I begin with the Title: Shooting the Boh
A Woman's Voyage Down the Wildest River in Borneo by Tracy Johnston (copyright 1992). At the time she was a Traveller and a Journalist, living in Oakland, CA.
The basis of this book is that the Author signed up for a rafting expedition down Borneo's Boh River. She went with a group of eccentric fellow adventurers from all over the globe. Perhaps the biggest discovery she made was what she learned about herself: about what it means to be an adventurer - a woman adventurer "on the wrong side of forty."
The karma that brought me to this book was many years ago, I attended a lovely outdoor wedding in Capitola, CA. The bride, Nancy is a childhood friend. She was being a dutiful bride, (meaning she was busy), and I didn't know anyone else there but her parents, so I found myself with the need to mingle. Seriously, how long could I stand at the edge of the cliff (literally a cliff) admiring the beautiful view? I knew I had to meet people, who by the way, all knew each other.
Well, I gravitated to a group of women who seemed to be enjoying lively conversations. They told me about a book they had all finished reading, and unanimously loved it! I memorized the name and author.
I left Capitola the next day, and travelled to San Rafael to stay with another longtime friend of mine (think kindegarten). Sandy took me to a local bookstore, and lo and behold the book was there to be mine.
I could have devoured this book on the five hour flight back East, however, I knew I wanted to digest each page slowly. Years later I re-read the book, and at times thought about those interesting and fun women I met in Capitola. It is interesting how some of lifes' situations can and often do connect you to people, books, and other journeys. It can be an inspiring ride.
