“As a 13-year-old boy, it took a while to save up to buy the $59.97 canoe kit advertised in Boys Life,” writes Paul Sutherland. “I loved that canoe, and I was soon down at the Crystal River. … Today, after living with my family all over the world, I once again live in Glen Arbor. I love the Crystal River. But it is not the river of my childhood. Heraclitus says, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” Now the river I used to step into is enjoyed many days by hundreds of people in kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Most respect the river. But some don’t. On my end of the river near Glen Arbor, I no longer see beaver or even the occasional otter anymore. I have only seen one duck and cranes this year on our end, where even a few years ago ducks and even loons were in abundance.”
