The cool, fresh tang of the flowing water reached my nose as the echoes of laughter faded when the last outfitter pulled out carrying boats and tired people back to their campsites.  Tomorrow would be my first time on the river since my friend, Pat, was diagnosed with cancer. My husband, Roy, and I would float several times each year with Pat and her husband, Joe.  I felt her walking beside me in spirit along the river bank as I watched the sunset.  Three years is a long time, and she would have been disappointed that I had waited so long.  Pat was all about experiencing and living life to its fullest.  Tomorrow, the outfitters at The Gilbert General Store were going to carry us to the put-in at Tyler Bend and we will float back down to Gilbert.  Only six miles but a start.

                                       


Morning came with cooler temperatures and heavy fog.  We walked from the Gilbert RV park to The Gilbert Cafe to have breakfast before getting on the river.  The cinnamon rolls weren't ready yet, so we enjoyed breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and the companionship of people who love being on The Buffalo River. When we got to the General store, the guys were finishing up their breakfast at the long plank table.  It didn't take long to get to Tyler Bend.  Only one other group was ahead of us and I was thrilled.  Saturday had been a busy day on the river, and it appeared that we were going to be ahead of the crowd on Sunday.  Kayaks unloaded, life jackets on, sunscreen just in case, cooler strapped down and off we went.

The river was quiet and smooth.  No phones, cars, or people.  Just the sounds of the river, birds and leaves. Occasionally, the slap of a paddle or the sound of a fishing line. The fog began to lift, and big, white, puffy clouds started building over the mountains.  I was finally motivated to photograph.  Around every bend was another glorious scene.  It became difficult to concentrate on paddling.  At one point I was headed down the river backwards and it gave me another view altogether.  We stopped briefly, had a snack and watched the river go by from the gravel bar.

                                      


All too soon we were pulling into Gilbert.  I was filled with a peace that had been missing from my life for quite a while.  Well-being and serenity followed me home.  A special energy and connectedness was there as well.  I was filled with warm memories of floating with Pat and Joe.  I had heard her voice talking me through the fast water and her laughter when I was going down backwards.  Thank you, Pat. And thanks to the National Parks for preserving such glorious places for me to renew myself.