CANOE TRIP ON THE ANDALUCIA RIVER

Picture a long canoe floating down a winding river known as the Andalucia River . In that canoe sits the Property Manager at the tiller, the Board of Directors giving direction, and alongside them—Committee Members and homeowners.

The Board points left: “Let’s go that way.” But sometimes, to actually go left, the Manager has to steer right first—to dodge a hidden rock or work with the current instead of against it. It’s not resistance—it’s navigation.

As the canoe drifts downstream, the Manager keeps watch for overhanging branches, fallen trees, or debris—anything that might pollute the river or block the way. It’s also their job to make sure the landing spot—a white sandy beach—is clean, safe, and ready when everyone arrives.

Now, how fast do we get there?

The Manager can row alone and they will successfully navigate the canoe to the white sandy beach—eventually. But when the Board, Committees, and homeowners come together as a community, we move faster, steadier, and with purpose.

And paddling doesn’t always mean doing the heavy lifting. Sometimes, it means noticing something off—an issue on the riverbank or a snag in the current—and pointing it out with the spirit of helpfulness. Because chances are, the Manager just hasn’t seen it yet. The river’s long, and the view isn’t the same from every seat.

Progress doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from awareness, trust, and rowing—together—in the same direction, otherwise it is like the 1972 Movie "Deliverance" - and we all know how that worked out for them.