Fear and Magic

Night Kayaking the Hudson River

The river at night belongs to me. Me, and my sturgeon kin, my heron pals, the moon, the frantic bugs that prick my face and arms. Those bugs force me to keep my mouth sealed: they dare me to swallow them.

The Hudson River is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, pulling in and out with the tides the 154 miles from Manhattan to Albany. I’ve paddled the length of the river, from Schodack Island to Manhattan. Twice during a long, thrilling day, I’ve circumnavigated Manhattan. I know where the river …