SUSTAINABILITY
Paddling a river has never been easier (Photos courtesy of Georgia River Network)
Water is magical. It’s not only a liquid that sustains all life, although that should certainly be far more than enough; the molecules of oxygen and hydrogen also inspire, energize and soothe. There’s a scientific reason BY SALLY BETHEA why we love flowing, plunging and spraying water—why being around moving water can improve our moods. It’s called negative ions. Molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge are created in nature when air molecules break apart due to a variety of influences from sunlight to moving water. The action of falling water and crashing waves (or even a bathroom shower) creates negative ions that bond with air particles. When we breathe in this charged air, the negative ions enter our bloodstream. They produce biochemical reactions that can relieve stress, boost energy and reduce depression. By increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, the negative ions can also enhance alertness. As the Chattahoochee’s riverkeeper for more than twenty years, I benefited regularly from the stimulating negative ions at
ABOVE THE WATER LINE
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memorable waterfalls (Horse Trough, Hilly Mill and Vickery Creek Falls) and shoals (Buck, Smith Island, Bush Head and Daniel Shoals) in the watershed. In these places, I always felt fully alive, immersed in the moment. Blissful, yet energetic.
The paddling life I am not an expert kayaker, but I really love to be on, or near, flowing water. Usually, I can manage rapids of medium difficulty (Class II), unless my attention wanders to something interesting nearby and I collide with a rock. Rhythmically dipping my paddle into the water—left, right, and repeat—is a powerful and also relaxing movement. Paddling my kayak—just a few inches above the water’s surface—I am mesmerized by river currents, swirling eddies and underwater rocks, logs and aquatic plants. Agile dragonflies speed toward my boat, then turn away suddenly using their powerful, transparent wings. Kingfishers dart about, hunting for fish; I pretend that these small birds with their large heads and long bills are leading me downstream. Smells are suggestive of fish, small animals, flower blooms, muddy riverbanks and decaying plants, when I take deep breaths of the cool, moist air. In retirement, I have hiked far more miles than I have kayaked; however, these walks have regularly included water features: rocky streams plunging down steep slopes, lakes, canals and ocean shorelines. We are drawn to water—the precious liqreporternewspapers.com
