I sit on the bank of the Missouri River and marvel at it’s history and what a legend it has become. I am sitting on soft blades of grass, wearing my rolled up cuffed jean overalls, my buttoned up shirt, and my favorite straw hat. All that matters at this moment is the pleasant breeze, getting a bite on the hook of my fishing line, and the steamboats sailing the river.
My bare feet are thankful for the rest as I sit down and read my favorite stories of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.
My river is the Mississippi and it is one of the world’s greatest rivers. It spans 3,860 miles (6,210 km)of length as measured using it’s northern most west fork, the Missouri River, which starts in the Rocky Mountains in Montana, joining the Mississippi proper in the state of Missouri. The steamboats I am watching played a major role in the 19th century for transportation of people and freight. They could navigate in shallow waters as well as upriver against strong currents.
Today, I have decided I want to build a raft out of pieces of wood. I want to pretend I am a riverboat captain and enjoy adventures with Mark Twain. I make my raft, and suddenly I am a fearless captain as I sail the Missouri river. As a captain, I will fight bad guys and save ladies in distress. I will sing in music shows and bow to my adoring crowd. I will sword fight with pirates and find hidden gold in the seven seas. I will make my fortune! As I fantasize about all I will do I will sit down by my favorite tree. I’ll grab an apple out of my picnic basket, and read of the adventures I will be a part of.
I have been thinking about the contest in Hannibal, MO. What I will do when I am chosen as an honorary Tom Sawyer. I will find my Becky Thatcher, and we will be good well ambassadors for the city. Why, you know,There has been a contest in Hannibal, MO that has been going on for over 50 years! I think of what I will do as Huck Finn sailing on my raft. I will think about the caves that will explore with Becky Thatcher.
The breeze is getting colder, and I realize that I have been asleep. My steamboat has come and gone. I get on my raft, enjoy the coolness of the water, and decide that there is still time for fishing and making new friends. I lay on my raft enjoying my river. I start making pictures out of the cotton-like clouds over my head. I realize how special moments like this are. I start realizing that I am meant to enjoy every moment as I sail on the tide.
I hear my mom calling that I have to come back. I notice it’s getting dark. She yells out to me, “Hurry on home and help put supper on the table for the main house!” I start running towards the main house to help mama.
I’ll see you tomorrow steamboat and we will go on another adventure.
