Immersing Ourselves in Nature

Immersing Ourselves in Nature

 by Natalie Farmer, Richmond, VA Immersing ourselves in nature allows us to disengage from the constant distractions of society. On the river, we’re able to truly enjoy the serenity of the beautiful outdoors and be totally present in the moment. photo by...
Soothing Effect

Soothing Effect

 by Lindsey Melvin, Henrico, VA Growing up in rural Goochland County, I was soothed by the sounds of nature although I was unaware of this soothing effect in the same way that you are unaware of the air you breathe – it just happens. A chorus of cicadas in the summer...
No Experts

No Experts

 by Jim McCullough, Midlothian, VA Story prompt: Write your own river story… See the casual grace. The nonchalance. The unmitigated power. Yeah, we’re talking water. And we played in it a lot this week. Then something happened. It got hot. We got tired. We slowed...
47 Years of Whitewater Paddling on the James

47 Years of Whitewater Paddling on the James

 by Charles Ware, Richmond, VA Story prompt: The river is important to me because… In August 1969, Hurricane Camille tracked into Virginia, dumping perhaps five feet of rain on Nelson County within a 24-hour period. Approximately 160 people died as the result...
Spectacular Sighting

Spectacular Sighting

 by Janet Eddy, Ashland, VA Story prompt: Write your own river story… The alarm woke me at 6am. I ate, jumped into sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt, grabbed a hat and coffee. It was an overcast, warm September Saturday 7 years ago. As a boatless individual who...
The Riverwalk

The Riverwalk

 by Sydna Mundy, Lynchburg, VA Story prompt: My favorite memory of being on or near the river is… I am eight years old as I search for sandy patches among the orange and brown rocks of the Pedlar River. My father told me it’s better to trust your footing on the...