He tried dating a few women since leaving her years ago to care for his elderly father. His most recent attempt ended with his date screaming, “I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!” She had agreed to be his canoe partner on a nighttime river trip, organized through a local Florida canoe and kayak club. It sounded kind of romantic and fun.

Unfortunately for Michael, the trip guides had never paddled that particular river during the day, or night. Although the current was mild, invisible obstacles filled the river. Semi-submerged trees containing huge spider webs repeatedly wrapped around the faces of many participants, including the face of his bow seat passenger.

His farmer’s market vending friends howled with laughter the following day when he recounted the previous night’s misadventure. Mary suggested that he might consider something a bit less challenging for a first date; perhaps dinner inside a ‘nice’ restaurant? He felt canoeing was a perfect way to get to know someone fast. ” If you can’t paddle a simple canoe together, what’s the point?” he replied.

Michael liked to canoe with Dana  They would sit facing each other. I know that sounds odd, but Michael had figured out a better way to deal with the wind, waves and currents canoeists face on open water. He rowed his 17′ forest green tripper canoe.

Dana would usually sit on the stern seat or thwart and steer the canoe, using a long paddle as a rudder, while Michael rowed. He liked this arrangement best. He loved to watch her long auburn hair float lightly on the breeze, her hazel eyes sparkle with pleasure and her ruby lips (she liked to wear red lipstick) smile with warmth and affection when she looked at him. They paddled well together and, for the most part, enjoyed each other’s company.