June 16, 2016 – Hungry Horse, Montana

“I’m floating down a river…”

Naturally, Incubus’ Aqueous Transmission pops into my head as I’m paddling forward with a group of office staff and rafting guides. It’s an overnight trip, and the rainy, cold weather has some of us a bit discouraged. Visibility is dismal. At least I’m not paying for this. Our lunch break along the river allows us to warm up by running around, doing jumping jacks… anything that helps. Back in the raft, conversation and joke-telling aid in passing the time until we land at the camp site.

“I marvel at the stars and feel my heart overflow…”

Thanks to the earlier-arriving guides in the gear boat, a fire has already been started for us. One of the girls is practically burning herself to rid the feeling of cold. After we set up our tents, there’s a bit of a social hour until dinner is served. We enjoy games, beers, story-telling. My job is to ensure that: 1) any food-related issues are properly communicated to my boss, and 2) the guides know how to properly prepare the dishes.

“Will I make it back to shore? Or drift into the unknown…”

I’m eating steak and potatoes along the bank of the Flathead River. There’s a fire. New friends. Clearing sky. I consider how lucky I am to be here, now. How lucky we all are. I decide to pack it in and fall asleep to the sound of the fresh, flowing water.

“Maybe we can meet again further down the river…”

The next day is a godsend. Warmer weather, clearer skies, higher morale. The rapids provide us with some much-needed fun and adrenaline rushes. We bear witness to myriad memorable views.

“And share what we both discovered, then revel in the view…”

And like that, our trip is over. I thank everyone involved and head home, feeling euphoric. These are the experiences that feed my hunger for adventure. The experiences that keep me drifting into the unknown.

“Art is everywhere, and everywhere is art.” – Brandon Boyd