I had the chance to jump on the Upper Gauley last Friday–in a Shredder no less. It’s the first time I’ve been on it this fall and the first time I’ve done it a Shredder since the mid-90’s. It was as fun and satisfying as I remember.
Any time there is a layoff between Gauley runs, I run through all the worst case scenarios in my mind. Those melt away with the first rapids. There is nothing like the Gauley River.
The Gauley, or the New River, or the Upper Yough in Maryland all do the same thing. They help me forget about the day to day stuff for a while and shift the focus onto things metaphysical. Not in heavy sort of way, just a gentle reminder of what’s real and manufactured. It’s a way to take a break from reality to better understand it.
It makes it just a little easier to sit down at the keyboard and write. Thanks goes out to Jim Maxwell for making the call Thursday night and setting things in motion.
Just found your blog – this is wonderful. I look forward to reading your excerpts and short stories. I think you’ll probably finish your novel before GRRM publishes ADWD.