Bon Voyage

Just below my house the Clark Fork River flows between the Coeur d’Alene Mountains and the Cabinet Mountains and there is a deer trail there through the dense willows just above the river. My tracks can often be found on it too.

Several days ago as I followed that little trail I noticed something on the bank just a few feet from the water. It was a curiosity, but I didn’t push through the willows and down the bank for a closer look. It is common to see odd things wash up on the shore.

It was still there today, curiosity finally got the best of me and I did investigate. When I reached down and turned it over, I was a bit surprised at what I saw (I removed the name from the photo):

Half a mile down stream there is a rapids and at the upper end swift water flows out to the white water in the middle of the river. I carried it there, respectfully relaunched the vessel and watched to assure that it made it completely through the rapids.

Yes, “Safe Sailing” and Bon Voyage!