Re: [Paddlewise] The urban paddler

rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:

> BTW, regarding my finding isolated places spooky, I ask the commentator
> has he ever walked miles of wooded trails at night without a flashlight
> guided only by the intermittent light of stars and moonbeams breaking
> through the tree cover and deciphering the different shades of grey of
> the path and its surroundings to find your way.  Or paddled along a
> shoreline in total darkness (without lights) finding your way only by
> the different sounds made by surf on one side and that of waves breaking
> on the beach alongside you.  I have.

I'm the guy who is the "commentator"  [just an ordinary potato  :-)] in the
above piece.  I apologize to Ralph for appearing to ding his thoughtful
contribution regarding urban paddling.  I certainly did not intend to mock
Ralph.  Ralph is one of my heroes.

I was kidding in that business about my sloughs "spooking" Ralph.  Sorry for
any misinterpretations which have occurred.  I believe someone suggested my
attitude was condescending.  Sorry if it appeared that way.  Certainly not
intended that way.

Just for the record:  I am never intentionally condescending.  Frequently
sardonic, yes
-- sometimes even on purpose!  I am almost always writing with tongue partly
in cheek (or at least around something tasty to eat).  I am, in addition, not
perfect.    :-)     <G>

'Bought Ralph's comments re: urban paddling:  (now I'm serious) he really hit
a bunch of nails on the head for me.  Semi-urban and full-tilt urban areas
often have marvelous pockets of near-wilderness hidden in their core.  It is
arrogant to suggest the only truly "wild" places are in the middle of
"nowhere."  I cherish and stand in awe at the likes of Ralph, Bayside Bob, and
a host of others, who work to keep wonderful those niches near urban centers
which provide solitude and peace for we folks living in cities.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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