Today I woke up filled with excitement because I got the chance to go out on the big river! I got to the shop around 8:30am, packed my gear in a little dry sack, and headed off to Helena, Arkansas to find the drop in point. Mark River and I were taking a woman doing a road trip on a 12 mile strip of the Mississippi. When we got in the water, I felt all the feelings of Mountain Classroom coming back to me. I remembered the cool breeze, the wildlife all around me, and even though I was far from my house in Newburyport, it felt like I was at home. We cruised down that river, talking, sharing stories, and having a great time. This is what canoeing is all about. Spending time with friends and exploring places you can't go on foot.