Michelle Nelson's Blog

Adventure and Enthusiasm

Despite the damp weather, the kickoff meeting at Kickapoo Landing was filled with adventure and enthusiasm. Although I had my ‘work clothes’ on, I happily jumped aboard Shelley’s paddle boat. I was pleased to be a backseat rider - that is until the chain came off (apparently, Shelley’s legs were too strong for the paddles…!) and we ended up stranded in the middle of the pond. For a moment, I feared all my fellow boat-riders would hop onto another boat, but for the most part, we stuck together. Shelley & I tried using our arms to communicate S-O-S, but somehow we resorted to shouting. Soon someone from Prairie Rivers Network canoed over - fixed the chain - and rescued us. It was fun to see the teens address their first adventure and I’m proud to say that no one freaked out. I hope we have more adventures this summer, all with happy endings:) The rest of the night built on that energy from the ‘rescue’—I was so happy to meet and hear from the participants and their family members!  It looks like a great group to work with - I’m looking forward to summer in the park.