Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley

My husband and I live close to the Missouri River and this time of year, if water levels allow, we try to fit in a sunrise or sunset float with our kayaks. We are always amazed at the beautiful landscape and abundance of wildlife as the Big Muddy takes us downstream, often without much paddling other than steering and staying with the current. It’s fun some days to just go with the flow.

On occasion, when spring rains lead to backwater flooding, we instead put our kayaks in our neighbor’s flooded field that we lovingly refer to as Lake Claysville. Our neighbor will join in the fun with his kayak as well sometimes, and we’ll paddle the field together.

More than a decade ago, it was in this same flooded field that my husband proposed marriage as we paddled, each in our own kayak side by side, drinking coffee from our thermoses and watching the sun emerge through the light fog blanketing the Missouri River bottoms. I remember his proposal was something about being paddling partners for the rest of our days. Not a lot of fanfare or fancy talk, but nearly perfect from my perspective. You’ll learn more about the fun of kayaking in Missouri.

I think kayaking with a partner or friend represents a bit about life — we’re each making our own way, but it’s better if you’re sharing it with someone side by side, going with the flow together.

Sara Parker Pauley, Director
Sara.pauley@mdc.mo.gov