. It's hard not to respect that kind of exuberance, even from a dog. He's got the right idea all right! It's time to be in the moment and savor those last carefree days as summer inevitably begins to wind down. Before you know it, it'll be time to sharpen those pencils and take the tags off that new backpack. Until then, though, I'll be in the moment -- or at least trying to be!
LibbY
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