Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The Mighty Mississippi


I begin and end each work day with a 35 minute drive long the Mississippi River. Often, it is the best part of my day, I have the rare occasion to gear up for my day or to wind down at its end. The scenery on the drive is stunning, regardless of the season. It is quite easy to see how the "Big Muddy" has become the stuff of legend and lore.

In some places the river seems like a simple channel of water, then I will become surprised when I drive a stretch of the road that is elevated and I can see just how vast the river is. Those channels only appear small due to the number of islands and sandbars on the river. I can understand why Mark Twain put 'Ol Jim and Huck out on the river. Even though they didn't "travel" on this section of the Mississippi, I can picture them setting up camp on any number of these sandbars. Heck, many people still do.
I am often amazed by serenity of the river; my favorite time is when the temperature of the air drops below that of the water, and the river gets a misty fog on the surface. There is something so mysterious and peaceful about the look of it. I love seeing the mist rise from the water like opaque ghosts dancing above the water. In all my years of living on the ocean, I never saw anything like it.
I love the fact that if I should desire to, I can hop on a steam-driven paddlewheel boat and cruise up and down the river; if I want something more peaceful, I can hop in the kayak and paddle off on my own. I tend to enjoy a slow boatride - I'm not one of those who prefer power boats or jet skis. I'd rather take in the surrounding landscape, sight a heron or bald eagle, or simply slow down and breathe.

If you get a chance today, go down to the river and enjoy!