I know that each of us loves the “routine” that we have established on vacation, year after year the same place, at the same time. I imagine that I could guess what any one of you was or will be doing at 8:17 AM on August 12^th is this not the definition of “routine”. I also know outsiders think that we are nothing but boring and lazy people for all we do is talk all year of doing nothing other than sitting (at this point I could use Clarks words in regards his boss) ourselves on the beach watching the tide change, taking naps, watching people, Reading a book, taking a nap, dragging beach chairs (as a result of the tide) drinking wine, and then taking a nap! To those fools I say balderdash!( I never liked that word because it contains bald)  We are just the opposite! What we are is an intellectual bunch that utilizes every minute of time pondering events over the previous year, weighing each event, then mentally documenting  actionable steps resulting in the dynamic clan worthy of the distinction we have become accustom to. We are a group of individuals that are constantly aware of our ever changing environment thus leaving our historic mark on society.

For those outsiders, who might not understand let me share in one of those intellectual moments!

1779 days ago, a select group of our clan determined that they were going to do some exploring in the wonderment of the backwaters of Low County. (For the outsiders we went rented some kayaks grabbed a couple of six packs and hit the water over yonder). It started out as you typical torrid day on Kiawah,  we crammed ourselves heedfully into the 4 wheel drive sleigh and began yet another journey into the abyss (headed to the dock). The sight was very impressive, as I gazed at my new surroundings, I first noticed the abundant wild life and next was approximately 100 yards of water and beyond all you could see was towering green grass and blue skies, it was a breath taking sight, I could have remained there for hours absorbing the joys that we bestowed upon me. (I was sweating my butt off, and was a bit tuckered out from the walk, I seen some water and weeds. All I muster was to sit myself down on that there log and catch my breath, and pray that no gators were lookin for a snack). The deck hand came to greet us and began the important but laborious instructions on the proper use of the kayak. The instruction that he gave that I really found perplexing was, to be cautious and pay very close attention to where you are when you paddle thru the tall grass, because there is a possibility that you could become lost. (Some young punk came over and had the nerve to tell me how to use that there boat) I really can appreciate the importance of safety, so I continued to listen intently, but I just could not shake the comment that he made in regards to “getting lost”.

We carefully place ourselves two by two into the kayaks, and finally set sail! Starting south the water was calm and we were going against the current, I think we got disenchanted with the ride (too much work and fun), and made a decision to head for the tall grass. There were a countless number tributaries that we could choose to gain access into the grass, we made our choice and paddled back. With each stroke of the paddle the stronger and stronger we remembered the instructions from the deck hand  “you will get lost if the tide is out”   and you guessed it  the tide was out, all we could see was  green grass and the blue sky, no longer could you see safe harbor of the dock. We headed the warnings and kept going back further, getting deeper in the grasp of the tall green grass. (Hot damn, all I can see are these blasted weeds, I guess we might be a tad late get’in these boats back, gim me a brew). I am assuming that you think that we got lost, and the words of wisdom will be about how we should all listen and follow instructions, well that is way to obvious and we did not get lost… a little wet from people splashing each other with the paddles maybe.

To end this long ramble, after our adventure had ended and I went back to the beach, I began to ponder what I had learned from this experience. The water is our life, tide our emotions, grass/weeds the  obstacles we face , tributaries the choices we make , kayak our direction, instruction the word, paddles our faith, the six pack Joy. If I need to explain the words of wisdom any further ..well that is why they are outsiders!

Words of wisdom: The signs for a gratifying life surround you; don’t let the gators scare you and most of all don’t get lost in the weeds.