The following was written by Markevius ‘Dinky’ Jones, 18, River guide with campaign member, Quapaw Canoe Company. It was written for “Our Mississippi“.
| “I grew up on the river, but I never fished or swam or canoed in it until I met John Ruskey, who founded Quapaw Canoe. My cousin worked there and started telling me about it, and John took me in. I was like a newborn baby when I got started and learned as I went on: how to build canoes, how to guide canoe trips with strangers, how to paddle through whirlpools. John paid me, as an apprentice, but it was never about the money. What I love about this work is that it‘s peaceful and quiet, and you get to see what most people don‘t ever get to see: wildlife like alligators and river otters, snakes and beavers, and beautiful little islands.”“I‘ve never been afraid, like some people are on the largest waterway in America, because I‘ve always had fun on it. I‘ve been on lots more than 100 outings, usually with John along, too, including one for a month from St. Louis to the Gulf; usually with John along, too, | including one for a month from St. Louis to the Gulf; sometimes I have to stay out of school because they need me. When I learn a route I like, I take people out by myself. I‘ve been doing this six years; I know what I‘m doing. I can count on one hand the people who didn‘t love the river by the end.”“Camping overnight alongside the river is something I like, too. You can hear the wolves and coyotes howling, and see all the stars most people don‘t see.”“John is a very nice, giving guy. To be honest, he feels like a father figure to me. We‘ve become really close. When I graduate this spring, I most likely will become a full-time river guide. I really enjoy it, and it keeps you out of trouble” |