River Reflection

I have lived in Fort Worth for approximately twelve months out of the last fifteen and I somehow managed to last all those months without experiencing the Trinity River.  Sure, I have driven past it and over it, I have even worked a Color Run for charity on the trail besides it but I had yet to be on the water until two weeks ago.  Canoeing the river was an interesting experience, to say the least.  The event was a little tainted for me, unfortunately, as I was anxious about my plans after the canoe trip which included a nine hour drive to Mississippi that was being continuously pushed back every minute we were on the river.  However, I tried my best to keep my stress levels low and enjoy my time on the peaceful river.  Once I was able to put my mind to rest, I was able to truly appreciate the environment I was in.

Looking around in my canoe, I began to notice all of the little details of the Trinity River you can’t see from above.  The amount trash and debris not only wading on the banks but also in the middle of the river was disgusting and disappointing.  The pictures of the Trinity River in advertisements do not reflect the true state of the river and I was honestly appalled at the murky waters I was paddling through.  I hadn’t been expecting a pristine river sparkling from the sun and alive with fish but I had been hoping for a higher quality in its aesthetics department. 

It saddens me to think about how poorly we treat our environment and our water sources; the earth provides for our survival and we treat it like our garbage can.  We do not respect water or the roles it plays in our lives and this attitude was evident and portrayed through the Trinity, the closest body of water to our campus (besides the Frat Pond, but I honestly don’t think that’s even water anymore).  The Trinity’s close proximity to us and our ignorance of it is a great example of what Charles Fishman called water’s “invisibility;” we are so used to water always being here and being free that we don’t pay attention to it anymore and we abuse it.  The result, on a small scale: the Trinity River and its current state. 

While the river’s not-so-pretty atmosphere was a little off-putting, the canoe trip was still an amazing experience and I am so glad I had the opportunity to partake in it.  It was a long and physically challenging trip but the destination was entirely worth it.  The downtown Fort Worth night skyline was beautiful and awe-inspiring and offered an entirely new perspective on a sight I have seen countless times.  It was such a rewarding sight that made the four-mile paddle completely worth it.