LOCALadk Magazine

The Final Paddle Strokes The last week of paddling provided many memorable times. While eating dinner one night at our campsite, I heard Mick aggressively pounding something to the ground. It turned out that when I asked what it was, and he said "nothing", he was lying. A poisonous snake was headed right my way with only Mick between us. Later that week, we were also fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a small pod of the critically endangered Irrawaddy river dolphins. With approximately fewer than one hundred left in the world, I was one of last people to be fortunate enough to see these beautiful creatures. The reflection from the sun on their grey bodies caught my eye, yet another image that goes past my camera's click and straight to my soul. How blessed I am and how cursed are they on our account because of overfishing of their food intake. The peacefulness of them streamlining the surface was both unforgettable and mesmerizing. Our journey ended in the Khmer capital of Stung Treng. Leaving the Mekong's water was like leaving a trusted friend who carried us along. She has many faces, but one body that she has laced throughout South East Asia and influenced millions of lives that could not survive without her health. We ended our journey with a stop at Ankor Wat. It only seemed fitting, as Ankor stands as one of mankind's greatest engineering achievements, while the Mekong stands as one of mother nature's. My hope is we don't turn her success into failure with our greediness. Though having turned in my paddle for the time being, my passport never gets tucked too far away. It is never the out-of-country adventure that has struck me as dangerous, but the daily home routine that I have found lethal. This is how I find my "eddy out." Guided Kayak & Canoe Tours Kayak, Canoe and SUP Rentals Instruction "AN OTTERLY UNIQUE ADIRONDACK EXPERIENCE" Boat & Accessory Sales Placid Boatworks - Pakboat Lincoln, Eddyline, Elie & Necky Kayaks - Adk Guideboat Located at... The Woods Inn On Fourth Lake 148 State Rt 28 Inlet, NY 315.357.3444 FriskyOtterTours.com John Shafer Johnny O l d School Adirondack Guide Adirondack Adventure Guide Service 518.744.6026 freeheelskiR@gmail.com Get in touch the Old School way,and give us a call. We love talking with our clients. 54 Summer 2014 LOCALadk

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