AFIELD
LOOSE on the NEUSE words and photography by CC PARKER
T
he plan for our family Neuse River paddle was announced at the dinner table. Our family had enjoyed a nice Sunday meal together, everyone loosened up by good food, conversation, and libations (adults only). During a lull, I announced that the upcoming Sunday we were having a family-only, mandatory kayak trip. Never quite sure what the response will be to my ideas for family fun … I paused for their reaction. They didn’t fail me. “MOM, it’ll be so long!” “MOM, it’ll be a far drive. Where is it? WHY DO WE HAVE TO DO THIS?” “Mom, the water will still be cold!” “Mom are the snakes out yet?” Th Then they turned to my husband pleading for intervention but he ended the subject. “This is what your mother wants to do.” B Before they could reload with another set of objections, I pointed out what they really n needed to worry about: Their boatmate. We will be in tandem boats. Who in the famiily can share a boat for a prolonged period of time? Who is going to paddle their fair sshare? Who is the least annoying? Who will permit their partner tanning breaks? They ssurveyed each other critically. This was unexpected … it never occurred to me that inner-family alliances would b be formed from this excursion. Would anyone choose to ride with me? Why do I find ssuch pleasure in forced family fun? I know I am not alone. But why do some par-
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