Not Encoded or Curated

I have written several times about how my experiences on the river are different each time I go out. The weather, season, time of day, water levels and more help create a unique experience, but another factor that helps characterize each individual trip is me; the paddler. 

Like all of the environmental factors that go into a paddle, the way I approach each float can vary wildly. Ok - so maybe “wildly” isn’t the right word here, but there are general differences in how things can go. 

Am I paddling to move? Am I chilling out? Am I floating with Mr. Vogt? Am I listening to music? Is there some other internal or personal factor that is on the paddle with me?

Despite all of the elements that help shape a river experience, I can honestly say that I don’t really try to curate anything. Sure, I make choices, but these are based on how I feel at the time: What do I want to do? In other words, there isn’t an attempt to chase a certain experience. If I had an awesome time listening to music on the river, I won’t chase that again. It unfolds. Sometimes that means one thing, sometimes that means something else entirely. 

First step though, is just getting out.