We labored on Labor Day

Yes, we did. I never knew six miles down the Meramec River by canoe could seem so long.

We were early risers on Labor Day, leaving the house around 6:30 am for a three hour drive to Missouri. Dan took us on a unplanned tour through St. Louis and he was worried we'd miss our bus to the drop in point for canoeing. But bus driver Santa One-Feather was there waiting... so, no worries.

Truthfully, we had a great time and we didn't get completely worn out until about the last mile and a half. By then we had gotten a little frustrated at my lack of steering capabilities (we laughed at first) and my arms were worn out. The seat I was on was broken so I sat crooked for most of the trip...except for the SHORT time I was in charge of steering...that was the funniest part. (I'm sure Dan remembers it differently.) I couldn't stop laughing at how aggravated he was becoming and then I wasn't paying attention and we went in more circles. He was great though. Aside from the short moments of wanting to throw me into the river he was actually quite patient with me (thanks, babe.) I guess that short canoeing lesson I received at Girl Scout camp in the 80's didn't stick with me. Long live Camp Daisy Hindman!! Madeline had the difficult task of sitting still in the middle of the canoe (so as to not tip us over) with not really much to do for 2 1/2 hours. But she did wonderfully. She loved taking breaks and getting out into the river, inspecting the rocks and trying to catch minnows by hand. She begged and begged to help row so I handed over my oar. She gave it an honest effort and decided it LOOKED like more fun than it really was.

After our bus ride to our drop in point and our subsequent canoeing expedition, we changed out of our wet clothes (that's a funny story, too) and parked in the shade for a nice picnic lunch. It's been a while since I've been that hungry! After lunch we took a guided tour of the Meramec caves. Very cool.

Madeline was so tired from getting up and leaving the house before the sun came up that I think she was sawing logs before we even hit the highway for the return trip. Our trip home was a little elongated due to multiple bathroom breaks and food stops but we finally made it home. What a great day!



Dan and Madeline on the bus...





Madeline trying her hand at rowing...




View from a canoe...




Dan is still smiling so this is before I took over as the steer-er...




Madeline was fascinated by the rocks. Dan kept saying, "Madeline, play in the water. You can play with rocks at home!"




This seating arrangement didn't last long but it was worth a shot.




The deepest part of the river was only 4 or 5 feet. Madeline was a little nervous to go too far without Dan by her side.




This one cracks me up. Dan looks like he's spanking her with the paddle but he's actually pointing out all the minnows swimming around their feet.




Starting to wear down a bit but still having fun...




Dan found Madeline some rocks and shells. I wonder what happened to those. We'll probably find them in the bottom of the washing machine.




When we parked for lunch we left our signature...






At the beginning of the cave tour...




I'd tell you what these are called but I didn't take notes and I've never been great at remembering things scientific.




But they were beautiful nonetheless.




I do remember that this is the wine room. It's named that because the formations look like clusters of grapes.




Posing pretty in front of a rock formation.




A light show...




Dan and Madeline at the end of the tour...




All three of us, still standing, after one very busy and exciting day.