We had taken a 2 hour hike along the Chilkhoot trail in Skagway, Alaska, then climbed into a raft to float down the Tyrie River. Our guide warned us that if we hit any large protrusion at high speed the raft would fold and we could end up in the 36 F water. He would scream “bump” if this happened so we could lean in from the outer rim of the raft for safety.
The sun was out from the clouds as we wound through the most beautiful mountains, the frigid glaciar water pushing us smoothly and rapidly at 8 knots.
Finally, after some awe induced silence, my 11 year old nephew says earnestly,”When can we hit a bump?”
All of us had been hoping to avoid them and he could hardly stand waiting for one.
We gave him his bumps, pushing up against rocks, land formations and logs sticking up out of water. We stayed dry, dutifully leaning in with each bump.
This 11 year old is magnificent ; naturally happy, tender beyond comparison, heart firmly on sleeve and a lover of bumps.
I know- it was so funny and original when he said this – as though bumps are a bonus and the thing we should aim for. I love it! I wish I was more like him. He is like a buddha of wisdom and clarity.
I was hoping that “the bumps” would have metaphorical significance for those of us who are older than 11. I am trying to find the bumps as beautiful in their own way as the smooth parts.
Maybe it is because I have lived through many “bumps” that I read this with a very different perspective.
If an 11 year old can learn to enjoy and ride out the scary and uncomfortable “bumps” all of us should take mental note and apply that as a principle to life….
The “bumps” can be scary, leave you shaken and uncertain of the next one to come…but if you learn to ride them out they can actually be fun!!
Love this post!
Love it! What a spirit!
A true adventurer! I would have been terrified of hearing “bump” – so terrified it likely would have kept me off the raft.