Full Moon to Inspiration

The moon isn't full until tomorrow, but 98.2 percent coverage sounds pretty good to me.

I wasn’t thinking so much about going out, but when I looked out of the window and saw that thing in the sky and that it was mostly clear-ish, I was, like, “I guess I’m gonna go.” Faced with a couple of nights of forecast clouds and rain also provided a bit of inspiration. So hard to pass up a good night with the moon. 

And that’s the magic. Going out on the river is always an activity that is there and available. I can make a last-minute decision, and in 15, I’m on the river. And I do love to be on the river. 

This sort of unique access has made it possible for me to go out a lot, and until recently I have looked at time on the river in terms of experience. There are so many things that I have seen and experienced on the water beyond just the beauty of the river corridor, and I have mostly seen the value of getting out in these terms. 

More than just something that produces awe, however, recently I have come to believe that the power of the Conestoga River goes beyond that. As the place where I live along its banks has become part of who I am, the river has done this too. 

This place and the river and the communal or solo experiences they provide permeate every part of my life. They have informed much about who I think I am, how I fit in the world and even what this world could be - not only for myself but for everybody. 

Time out on THE river, or a river, or anyplace (mostly) free from the stories of the human-constructed spaces that we primarily inhabit has the power to transform. In this, I am reminded of A.O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis which maintains that humans have an innate drive to connect with nature and that they can be profoundly affected by this connection.

In so many respects I am just a visitor on the river. To claim that I am a part of it would be presumptuous and untrue. The herons alight when I go by, ducks feign injury to draw me away from their spaces and the geese and other birds sound the alarm when I approach. This does not negate the fact that I am drawn to it and that it inspires. 

It inspires me - and I bet it could inspire you, too. Reach out and let’s go see. 

March 31, 2026