A Ride Down the Thousand Islands I

A kayak floats in lazy elegance through the vastness of the Thousand Islands. Water drips off its paddle as it rises in the air. A breeze pushes the kayak through the maze. No sign or sound of cars, buildings, or people. The world as god meant it to be. A stingray races by at amazing speed the kayak turns the corner in a graceful manner. Branches stretch over the water forming a canopy low enough to stand and reach out pluck a reluctant leaf from its home. The crisp leaf crumbles as it is grasped. A sweet smell replaces the smoky aroma of civilization. Paddling on, past the floating island and its canopy. A juvenile little blue heron yells for its mate wading in the water three feet away. The vast serene painting of a world absorbs stress and with great speed throws it away. The oar is placed across the bow the kayak drifts on in silence. A brown behemoth emerges from the depths. The sea cow basks in the sun close enough to reach rub across its slimy skin. Consider touching it, but hold back. Man already destroyed everything he touched. It is not for us to cause more damage.