I was ready, but I took one more walk for mental inventor before locking the door behind me and setting off to meet you.
As I pulled in beside your truck I couldn't help the smile that wouldn't go.
We unloaded the kayaks together, silently working in sync. I volunteered to haul the mule and you launched me into the water as smooth as butter.
I waited and watched as you settled in, then launched yourself.
Our adventure began.
Behind my Shakespeare shades I watched you and the river. Listening to the world around us and sipping my mojito.
Feeling myself sigh with contentment as my toes dipped in the water.
We stopped every hour to stretch and kiss. Wander around a cove, picking rocks, and eating a snack as we stood waist deep in the rushing river.
We watched the people ahead get out at the last civilized off ramp. We just smiled at each other and floated on.
Into the places even the locals don't go.
We hit the first set of downed trees and worked silently and in harmony, each moving the gear effortlessly around and back into the river. Onward.
On this adventure I got to be in control.
I love that about us. We take turns.
So you know nothing of my plans.
I am so excited I can hardly control myself.
Another hour passes and I see our spot ahead. I signal to go in and we run our kayaks on land. A perfect cove, perfect bend, perfect day.
I unband the mule and start organizing piles. You busy yourself securing the kayaks on land.
I grab a duffle and head for the trees. I locate set up and space out my line. I start to put up the hammock and you help with tensions.
I pull out a bundle and line and you ask, "Is that a parachute?"
"yes."
I center its line above and pull. Fasten side lines and tension.
You stood smiling.
"Looks like a tepee now, Wow."
I pulled a roll of wood plank out, light bamboo, and unrolled it. I took another rod and locked it crossways. Then slid it into the hammock. I unrolled two yoga matts and lay them on the bed.
"Would you make the bed?" I ask.
You nod and take over pulling out the bedding.
I grab the smaller bag and head deeper in the woods.
I open the bag and pull out my hanging swing and a big mass of mosquito net.
I hang the net over the swing and it drapes to the ground.
Next I walk into the river and look around for some flat rocks.
You get into it too, and we soon have more than enough.
You start to make a circle on the sand and I giggle and shake my head no.
I take three large flat stones and lay them side by side. I pull my favorite hatchet out and tromp into the woods. We both start collecting and bring our loot back to camp.