The Mighty Maquoketa

Weekend Trip #237: Float Down A River

This weekend a few amigos and myself took the trip up to small town Iowa to float the Maquoketa River. The river itself is a tributary of the Mississippi River and therefore also the Iowa River. The Maquoketa shares much of the same pollution and environmental problems as its bigger brothers, which after discussing the best way to clean a water bottle full of sand, and using river water as an option prompted the statement "I'd rather eat sand then shit." Funny statement but sadly true. River pollution will be covered in a later date but we weren't there to clean up the river, we were there for the small town hospitality, a few beers, and to soak up whatever sun we could find on the banks of the Might Maquoketa.

The adventure started at the University of Iowa Outdoor Rental Center to pick up the fiberglass beast to our left. Driving with a canoe on the top of your car is reassuring in high winds and it helps to know that if you accidentally flip upside down onto a river you will at least safely float...

From there we trekked to Monticello Iowa (City Limits Population: 4,000). There we were met with hot food off the grill and proceeded to go check out the local night life. Like any good small town, the local bar was packed with people and a cover band

Although a few notes were missed here and there and maybe some rhythm was lacking, the place was hopping with classic rock n' roll and friendly people. As I met a lot of friendly locals, watched someone try and crack a beer bottle over their own head, and got poured one too many cherry bombs; the small town charm (buzz) came over me.

The forecast for the next day called for clear skies and 80 degree weather so naturally in an Iowan climate, we woke up to thunderstorms and rain. After going back and forth on departure, we finally pulled the trigger and soon found ourselves 10 canoes deep on the Maquoketa. The river ran high and I would be lying to say there wasn't more then a few beers cracked during the day.

Beer or no beer, it is hard not to have a good time tied to your friends for five hours floating down the river. We saw some wildlife flying above our heads, saw some local color, and the whole way we laughed, yelled, and had fun. There is something unique to boating, to flowing softly with the current, that is hard to find anywhere else. You are always moving but in front of you are your resting legs, you truly just have to go with the flow. Out there, above the polluted waters and below the graying skies, things seem a bit easier.

So leave the watch and cell-phone at home, forget about the laptop or blackberry, just sit back, relax, and go with the flow...

Until Next Time,

Brad L.

Read a Book or Two, or Twenty

"On The Grid" by Scott Huler was an interesting read that came as result from a good ole' fashioned book swap (unintentional as it might have been).

"On The Grid" issues infrastructure. Specifically the infrastructure that we as a society take for granted as it provides us with water, electricity, communication, and transportation. Through a nearly plot driven narrative of a quest to understand what's in front of our eyes, Scott Huler describes in detail the inner-workings and philosophy/history of modern infrastructure.



While reading this book I found myself stopping to stare at the run-off water rushing into the local creek during a heavy rainstorm, or connecting the dots between the way we move our ideas and the way we move our people.

Scott covers it all including storm water, clean water, sewage, electricity generation, telephone, Internet, roads, and tarmacs. He never argues for going off the grid, but to instead relish and appreciate the grid, to understand it. He takes a sober approach to our daily condition and reliance on unquestioned amenities. A bit of an eye-opener and a good glimpse into the society we live in.

Here is a link to the books website:

Scott Huler, "On the Grid"

Any trade offerings or new books/book reviews are welcome.

See you later friends,

Brad Lane

The Art of Recreation - Running

Just over a year ago I slipped on a new pair of running shoes. I had never been much of a runner much of my life, but I had spontaneously set a goal for myself. I wanted to run the New York City Marathon. I don't know what overcame me but after a couple of gut-busting, calf burning two miles runs, I knew I had my work cut out for me.

After a good six months of training I watched myself progress as a wannabe athlete. I was soon running 30+ miles a week going out for anywhere between 45 minutes and 2 hours. I explored the city and the sport all summer and in November of 2011 I made my way to the big apple.

It was a grueling 26.2 miles but I made it out alive. Forget the training, the marathon was unlike anythingin I had ever seen. Thousands of people of New York natives waved and cheered while thousands more runners took over the streets.When it was all said and done with, the NYC marathon was a remarkable experience that I will always remember. But life does go on...

Its been over a half year since the marathon; and one long, cold winter. I ran on a treadmill every now and then but nothing came close to marathon training. As the warm weather has begun to settle in, I find myself thinking about old routes around town and have urges to put on the running shoes. It's become an itch that I seem unable to scratch. Out there on the streets, time and time again, I always get a taste of what I am looking for, all thewhile diving further into understanding the art of running.

In a time of my life where I have responsibilities in many different areas, (student, son, brother, part-time employee, job-seeker, peer, person), running allows me to be naked in a sea of uniforms. Out on the streets I am only racing myself. 

My thoughts carry me most of the way. Thoughts about the present, the past, and a lot about the future. For those brief moments when I can take a step back from reality I can usually see everything a little clearer. It gives me time to think, or time not to think, depending on the day.  

Running is more then mediation though, it builds your muscles and strengthens your character. I have learned a lot from running that can be applied to my everyday life. I now better understand that with progress, planning, and determination; any goal can be reached. I can also appreciate that the most rewarding work comes during the hardest of times.

I've also been more in-tune with my body. I can feel the effects of different foods on my energy and well-being, I know when I am tired and need to hit the brakes, and I've also realised that the human body is not only capable or doing amazing things, but it yearns for it.

Running has added value to my life, a value I hope to never lose. If you feel the same about any other recreational sport or activity, I'd love to hear about it.

Adios Amigos,

Brad Lane



Locally Grown Fun

The Iowa City Farmers Market is a cool place, and it's growing. Despite being on a Saturday morning, the streets were packed with health-conscious consumers, little kids dressed in face paint, and curious bystanders.

The Farmers Market has a lot to offer. I picked up a pork rub (used later that night) and some farm fresh eggs. There is also fresh coffee, red red wine, crispy egg rolls, funny pictures, tangy salsa. and an assortment of crisp vegetables. If the pocketbook is a little thin, then the Farmers Market can still be fun with a wide selection of people to watch and talk to.

With gas prices on the rise and a host of environmental issues on the table, the Farmers Market makes sense. It's all local. That means you aren't paying for the pump and delivery like you wold at the Supermarket. Instead of your food being processed and sold underneath thick packaging used to protect the food in transport, a local farmer hands you fresh anything, and you know exactly where it came from. So go support your community, go support the Farmers Market.

If anything, it is super delicious...



*Portabella and Cheese Breakfast Taco
Courtesy "Banditos," Iowa City



Home-Made Chocolate!!!

History Sticks to Your Feet

                                                                                                                                                                                                      A conversation about lost information on burned out computers prompted a quick search. I realized that of all the information I lost when my computer crashed (no backup, d'oh), the only thing left intact was my Facebook account. I have lost most of all my personal files and deleted plenty of emails out of the trash folder, yet my entire online scrapbook was still fully intact.

So I did some investigating. Spending about a half hour on a half-hearted Internet connection, I was able to scroll through my entire college career. To my surprise I found out that I started my Facebook account four years ago to the date.

This may not seem that interesting to start but scrolling through the pages of my life I began to realize that all this information was not only well documented (I can see relationships form, excel, and crumble), but also just sitting quietly collecting web server dust.

I know I have seen pictures of newborns or even ultrasounds on the old wall posts and haven't thought too much past what it simply was, a cute baby picture. But if Facebook, or some form of Internet communication vehicle continues to be (the telephone was patented in 1876 and that stuck around), then it is very possible to think that someones entire life can be well documented and stored online. Never before had we had such wealth of history at our possession.

Noted that much of this history may seem pointless in a couple years, but give it 75 years when your grand kids are seeing your old status updates or are able to search for pictures from "Halloween Extravaganza 2009." If anything, Facebook may be a definite tool and representation of our generation.  If things continue as the way they are now, Facebook will be an effective time capsule  that doesn't give away to dirt and worms.

Disagree/Agree? Let me know

Cluster Buster

Having lived in the same house just three years I have accumulated a massive amount of clutter. Most of this clutter consisted of faded t-shirts and worn-out jeans that have lined the bottom shelf of my closet for time only knows how long.

With a spare hour I was able to round up a couple garbage bags of clothes out of my room and to bring them down to the local thrift shop.

    Not only is there the remote possibility that perhaps this backpack or coat (or the 50 other random t-shirts) will help somebody out but I can now see the floor of my closet for the first time in years. It feels good to give away some personal possessions, to disassociate yourself with some material goods, and to possibly help someone out who can not afford the lifestyle that I sometimes take for granted.

Mountain Bike Mayhem

The day started at 5:30. I was too excited to sleep in and I took the early morning time to do some chores. I gassed up the vehicle ($12 for 3gallons), got a huge cup of coffee, checked my sites on campus, and was able to make a nice light breakfast:

Breakfast:

1 1/2 eggs
red corn salsa
chopped peppers
1 hash brown pattie
1 cup o' coffee
(great way to start the day)



We then proceeded to Sugar Bottom to ride some metal steeds down the dirt tracks (mountain biking).

If you have never been, Sugar Bottom is a great escape from the normal Iowa scenery. Replace flat cornfields with winding trails through rows of red-wood forest-Esq trees. It's a beautiful thing riding through the trails with your best brakes being your reactions. Just let it flow, let your mind guide your instincts and drift away to those moments of clarity achieved through repetition.

The mountain biking was great and after 3 hours of straight riding we were able to make it home before 2:00 and carry on with the rest of our day. I took a nap. Wake up early, go do something exciting, you will thank yourself later.

Graduations and Goodbyes

The best four years of your life. This is what college was explained as to me the summer before starting my freshman year. And undoubtedly it has been a crazy four years. Between the hours of academia over-shadowed by countless late nights and funny stories, the last four years stand proudly as memories I will never forget.

The education from an university experience has gone well beyond the classroom. This education included the outlet to unlimited knowledge, the pulse on a culture as thriving as any, and a growing number of friends and experiences. Many of these friends and I may have said our unaware good-byes this weekend, and to that I have only one thing to say.

College has been the best years of our life only thus far. Live it up and love what you are doing.

To help articulate my thoughts, I got some video action from a recent college graduation party:

Healthy Tip #437572 - Listen to Music

GO OUT AND SEE SOMEONE PLAY MUSIC

if you got the time, go see someone express art through music. I stumbled across this performance at a Uptown Bills in Iowa City. Compliments of Lauren Bevineau and Alan Fritzler. Motivation to keep on chasing that dream.

Lauren Bevineau and the Heart-Makers - "Chasing My Dream"

The Art of Recreation - A Love Story

   Recreation plays a large role in my life. If money was no issue I would spend all day running around in the grass, throwing a Frisbee, or just working up a good sweat (which isn't hard to do during the Iowa summer). There is a certain feeling that leaves itself lodged in the back of my head that I just can't seem to get enough of. It's a primal feeling of conquest and yearning. I yearn to feel my muscles and brain working in unity, to feel my body doing what it knows how to do best. It's like an automobile for me, I don't have the thing just to see it sit in my driveway. I have it so I can feel the push of the engine and the rotation of the tires as I make a turn.
 
   Recreation just doesn't allow my body to move, it teaches my mind new tricks. Within recreation are embedded a lot of mental workouts. Recreation provides an outlet for my brain to think. When I go outside to climb a tree or run down the street, it allows my brain to be engaged, to think practically about the world around me. In those instances were my body and brain work on reactions, on autopilot, it gives me the chance to think about what else is going on around me. It allows me to think of my relationships, my present situations, and about the future. It allows me to relax and to see the pleasure in the small things, like a really good branch to perch on or a cool breeze pushing at my back.

Recreation provides us that outlet to relax, to meditate the present while still being a part of it. It makes my body feel tired when my brain is tired and makes about any food I eat turn into the most delicious meal of a lifetime. Besides all of that, Recreation hosts numerous values and lessons to be learned that have the ability to shape a person.

Featured throughout this blog I hope to dwell deeper upon specific recreational activities and the values they conjure and the lessons they teach. These are the same lessons and values that make recreation both fun and difficult at times. These are the lessons that bring you back for more and have you tired and drenched in sweat afterwards.

Take running for instance. An example of a value taught through running is understanding true progress. Most people can't run 26 miles right off the couch. But anyone, and I mean anyone, can hit the pavement, train there bodies and mind, and eventually run a marathon (if not more). Along the way the value of progress shines through as you watch yourself slowly build up stamina and begin running longer and longer.

The value of progress can then be applied to situations without running shoes. Whether it be your goals in business, life, or pleasure - anything is possible. You just have to make progress.

I will begin diving deeper into different realms of recreational activity, specifically running, rock climbing, and other fun stuff. If you have any thoughts on the concept, please let me know!

Adios Amigos,

BDL

Read a Book or Two, or Twenty

Today I finished reading a book. After finishing a book through to the end I feel like a smarter person, as if a new puzzle piece has been added to my intellect. With each new word, paragraph, or chapter I felt as if I have found something I didn't know I was looking for, like money on the ground the morning after night life has ended. Except in the case of reading, no monetary value can be placed upon the words. It is an accomplished feeling, to read at your leisure, so much so that I would easily deem it as "sweet."

That is why I have a proposal. Book swaps. Let's trade knowledge. I want to know more, and I know you do too. I am always willing and able to lend out copies of any book I have read only in the understanding that I expect something in return. I want a book so full of insight, something that will alter my life and thinking habits. I want to read what you are reading. So throughout this blog I hope to include some of my readings in hope to garnish some interest in trading. I encourage you all to do the same. Let us read! Be free of assignments, and relish the written word.

I just finished reading "The Workshop."

"The Workshop" is anthology of the University of Iowa's Writers' Workshop composed and edited by Tom Grimes. For those of you that don't know, the Writers' Workshop in Iowa City is one the first and most nationally recognized creative writing workshop in the nation. Many of the brilliant authors who are featured in the book spent time drudging through the snow-ridden streets of Iowa City, spent late nights typing away in one-room apartments, and have drowned their sorrows in the local saloons.

The authors that really stuck out to me in the text include Flanney O'connor (The Comforts of Home), Walter Tevis (The Hustler), Stuart Dybek (Paper Lanterns), Dennis Johnson (Work), Michael Cunningham (White Angel), Ethan Canin (The Year of Getting to Know Us), Brady Udall (Buckeye the Elder), and many more!

This book is nothing more then a big collection of short stories but also provides insights from both Tom Grimes and the selected authors on the creative writing spirit, passion, and insanity. A must read.

If this sounds interesting to you, or you have a book you would like to highlight, please feel free to post something and perhaps a trade is in order. A quick warning though, usually I don't mind trading books knowing full well that I may never see my original copy ever again, but this is one book that I hope to keep in my library for years to come.

Below is a link to Tom Grimes website with a feature on "The Workshop"

"The Workshop" edited by Tom Grimes website

100 Days of Summer - The Idea

   Monday marks the first day of my senior year finals week at the University of Iowa. That means only one thing. After a week of pushing pencils and cramming in a semester's worth of knowledge, it will officially be summer on the academia calender.

  Maybe it was too many late nights and early mornings at the library trying to understand audit procedures, or perhaps the freezing cold of the Iowa winter messed up a few brain circuits, but I began to become tired of staying up at night looking back at the day and realizing that I did nothing worth the title of "exciting."

  I began to think, "why does it have to be this way?" Why do we compromise our day and time working to make our lives better when the true enjoyment can be found right in the present? It's a hard sell, I know, but with nice weather approaching and the intimate freedom that summer provides, this blog and experiment has wandered itself into my thoughts.

  100 Days of Summer is an idea, a different way to look at things. Do not take the number seriously, 100 days is just a nice round number, but in reality I hope that the summer loving spirit possesses me much longer. I am making a vow to myself to do something worth writing about everyday this summer. To do something that I consider to be "sweet", "fun", or "exciting".

  Tough life I realize, but maybe tougher then one might think. It's all about perception and the willingness to do what comes naturally to us, and to do what many adults ignore. It is a challenge to explore and to dive out of comfort zones. To learn, play, and grow. Inspiration will surely be needed, so I encourage anyone, and I mean anyone, who has been working on anything interesting, anything worth deeming fun, exciting, or new to post something yourself. To share your ideas.

The options are endless, and like any great adventure, half the fun will be getting there.

Until next time,

BDL