#13 Ticino River, Italy, 2010.

When I was invited to teach canoeing in Italy I had visions of fantastic food, red wine and wonderful, gregarious people. We had all of that and so much more on that trip! But what I didn't expect was to go on a canoe trip and to find myself camped on a beautiful river in a wilderness oasis a mere 15km from Milano. I have memories of blue herons, river otters, foxes and many holes and hoof-prints behind our campsites from the elusive wild boar. The one reminder of civilization were the ubiquitous contrails from so many jets overhead...but this certainly would not be the case now. Today I am thinking of all my dear Italian canoeing friends and of the amazingRaphael Kunerwho showed us this beautiful place. So, where is an unexpected place you found yourself in a tent?

About Today's Paddling Pic: These last few days and weeks I've found myself looking back on some wonderful memories and images of where canoeing has taken me, and it's made me smile. I feel so fortunate and grateful for these places, people and experiences, and it's kind of nice to reminisce. And in doing so I can't help but to also look forward to a time when we can all paddle safely again! So for the next while Reid and I are posting a picture a day (with a story) that will brighten our day and hopefully yours too. I invite you to share your stories in the comment section.