Nature Journal Four (NJ4): Panther City Paddle Board


Nature Journal Four: Panther City Paddle Board

            After spending three years in Fort Worth, I realized that I have not taken advantage of the many fun activities available. So, living in 2019, the first thing I did was go to the web and type “Fun things to do outside in Fort Worth”. Something that caught my eye was paddle boarding. I have been paddle boarding once before in the bay of San Diego, but not in rural Fort Worth. My friends, Lex and Thomas, embarked on an adventure on the Trinity during the evening.

            After signing the waiver sheet, we hit the water. A chill shock was sent through my calf as we got in the cool abyss to launch the boards. Thinking I would forget how to stand, it was as awkward as a baby’s first steps getting up and going. We decided to head upstream away from the city. The reflection of the sun’s exhilarating rays illuminated the water in a belt of white light. My forearms and shoulders began to burn with soreness as the wind picked up, cutting through my hair like a scythe through wheat. As I decided to stop and take a picture, my legs began to wobble as the current smashed against my platform. Eager to capture the moment I used my friends board to balance. A turtle perched out on his stone tower, watching his friends struggle to maintain balance. While choppy, the water was clear as glass. I was able to see the micro-organisms flowing through their home beneath my world. What do they think of me? Am I a boat cutting through their seaweed house? Is my paddle disturbing their way of life? It is sad to think about something so enjoyable could be vastly detrimental to the wildlife below. As my two motors began to give way, we turned around. Sitting down on the paddle boards and riding with the current, I closed my eyes and allowed the scent of nature to take over my senses. It was a beautiful reflection time where my mind could wander, and I was truly alone.

            An hour came and went before we realized that it was time to jump back to reality. We let the current push us back to land. Our cold feet grasped the sand as the finite rocks stuck between our feet. Building up the callus of our feet, we brought the boards in. Our glide across nature's glass was over. A few hours later, I sit in my living room reaping the costs as my body aches. Finding natures beauty may not be easy or pleasurable post-fact, but it sure was a peaceful time well spent at Fort Worth’s drinking fountain.  



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