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Beers and Boats

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By: Dylan Bajer

Second-Year Brewmaster Student


In the last fourteen years, I have made the river a career and my home, capturing more than a hundred days a year in a nylon tent next to the river's rhythm. I have allowed the fluidity of the river to measure the distance of how far I was willing to go. Whether it was an expedition or just a day trip to a certain play spot, I treated the river with the utmost respect. An interconnected relationship that would just scream simplicity. I have, on occasion, been coined the term “River nerd” or “Wet river rat”- but hey, let's call that an accomplishment.

Now, I have never been one to quote that “The river is my church” by any means, however after paddling there is a feeling of tranquility, a wave of calmness, the sense of accomplishment. Although I get this reaction from paddling (it is my preferred pursuit), everyone has their own ventures or entertainment that they will seek out to fulfill this passion. At the end of such an undertaking there ought to be a cheers with laughter, and a recap of value. Something that is a guilty pleasure, or something that you've earned. Something that simply comes down to a shared experience with a friend: the comradery, a united community, and a moment in time that is being celebrated by a beverage- BEER.

Please don't drink and paddle.


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