I enjoy being alone sometimes and always enjoy being outside. In the middle of winter on a sunny or even cloudy Sunday afternoon, I walk down to the Columbia River, get fully suited up so I am dry, warm and safe, and head out onto the water in my sea kayak. In the winter the river is usually very quiet with no power boats or swimmers. By the time I've paddled to the middle of the river there are no audible sounds from the shore. If it is sunny I am usually warm by now from paddling and having the sun beat down on my dry suit. The reflection of the sun also bounces off of the water and onto my face. The only sounds are occasional birds and small waves slapping the side of my kayak.

This is the perfect time to hide out in the middle of our magnificent river. The water is clear, the sky is quiet, and I can choose my own speed. Winter on the water is a special, private place. There are no blues here!

-- Rick Donahoe, Richland