Whitewater (in a sense)

I'll be the first to admit that I do get slightly addicted to things, especially sports, most commonly involving water (in whatever state). When that is coupled with fact that cabin fever is my most common illness, it makes me a cranky neanderthal and I'm very grateful for the people that manage to put up me during these times.

But that's the problem at the moment, I have few people to put up with my moods. All my assistant friends have left me and my french ones have to work! Loneliness and independence are pretty good friends, although this past few months we have got to know each other well. I know  it's an important skill to have and it's just another thing on the long list of things I'm learning from this trip.

But it's not what I wanted to talk about in this post. It's helped me realize exactly why I'm so addicted to the type of outdoor sports I dream about so much. I like most people get drawn in by the flashy ads, the promise of greatness and all the rest of that sales pitch. I'm also partial to a bit of escapism, but that's not it.

It's not even the feeling of completing something that your brain told you that you shouldn't do, be it running a rapid, placing well in a tough sailing race or making it down a difficult piste. Although it does provide me with the adrenaline rush and really helps with my confidence.

No it's the people you meet through these sports, the shit talking in the changing rooms about nearly
capsizing on the race course and hitting trees on the slopes. I still fondly remember coming back in from sailing events and my nostrils and eyes stinging from the salt, I would hardly be able to hold my Aidan (my home sailing clubs most valued member) burger my hands would be so raw but I would be feeling better than ever. It's the same deal with getting changed in dirtbag parking lots after long days of self-induced drowning in a kayak and the beers after skiing, and it's what keeps pulling me back time after time, it's the people.

Contrary to what I say sometimes, people are the best!

Have a great day,
Éanna.