Quote for Trippers

[tear_knee]

As I get a older,and sloggin through those long muddy ports get more and more difficult, a refrain from one of my favorite Tragically Hip songs plays over and over in my mind. From the song Little Bones -

Nothing is dead down here, it's just a little tired.

The album Road Apples was released 25 years ago this week. Crazy, eh?! We can't forget the other gem from this album that relates to canoeing.. Three Pistols

I think I'd like your record collection.

 

[memaquay]

Our band does quite a few Hip tunes, working on Hundredth Meridian right now, but Little Bones is a standard!

 

[Alan Gage]

I'm pretty sure most are familiar with this quote but it's definitely one of my favorites..."There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame in Wind in the Willows.

I have several copies of that masterpiece. I discovered it after I should've grown up.

Ratty describes a perfectly relaxed tripping approach:

"he went on dreamily: ...about in boats - or with boats,' the Rat went on composedly, picking himself up with a pleasant laugh. 'In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but much better not."

This was the first I've heard of this book. The above quote and a quick Google search convinced me to pick up a copy. I had plans to give it to a young friend of mine but I suspect at 3 1/2 years old he's a bit young, even if being read to, so I'll hold onto it for him. I started reading it last night and can see that when I finally give him this copy I'll have to pick up another for myself.

Alan

 

[yellowcanoe]

""he went on dreamily: ...about in boats - or with boats,' the Rat went on composedly, picking himself up with a pleasant laugh. 'In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but much better not."

I wrote an article on Tom MacKenzies passing for the Wooden Canoe magazine and this thought was one I cited. It was the essence of Tom. He built the most elegant light wood/dacron boats. Canvas on request. Its been painful to have been involved in the taking apart of his canoe building shop and this winter. Loon Works is no more but the parts will live on at the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum. They just have to get there. And I to that museum.

I can't look at that quotation without crying.. and I don't know why.

 

[Odyssey]

You have my sympathy YC and my sincere wishes for somehow, perhaps with time, turning your sad and painful memories of your friend into cherished happier ones. Seeing his love for gentle watercraft passed on to others should bring much comfort.

Alan, despite it being intended for younger readers, it's full of fun and insightful observations and character studies very suitable for older readers too. For example when Ratty falls under the charming spell of the wandering Gypsy rat, and suffers a crisis of choosing which kind of life would really fulfill him. Also The Piper at The Gates of Dawn is a stirring chapter, about a deeper connection to the natural world otherwise known to us as the demigod Pan, the Green Man etc.
This book was written to be read aloud. Our young kids enjoyed it at bedtime. ( you have to read the characters' voices with gusto) When my wife was expecting and had trouble sleeping I'd read this to her. Late at night with a cuppa hot cocoa under piles of warm blankets. Remember, read it with gusto. "It's the only thing!!"

 

[Rippy]

Just ordered the book. I must have missed this one but I don't mind backtracking into children's books. I live in my own little world anyway. People at work call it planet Dave. On planet Dave it is always sunny and 72* with white fluffy clouds and butterflies. Sort of a pastoral setting with a nice stream running through it of course. There is no one else on planet Dave unless I invite them.

 

[snapper]

I'm sure lots of folks would live on planet Dave if given the opportunity. Thanks for sharing that with us and enjoy the book. It's a great read.

Until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[southcove]

One more favorite quote, having nothing to do with tripping.

“Opportunity is missed by most people...

He and I had an enjoyable if too brief conversation when I laid that quote on him. So much so that when leaving I had the waitress slip me their breakfast tab and paid their bill on my way out.

That little human interaction had me smiling all morning.

Good deal, brings a smile and good feelings on both ends! I have been doing this (paying for a b'fast or lunch anon) for several years on Father's Day...

I always hope it has the intended affect on the father and son. It makes me smile at a good thought or two of my passed father, so good deed done on my end.

 

[raven4]

"Before Enlightenment - Chop Wood - Carry Water"
"After Enlightenment - Chop Wood - Carry Water"
"Touched By Nature"

 

[Adk Keith]

A favorite of mine:
I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. Thoreau