If you're a river rat like me and love rafting and kayaking, I hope you're reading No Umbrella, a relatively new, very well written monthly paper on all things having to do with getting wet on the water in Maine.

In the September issue of No Umbrella, you'll find an article on rafting out west by veteran Maine river guide Scott Phair, a marathon trip to the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, the San Juan River, and the Green River through the Gates of Lodore Canyon.

A few things you should know going into this, though...

I've known Scott and his brother Pete for many, many years now. And Scott, while he may not have invented 'boat drinks', has most certainly perfected the art, especially on the river. Further, Scott opens the article by describing he and his Maine river companions as "relatively sane Maine river runners."

Now Scott, I must ask, how could you make such a blatantly false statement, and mislead all those good readers?

Sane? A madman river runner like you? And your cronies? Sane?

You're killing me.

I know better. And I'm joking with you of course (well, sort of).

Anyway, back to the story. It's a good one. And leaves me very jealous and aching for a marathon raft trip to the magnificent canyons of the US west myself.

Paddle on, or should I say "hold on" with Scott and enjoy!