Canoeing yesterday brought me back to the many fun summer memories I experienced with friends. It was AMAZING! I loved it. I chose to go canoeing for the first time with the class as an opportunity to go outside of my comfort zone and try something new. And I’m so glad I did because I now know I love canoeing!
To start, the fun evening began with meeting at the rec center then driving to Benbrook Lake, which was a blast. I enjoyed talking to my classmates while hearing country music in the background. When we arrived, fifteen minutes late because we went to the wrong place, everyone was so excited to go out into the water. Stepping out of the van, I was taken aback by the mighty gust of wind that nearly blew my hat off my head.
I was apprehensive about the experience of my adventure on the water. The wind was a slight concern for me in the back of my head that, when looking back on the moment, I should have taken the wind into significant consideration. I grabbed one end as we were unloading the canoes from their resting place. My canoe buddy caught the other end, and we lugged our canoe down to the already-soaked beach of Benbrook Lake.
I remember hastily asking my canoe buddy, who has experience canoeing, what I should do. Scared but curious, I jumped into the canoe, and we took off into the water with nothing but our paddles and lifejackets on. One major mistake was bringing my water bottle and bag that got destroyed during the adventure, but the damage symbolized my epic journey.
Being in the middle of Benbrook Lake was a new kind of enjoyment. The ability to row, communicate with my buddy, and avoid tipping over has forever marked my perspective of nature. While on the water, I thought about Abbey's idea regarding Industrial Tourism. Abbey discussed how Industrial Tourism ultimately impacts the tourist more than anything because you are robbed of the experience. This resonated with me as I was on the water because when you are out in nature, experiencing nature, you get lost in the memories that you are making. And these memories are priceless.
Benbrook Lake is a large, sandy, brownish body of water holding many fish, plants, and probably snakes. Thankfully, I didn’t spot any snakes during my trip. We even saw turtles and dead trees as our feet constantly got stuck in the wet sand. While I was standing with a few other peers, we watched a bee and a spider playing with one another. It was interesting to see how insects interact with one another.
Furthermore, watching the sunset was beautiful. The way the sun can add a complexion to the sky and alert all animals to wind down for nighttime is astonishing. We could see the sun setting over the treeline, and I was extremely pleased. Although the wind was draining your ability to row, being out on the lake implied a challenge for me and an appreciation for nature.
Carrying the boats back from the water was a grueling but perceptive process. I was comfortable having the water knee-high as I worked with others to bring all the canoes back to the van. I didn’t care that I was sweaty, dirty, and wet at that moment. Once my canoe reached the van, I made an effort to help others carry theirs back because I knew everyone was tired and sore. After all the cameos, paddles, and lifejackets were placed away in their transportation spots, we said a farewell to Benbrook Lake and took last minute pictures. The journey back to TCU consisted of quiet conversations with the class half sleep. As I glanced out the window I smiled as I reflected on my truly amazing first time canoeing.
Therefore, I appreciated that I accomplished something that I wasn’t sure I would complete or even enjoy. I loved the collaborative environment that nature placed us in. I was able to grow closer to my class and dig deep within myself. Canoeing takes strength. Canoeing takes focus. Canoeing takes communication. Canoeing is a great hobby that challenges those who take it on to revive a determination and sense of adventure.
To conclude, throughout my time on the lake, we almost tipped and were beached many times due to the rudeness of the wind. Still, I enjoyed my experience in many ways because I learned about myself, nature, and even my classmates. This experience makes me even more grateful to be a part of a class that interacts with nature because I don’t know if I would have gone canoeing if I weren’t for Treks & Texts. I am extremely grateful that nature provides exposure and a chance to learn what you are capable of.
Same time next week? Thanks for reading my post!
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