Look- you gotta conceptualize that Oly is a whitewater Veteran. Everyone knows this, but people don't seem to grasp the full depth: that paddlers like him who have been doing this stuff for a few decades or more have been throwing huge parties for kayakers long before most of you started paddling, and before many of you were born. It may be fresh for you, but it's not fresh for him. James can attest to the feelings that naturally crop up after you've organized an event for a few years running.

You do all the hard work, organization and planning, and tons of kayakers show up and drink all your beer, eat all your food, and over-indulge in whatever other substances or vices may be readily available for consumption (generally speaking).

 

It's a beautiful thing. But, you know, sooner or later it gets old for the ones who make it happen. Sure a few people always crop up to help out, help clean up ect. But FEW is the opperative word. Since any large group tends to naturally default to a HERD mentallity, there is an ineveitable mess that is made in their wake. All the garbage left behind at Woodstock is the most classic example.

 

Probably don't even need to point all that out.

The challenge is to continue to find ways throughout each year to allow such gatherings to flourish. They are, afterall, like a sort of VITAL GLUE that helps our so-called community to stay bonded together and enrich itself.

 

This is just a great moment to perhaps remind ourselves of the tiny little ways we can participate and foster  greater conciousness within oursleves.

 

Now let's get drunk, jump the fire pit and brawl in the mud! WOOHOOO!!

 

Yup, still in planning stages, have another meeting next week.  The ONLY thing for sure is the Forest Service Permit for the EFL on the listed dates.  The commity hasn't even decided what food or brew or how many porta johns are going to be offered at the party.... so don't assume ANYTHING. 

 

But be assured, I will keep you all psoted as things are set in stone.  I know how folks get when things are posted about possabilities, rumors fly.

 

The website will also be updated, but not as quickly as I hope to have info for ya all.