Mike, OMFG I'm not much of a kayaker but I was proposed to (I said yes) on the New River and got flipped out of an overturned raft on the Youhiogheny River. That high water swim doing what I had been tought was OK but the rest of the no way to get off the river 3 miles was really scary. Knowing us 3 adults and 2 kids were definitely not in control of that raft meant we didn't have a choice. We made it, heard about a girl who had died on those rapids the week before, and talked endlessly to each other at our campground (Ohiopyle, my favorite) going over and over what we had experienced. I used to call the kayakers the lunatic fringe and there's some truth to that as you described. But these adventures do make a person a better one. We were young and had a desire for adventure but we hadn't been ruined by the over regulation for bodies as people are subjected to now. I've never and never will wear a bicycle helmet. My broken ankle from a skateboard incident didn't ruin my life. Hopefully this era of state ownership of citizens lives is over. And there will be more whitewater kayakers not the shoreline paddlers. Thanks for telling a story that tells the truth!
The corruption in our government and the ills of society started long before now. I am almost 79. I lived thru the 70s and 80s. I was born in 1946 after WW2 ended. Life was different then. Not necessarily better just different. When we began to turn away from GOD and removed HIM and HIS laws from society and our homes and churches, yes churches, our world began a deep dive down. GOD gave us the instructions on how to heal our land. We must do our part and HE will do HIS. HE is fulfilling HIS promises of exposing things done in darkness to the light which is truth. You may disagree about the churches but IF they would have done what they were commanded to, maybe we wouldn't be here. GOD gave us a 2nd chance. Now people have to use the backbone that they are supposed to have. Stand up for GOD.
I believe that the decline of the US is due too many factors. As Royce White says people got too comfortable. I believe baby boomers spoiled their children and didn't provide a proper religious education, which used to be available in our churches. The abandonment of our churches and our core faith in God has made us ripe for the invasion of Muslims, agnostics and Marxists.
I'm encouraged to see a lot of young people seeking the church, it's stability and God's word. We'll see in the coming years if it's enough to turn us around. I pray every day that it will be.
Keep up the good work Mike. I enjoy the frankness and humility in your work. God bless you.
Ummm? Perhaps you might revise you wanting to go back to 1976? Apparently you forgot how horrible the Jimmy Carter years were??? "The Malaise" "the humiliation of the US" by Iran if all countries. Skyhigh gas prices, the long lines just to get a little gas, on even/odd days according to some number assigned to each driver. The late 70's were a prelude to Obumer/Biden disaster's. SMDH
Granted, 80 was better, but, it took Reagan 4 years to turn things around. I had to leave my state in the early 80's just to find a job! Not an altogether bad experience, since I moved to California, back when it was still a really nice, but, expensive place to live.
Similar thoughts on 1976-84... aside from the inspiring kayak stories and worthwhile meditations on loss of live culture. But that era marked for me a black awakening to Central America genocide and the nuclear arms race to the end times. Speaking of which...
Yep, I suppose, if I only looked back at the fun times during that period, considering I was late teens into early twenties, it wouldn't seem so bad. An old saying I learned back then, I believe it was Napoleon Hill, "with every adversity, brings with it the seed of a greater development" something I always try to remember.
My family and I went white water rafting in Wyoming on a vacation several years ago.
When the guide said, "The trees that push up out of the water can kill you if you hit them." AND "You must be able to swim to the side bank through the rapids if you turn over. If not, keep your feet under the sides, hold on for dear life, don't panic, listen to everything I say, and you will survive." I listened to every word he said before, during, and after the trip.
Some of the scariest times in my wife were going down that river.
My hat is off to you for doing white water rafting.
CONCUPISCENT COURAGE - - never thought before re that specific term - But isn't it True? National Champions ! World Champions ! Olympic Gold Recipients ! A Dangerous Sport to be sure - danger in training & danger in competing (a broken arm / a fractured skull a daily reality w this sport) - but it is always awash w Honors , w Admiration , w Support for that noble effort , w Recognition , w Medals, etc - - And whether in victory or defeat, a participant can expect praise and honor from fans , family , the press & the sport's sponsors. . . It's a COURAGE that's always accompanied & rewarded w love & support coming from Everyone - - AND then there is a Courage that seeks not its own , but the welfare of another - a pouring-out-oneself-courage known to the whistle-blower , the cop , the fireman , the G.I. no longer w us , the no longer employed researcher refusing to sign & authenticate that bogus safety & efficacy drug trial etc,etc,etc. - - Swallowing Climate Change or Looking Away at rampant mis-behavior in Church Leaders is job promotion & community acceptance in this Lib Culture and allows us to escape the dreaded 'doxxing' or that feared 'you're-a- racist' slur . YES - Courage does come in two flavors - one rewards here and now (quite nicely tbs) - Another seems to bloom perhaps only in a future life , n'est-ce pas ? . . . . .t.y. mike, great article, blessings
Great to hear you are still paddling. Running the James at 14’ though Hollywood was my last big water expedition. Or maybe the swim in “Death Slot” on the upper Yough. That got me to the tipping point to sell the boats and stick to skiing and mountain biking. I had some wonderful times kayaking with good friends. I even lost a friend to a whitewater accident ~ God rest his soul. I would have to say it is an amazing sport and like you say extremely adventurous. I don’t miss it nor do I regret one river trip.
Yeah, I knew Chris. Yes he was a good guy! God rest his soul. I was thinking about him the other day while riding in the park near the house where I would see him often. The paddling community is small here in Richmond Virginia.
There is nothing new under the sun! This season we are in will pass and we will all be stronger. Peace brother +
Mike, we can never return to the days of our youth. I remarked to my children in the mid 1980's that they, at some point, would look back and reflect that they were living in the good times then. Technology can serve a good or bad purpose. I don't believe the majority now living can relate to a better time that existed. Before the constant distraction of cell phone and the internet (we are now captured by daily) we enjoyed each other. We enjoyed nature. You could hear children playing. We have evolved and it ain't pretty. Failing Government, massive debt, Failing schools, families too often are alienated, marriage has declined, birth control is now abortion, Drug addiction, Homelessness, suicide, rural America becoming uninhabited (ghost towns), riots called rallies, and this a short list.
We have to think for ourselves…more and more we are …. It will take some time to correct the technology overload … schools are now moving to ban cellphones… that is good
Fabulous illustration and commentary-the rafting, the courage, the strength ( do you work out?) and the realism....to know that the dangers are real, to know danger is ahead, whether you can see it or not, and you only have yourself and your peeps to rely on. You're right, of course, about everything-even walking, which I do, I see no one out on the nature trails, or very few. We have been bamboozled into thinking even the sun is "harmful" and to fear the sky...Your question about where have all the Global Warming phobics gone? They've turned their anxiety and angst ( once again, the oldest hatred ) into anti-semitism, like Greta what's her name, who couldn't even watch the films the murderers themselves made to show off their butchery on October 7th. The virtue-signaling has turned into bloodlust, that's why they don't want to talk to you about it, because they know you are a decent man. Thank you.
What a wonderful commentary. I've had numerous adventures too, but my greatest adventures were flying sailplanes. Better than any drug in the world! If you're curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AswliDLhKnY
I really enjoyed this episode. I’m so sorry about your friends. Sadly, most of us are experiencing the same things. Of course it’s all by design, but nothing God can’t fix. I’m just not sure it will be in our lifetime.
Mike, OMFG I'm not much of a kayaker but I was proposed to (I said yes) on the New River and got flipped out of an overturned raft on the Youhiogheny River. That high water swim doing what I had been tought was OK but the rest of the no way to get off the river 3 miles was really scary. Knowing us 3 adults and 2 kids were definitely not in control of that raft meant we didn't have a choice. We made it, heard about a girl who had died on those rapids the week before, and talked endlessly to each other at our campground (Ohiopyle, my favorite) going over and over what we had experienced. I used to call the kayakers the lunatic fringe and there's some truth to that as you described. But these adventures do make a person a better one. We were young and had a desire for adventure but we hadn't been ruined by the over regulation for bodies as people are subjected to now. I've never and never will wear a bicycle helmet. My broken ankle from a skateboard incident didn't ruin my life. Hopefully this era of state ownership of citizens lives is over. And there will be more whitewater kayakers not the shoreline paddlers. Thanks for telling a story that tells the truth!
GREAT COMMENTING, linda, on-the-money, authentic ............. ........blessings
Linda, you lived adventure…so you know what we’re up against with this technology dependency…driverless cars are not for the adventurous
The corruption in our government and the ills of society started long before now. I am almost 79. I lived thru the 70s and 80s. I was born in 1946 after WW2 ended. Life was different then. Not necessarily better just different. When we began to turn away from GOD and removed HIM and HIS laws from society and our homes and churches, yes churches, our world began a deep dive down. GOD gave us the instructions on how to heal our land. We must do our part and HE will do HIS. HE is fulfilling HIS promises of exposing things done in darkness to the light which is truth. You may disagree about the churches but IF they would have done what they were commanded to, maybe we wouldn't be here. GOD gave us a 2nd chance. Now people have to use the backbone that they are supposed to have. Stand up for GOD.
Agree … that’s why I pray a daily rosary and thank God for my blessings and the responsibility to do his will
I believe that the decline of the US is due too many factors. As Royce White says people got too comfortable. I believe baby boomers spoiled their children and didn't provide a proper religious education, which used to be available in our churches. The abandonment of our churches and our core faith in God has made us ripe for the invasion of Muslims, agnostics and Marxists.
I'm encouraged to see a lot of young people seeking the church, it's stability and God's word. We'll see in the coming years if it's enough to turn us around. I pray every day that it will be.
Keep up the good work Mike. I enjoy the frankness and humility in your work. God bless you.
Thanks, Anne
"My new website, thanks to my fiend and designer Erik Weems,..."
Maybe "friend" and not "fiend?"
Mike's fiendishly clever, so maybe, are his friends!
Good point
Ummm? Perhaps you might revise you wanting to go back to 1976? Apparently you forgot how horrible the Jimmy Carter years were??? "The Malaise" "the humiliation of the US" by Iran if all countries. Skyhigh gas prices, the long lines just to get a little gas, on even/odd days according to some number assigned to each driver. The late 70's were a prelude to Obumer/Biden disaster's. SMDH
Granted, 80 was better, but, it took Reagan 4 years to turn things around. I had to leave my state in the early 80's just to find a job! Not an altogether bad experience, since I moved to California, back when it was still a really nice, but, expensive place to live.
I knew someone would bring up Carter … thanks for keeping me straight
Similar thoughts on 1976-84... aside from the inspiring kayak stories and worthwhile meditations on loss of live culture. But that era marked for me a black awakening to Central America genocide and the nuclear arms race to the end times. Speaking of which...
Yep, I suppose, if I only looked back at the fun times during that period, considering I was late teens into early twenties, it wouldn't seem so bad. An old saying I learned back then, I believe it was Napoleon Hill, "with every adversity, brings with it the seed of a greater development" something I always try to remember.
My family and I went white water rafting in Wyoming on a vacation several years ago.
When the guide said, "The trees that push up out of the water can kill you if you hit them." AND "You must be able to swim to the side bank through the rapids if you turn over. If not, keep your feet under the sides, hold on for dear life, don't panic, listen to everything I say, and you will survive." I listened to every word he said before, during, and after the trip.
Some of the scariest times in my wife were going down that river.
My hat is off to you for doing white water rafting.
No wonder you are fearless.
But you did it … and as uncomfortable as it was, it was something you will never forget
CONCUPISCENT COURAGE - - never thought before re that specific term - But isn't it True? National Champions ! World Champions ! Olympic Gold Recipients ! A Dangerous Sport to be sure - danger in training & danger in competing (a broken arm / a fractured skull a daily reality w this sport) - but it is always awash w Honors , w Admiration , w Support for that noble effort , w Recognition , w Medals, etc - - And whether in victory or defeat, a participant can expect praise and honor from fans , family , the press & the sport's sponsors. . . It's a COURAGE that's always accompanied & rewarded w love & support coming from Everyone - - AND then there is a Courage that seeks not its own , but the welfare of another - a pouring-out-oneself-courage known to the whistle-blower , the cop , the fireman , the G.I. no longer w us , the no longer employed researcher refusing to sign & authenticate that bogus safety & efficacy drug trial etc,etc,etc. - - Swallowing Climate Change or Looking Away at rampant mis-behavior in Church Leaders is job promotion & community acceptance in this Lib Culture and allows us to escape the dreaded 'doxxing' or that feared 'you're-a- racist' slur . YES - Courage does come in two flavors - one rewards here and now (quite nicely tbs) - Another seems to bloom perhaps only in a future life , n'est-ce pas ? . . . . .t.y. mike, great article, blessings
Thanks, Al …
Great to hear you are still paddling. Running the James at 14’ though Hollywood was my last big water expedition. Or maybe the swim in “Death Slot” on the upper Yough. That got me to the tipping point to sell the boats and stick to skiing and mountain biking. I had some wonderful times kayaking with good friends. I even lost a friend to a whitewater accident ~ God rest his soul. I would have to say it is an amazing sport and like you say extremely adventurous. I don’t miss it nor do I regret one river trip.
Peace+
Haha … those are big runs … you probably knew Chris Hull … good guy … he was a racer guy back in the day …
Yeah, I knew Chris. Yes he was a good guy! God rest his soul. I was thinking about him the other day while riding in the park near the house where I would see him often. The paddling community is small here in Richmond Virginia.
There is nothing new under the sun! This season we are in will pass and we will all be stronger. Peace brother +
BTW, The only world champion boater I know would not get along with your politics. I might be wrong. ;)
Mike, we can never return to the days of our youth. I remarked to my children in the mid 1980's that they, at some point, would look back and reflect that they were living in the good times then. Technology can serve a good or bad purpose. I don't believe the majority now living can relate to a better time that existed. Before the constant distraction of cell phone and the internet (we are now captured by daily) we enjoyed each other. We enjoyed nature. You could hear children playing. We have evolved and it ain't pretty. Failing Government, massive debt, Failing schools, families too often are alienated, marriage has declined, birth control is now abortion, Drug addiction, Homelessness, suicide, rural America becoming uninhabited (ghost towns), riots called rallies, and this a short list.
We have to think for ourselves…more and more we are …. It will take some time to correct the technology overload … schools are now moving to ban cellphones… that is good
Mike, you are a brave soul. I will keep you in my prayers. Carroll
Fabulous illustration and commentary-the rafting, the courage, the strength ( do you work out?) and the realism....to know that the dangers are real, to know danger is ahead, whether you can see it or not, and you only have yourself and your peeps to rely on. You're right, of course, about everything-even walking, which I do, I see no one out on the nature trails, or very few. We have been bamboozled into thinking even the sun is "harmful" and to fear the sky...Your question about where have all the Global Warming phobics gone? They've turned their anxiety and angst ( once again, the oldest hatred ) into anti-semitism, like Greta what's her name, who couldn't even watch the films the murderers themselves made to show off their butchery on October 7th. The virtue-signaling has turned into bloodlust, that's why they don't want to talk to you about it, because they know you are a decent man. Thank you.
White water rafting on Mars, or skying down Olympus Mons....maybe worth the $3 trillion it will cost to make it happen.
No kidding…simple is better
What a wonderful commentary. I've had numerous adventures too, but my greatest adventures were flying sailplanes. Better than any drug in the world! If you're curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AswliDLhKnY
Beautiful sport … you know what we’re up against
In now 3 year period, 25 people sadly died. But it is a risk. But oh what an adventure!
I really enjoyed this episode. I’m so sorry about your friends. Sadly, most of us are experiencing the same things. Of course it’s all by design, but nothing God can’t fix. I’m just not sure it will be in our lifetime.
Thanks … their loss
Love Kayaking!! Hubs can't get in anymore, so I've not been any but lake rental paddling lately.
Sad to miss river and ocean kayaking, but piddling along trailing a fishing line is sedate fun for an out-of-shape former athlete.
Excellent…great exercise
Good column. Was looking for more concrete examples of what you feel our beautiful country should do to reignite the “Again” of MAGA.
Yeah … I know … I think that’s ongoing… I’ll have more to add as summer progresses
Thanks , guys