It is done. New River Trip 2017

There is no way I have enough time to actually write all the things that would need to be said to somewhat encompass the trip I took to North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. 7 day Kayak Camping trip on the New river gave me more physical, mental, and emotional challenges than the last 38 years I've been alive. I learned a lot about me that I may not have known otherwise. It's no secret that I'm timid in the outdoors. Lately I have tried to get my family outdoors to do some fishing, hunting, camping, etc, only to be hindered by an inner demon. Not feeling comfortable in nature is a disgusting feeling as a grown man, husband, and father. This trip served to "fasttrack" me into a more competent and comfortable level being outdoors. It did just that. I'll try to tell this as I remember it, I may get some things backwards, who knows. :)

Let me introduce you to the guys as I see them.

Pete: There is no one in all of Missouri (where I live) like this guy. If it wasn't for me starting my youtube channel, Pete and I would have never met. He was one of the very first people to comment on my videos (the very first ones I made). From there we subbed to each others channels, and would comment as each new videos came out. Eventually I hunted down his facebook page and hit him up with some questions concerning a couple rivers I thought about camping on. Pete is very knowledgable (in just about everything) and helped me immensely. We chatted off an on and he kept telling me about a trip they would be doing in a couple months. It took some convincing but eventually the starts aligned where I could go. Without going in to ridiculous detail, it was totally because of his generosity that I was able to go. He is a genuinely good guy, and I'm glad to know him. His youtube Channel is River Kings. https://www.youtube.com/user/beckbuilder If you haven't had a chance to sub this channel, take a moment now and go do that!

Squirrel: I learned so much from this guy. Although we didn't talk a lot, when I did flip the boat, the guy was over to help me in an instant. Any time I needed help, no matter what he was in the middle of, he came over to help. The guy is a solid fella who just keeps going and going. Most of the time I forgot he was as new as me in a Kayak, because he looked like a pro out in the water. He didn't know it, but often I would watch how he would do things around camp, and I would use them to improve my skills. I admired how well he did just about everything, and how helpful he was to everyone. Perhaps there is a "squirrel" in Missouri to kayak with. You're the man Squirrel, I appreciate you brother.

Brian: A stand up guy. One thing I really appreciate about Brian, was that he was the "filler" in the conversations. Often the guys would be telling me a story using acronyms, or short names for things and I had no idea what they were talking about. Brian must have saw that because he would inject a little tidbit to help me understand what was going on and that was awesome. The dude was always there to help a brotha out, and there was some comfort knowing that if someone got hurt, he could be there to help. It was difficult seeing a good dude hurt out on the water, and I was impressed how well well he handled the trip under that. Brian, thanks for a good trip man, glad you made paddle with us. Congrats on your redemption.

Greg: Greg was a character, and although he and I lived two very different lives, I had so much respect for him, his career, and everything he accomplished. Not to mention, the guy has not flipped in 3 trips...amazing. I enjoyed every story, and every laugh chatting with Greg. The guy started off the trip having given me a "woobie" to use on the trip, brought a kayak for me to use if I wanted, a Leatherman tool, and some gloves and PFD. He really took care of me, and I appreciated that. I felt the Love for sure. (He also buzzed me before the trip to see if there was anything he could get me before I came.) Greg, even though you're not plucking folks out of bad situations, your still taking care of folks you barely know, me, and I won't forget it my friend.

Chris: What a guy! His gag reflex when anyone talked about a "loogie" had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt. He was always friendly, smiling, and seems like he loved every minute of the trip. We didn't get a chance to chat a bunch, but we were good friends none the less. Thanks Chris for hanging, I appreciate you man.

Matt: As soon as matt made the scene at Kirk's restaurant, I appreciated his energy. I think he was stoked at what he was fixing to enjoy. An instant friend, matt and I enjoyed a few laughs, and shared some successes and failures through some rapids. How a clean freak managed 3 days on the water, i'll never know...lol. Take it easy Matt.

Jacob and David: Two teenagers, brought some teenage energy. Their kayak battle on the water was epic (and a bit dangerous). They were good dudes to have along!

To be continued...I have to go to work LOL.