The Wabash River runs slow this time of year. It forms the lower third border of Southwestern Indiana...dividing Indiana and Illinois.


This type of slow running current is ideal for canoeing and it is very popular in this area. I have taken canoes on the Wabash before...the lightness and agility of a canoe makes for a perfect day of riding the slow moving current and observing unpopulated farm and bottom lands and still pristine hardwood forests. With the small footprint of a canoe in the water, you can drift almost silent and listen to the birds on land and the occasional splash of fish as you pass by.

There is nothing like the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting but just as satisfying is the piece of mind and relaxation of the early evening quiet in a canoe. Where you are left with your thoughts and appreciation of nature. Ever so often, the sweet smell of fresh cut clover hay fills your senses as you pass by the newly cut fields. The river banks also provides new found friends that wave as you pass them by...there is something about a slow moving river that connects people or at least slows them down enough to connect. If I passed the same person in an intersection...would we wave?

I was told once by a physician to think of floating down quiet river on a late Summer evening and to visualize all the sights and sounds you experience on the way...this will gently lull you to sleep. Try it sometime if you if you can't sleep...if not sleep, you will fade into the night relaxed and refreshed for the hectic day ahead.