Saturday's trip down the Yadkin.- Fran's Testimony

Fran has one of the best attitudes of any paddler in our group. She never misses an excursion. Her testimony below is very touching. Paddling is the best way to connect to the meaning of life, Fran's testimony is an affirmation of that. HRL Paddler's wants to thank Fran for allowing us to post the letter she wrote us. Fran is from New York and I remember her wearing a "I love New York Tee Shirt " a few weeks back, with a slight modification. She had crossed out the word "New York" and wrote in "HRL Paddlers". We are honored to know she thinks that much of our group. I've posted the video Below as tribute to one of HRL Paddlers finest members.

Saturday's trip down the Yadkin.

I am constantly amazed by the wonder we have in our back yards. Paddling on the river, with friends, is more than I ever expected when I joined this group. I haven't missed a trip yet, I'm too afraid I will miss something.

There are so many different levels of enjoyment and I think that is what makes these experiences a treasure.

It's certainly a time of fellowship, not only with other paddlers, but with God and His great gifts. What an opportunity to get to know each other and Him.

Fun, fun and more fun.

You can hear us laughing up and down the river. No tension, no stress, just beauty and unlimited good times. This is also a place and time where families gather. For some of us, our children are growing up. Who knows how long we have to share each other's joy. As our kids get older, they aren't always around. They're off having their own adventures, as it should be. But, the times we can still share these moments are precious and HRL Paddlers has provided this.

At the beginning of the run I stood on the fish weir and I could almost see the Indians, poised to catch their fish. Wondering who and how this was built and realizing it was not the work of one or two men, but a group that built it for survival, I felt humbled. Later, down the river a ways, I was in the middle of the group, having lost sight of those in front and behind. I took a few minutes to beach my Yak and stand on an outcropping of rock, waiting for signs of Neal and Terry. Looking up and down river, I felt like I could have been waiting for travelers on the Yadkin when this waterway was actually used for transportation. It was so peaceful and I was so alone, just waiting. And then I saw the flash of their paddles and I was back in 2008, using the walkie-talkie.

I really want to thank everyone who participates in these excursions. Organization and communication is work. Hauling Yaks up and down the road takes effort and commitment. Explaining portages to someone as challenged as I am, takes patience.

My family and I moved to Salisbury in 2001 and the move was difficult, but finding this group, these people, this river, and my church, has planted us and this is my home.

Thanks to all of you.

Fran