In Wyoming, Paddling Upstream

It took a full confession to dissuade him from the search.

That week, the campers treated me to some spectacular rides on the water. I did not try to solo but paddled along with a series of sturdy partners in a two-seater kayak. I learned to accept the help that most younger folk want to give. But first Pride had to go with Caution. To the winds.

When I had trouble crossing the rocks from kayak to shore, a pair of guys hoisted me on their locked arms. As Queen of the Nile, I dubbed them "Knights of the Ziploc Order."

I have a new hip and my gimpy leg is much better, thank you. Old PD remains a shadow on my horizon. Not yet a cloud.

This year, I'm saying "Yes" to Acapulco. I have a reservation that includes indoor plumbing.

But I will take Ziploc bags. I take them everywhere.

I traveled with O.A.R.S (209- 736-4677, www.oars.com), a California adventure travel outfitter. The "Grand Teton 5-Day Combo" trip costs $828 per person, which includes four days of seakayaking, one day of rafting, meals and two-person tents. Sleep kits are an additional $25. Excursion is offered on a weekly basis.

Nellie Perry is a freelance writer and retired lawyer in Hobart, Okla.