Remember that one time when I paddled a canoe upstream to Folsom Prison? You don’t? Ah. Well, let me tell you the story…
Once upon a time -right around last Friday- Dreamy McPreemie and Mini McPreemie (his younger brother, age 16 and just as adorable) took me canoing on the American River outside Sacramento. It was sunny and the water was more-or-less glassy, we meandered upstream stopping to take pictures and stay hydrated. After an hour or so the sun was climbing and our shoulders were aching. The current was picking up a little and with a LOT of effort we inched up the river. Someone decided that we would paddle up past the next bend and then float all the way back to the dock. Who the hell cares what is around the next bend? No one but Pocahontas in that irritatingly catchy “Just around the River Bend…” song. But, Mini McP. and I decided to comply, and with considerable difficulty and a few not-so-quiet curses we made it. And came face-to-face with Folsom Prison, made famous by Johnny Cash and his on-location recording session. You don’t believe me? Lookit, I have pictures to prove it.
That’s right, I Walk Paddle the Line. We may or may not have paddled past this sign…. and if anyone asks about it I will plead the 5th Ammendment and Natural Blondeness.
Looks kind of scary, yes? On I-15, just north of Las Vegas there is a sign alerting motorists to not pick up any hitch-hikers due to the very close proximity of a federal prison. I wish we could have got closer to Folsom to see if they had a similar sign: Warning! Do Not Pick Up Swimmers, Even If They Look Or Act Like They Are Drowning. Harmless-Looking River-Goers May Be Dangerous Convicted Felons Who Have Escaped Our Faire Prison.
The rest of the trip was fantastic, and I am happy to announce that there was no tipping over of the canoe. That is correct, We. Did. Not. Capsize. This is the first time Dreamy McPreemie or Mini McP. have ever gone canoing without being lurched into the water. It just goes to show that it takes a woman’s touch -and good common sense- to keep the world right-side up. (Ha! Sorry boys, couldn’t resist.)
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The question is whether the McPreemies are capsizing the canoe by accident or on purpose. I know that AS and buddies regularly capsize their canoes on purpose. Because, you know, falling into frigid Adirondacks water is fun.
Comment by L Sass 2007 August 7 @ 11:39 amProbably wise not to capsize next to Folsom. Those guards get bored and trigger happy when nothing is happening…
Glad to hear you had an adventure
Comment by Trish Ryan 2007 August 7 @ 11:58 amHey heidi!!!!!!!!!!
ok so i loved the blog and yeah your right this blog thing is really cool!! but anyways i had so much fun hanging with you and McPreemie!!! i cant wait til we can hang out again!!! but yeah i had so much fun and i miss you guys! it was a bummer i had to leave but i had fun on my trip!! and i hope you had a great time here in cali!!!
TTYL <3
MINI MCPREEMIE!!!
Comment by Anonymous 2007 August 9 @ 10:45 pmcute new boy you’ve got there girl!
Comment by Erica 2007 August 15 @ 9:19 pm