An Evening on Benbrook Lake

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    What an evening we had canoeing across the choppy waters of Benbrook Lake! Although I was unsure of what to expect when we began our escapade across Fort Worth, I was pleasantly surprised at how peaceful and enjoyable the trip was (albeit my arms will be sore tomorrow!). Despite a wrong turn on the way there, we found our way to the lake and began to unload our very heavy canoes and paddles. I was shocked at how low the water was, but after reflecting on my summer in Fort Worth, I quickly remembered that rain has been a rare occurrence these past few months. Sheridan and I trucked through the mud and braved the waters as the first to enter. We paddled with all of our might across the waters, realizing that the wind was definitely going to make our jobs more difficult. We did not really have a location in mind as we paddled, simply making our way deeper out into the lake, and hopefully for the opposite shore. 

    Throughout the hour or so we spent on the water, we made conversation, taking note of the other boats, the congregation of our classmates along the shoreline, and the depths of the water as we got closer to the edge of the lake. At one point, I looked across the lake and saw a single bird flying above the waters and across the rising sun. It was peaceful and simple, and although I did not capture a photo, I think it is best preserved in my mind's eye. Towards the end of our trip, I noticed a man across the lake, throwing a frisbee of sorts to his two dogs. As the dogs leapt around and splashed in the water, I couldn't help but smile at the simple goodness of the moment. The sun began to set as we made our way back to shore, watching our classmates circumvent the lake in an attempt to make their way back towards our entry point. I smiled as the sky turned from a bright blue, to almost white, and then to deep shades of pink and a beautiful purple. 

    Even whilst waiting for everyone to load, I was still struck by the nature and serenity of the place we were in, and how we had all taken a moment out of our detailed and busy days to just be in the same place, unplugging, and enjoy nature. The photos I took include many moments, but my favorite is of the sunset, with a team carrying a canoe back in the foreground. Today would not have been the same without everyone there, working as a team, and observing together. I'm grateful for the opportunity to do things like this, and that TCU and Dr. Williams take the charge in shaping our lives in such a way that leaves impact beyond the classroom (thank you!!).

Sheridan was a great partner in the water!

High sun in the sky as we began our trip

My favorite photo of the night


Location: Benbrook Lake, Texas, USA

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