recollection of a tradition

[OT from cottage renovations]

Back when the Wonder Boy was a li'l one for several years running we observed the Columbus Day holiday by going down to Fletcher's Boathouse on the C&O Canal and renting a canoe in which to set off on an annual voyage of exploration.  Something would always turn up: turtles sunning on a log, herons wading in the shallows and other birds calling from high in the branches of the tall trees overhanging the towpath. 

Now he's grown and gone, off Across The Water on his own year-long voyage of discovery. 

The above was taken yesterday: years later and quite a distance upstream - Lock 29 at Lander Road, looking across the river since that stretch of the canal hasn't seen water in many years - but you get the idea.