And Then There Were Six

Of the group, I live the furthest away from everyone else.  Over the years I have had to miss out on hundreds of birthdays, surprise parties, weddings, moving couches and other general type merriment.  It is the one thing that sucks about living many hours away, I don't get to see my family.   When we do get home, it's usually a big holiday or event type thing and as awesome as it is, it's never enough.  Last week I missed another gathering and apparently River Quest '13 is quite the hit.  So much so that we have two more poor souls volunteering for   "all the fun."

I know I have been pretty clear in my predictions on "fun" and so have the other three knuckle heads.  So for two more to join up is quite extraordinary really.  I have viewed both of these guys as relatively intelligent.  I may have to reconsider that previous assessment!  All kidding aside I'm very happy to welcome Greg, my cousin Chasity's husband and Rob, my cousin Jana's husband and Seth's brother-in-law.

Rob has already called dibs on being the "Burt Reynolds" of this Deliverance trip.  I guess that leaves Ned Beatty's role up in the air.  Honestly, I hope it doesn't come to that but I'm sure it will be Mark... umm...  I mean we can vote on it.

Greg brings some much needed youth to this trip and with youth comes innovation.  His first question was whether we should put the important camp stuff (beer) in a separate raft to tow behind incase of a capsize that way the important camp stuff (Beer) won't be lost.   We could also tie fishing bobbers on the the important camp stuff (BEER)  so even if the floating beer trailer goes under we can still salvage the important camp stuff (BEER!)  Think Greg is looking forward to cracking a few cold ones?

Cold beers, cigars and cans of beans.  I think this is what we have in mind for the camping portion of our show.  I hope it actually stops raining long enough to build a fire.  Cold beans and soggy cigars doesn't sound as awesome, although it is more probable.  Even under the likely conditions I'm looking forward to getting to know Rob and Greg a little better.  They married in to the family after I left town.  I mean yeah, I know them, but really,  just barely.  Four days of rowing and cold beans should bring us all together!  

For me, maybe that's what this is all about. Bringing the whole family together, even for just a little while, to share some misery, fun and hopefully some stories that will stand the test of time.

Paddle faster, I hear banjo music.