Lipscomb often returns the favor, ensuring packages are protected and property is accounted for. Even though he rarely comes to a full stop, steering with one hand and opening and closing boxes in a fluid motion with the other, he will go out of his way to help someone along the route when the need arises. “If their docks are covered, I can usually leave packages on the dock or in a boat house, but sometimes I need to carry it up to the house.” He’s also become adept at noticing when things are out of place. “You’ll see things floating and you’ll recognize where they came from. I remember one time, there was this boat floating away. I knew it was a really valuable boat. I had to let him know.” He admits there can be other distractions along the route, as well.
“People say ‘Oh, you have the best job.’ I say, ‘Maybe right now, but where are you when the lightning shows up?’” “On more than one occasion, I’ve seen a deer swimming across the river,” he recalls. “I’ve had fish jump in the boat, but that hasn’t happened in a while. If I run into a school of fish, I might have to stop and throw the net a couple times.” In general, though, he’s intent on getting the job done before enjoying the scenery. “I want to get the mail there, take care of business, then take a break later,” he says, noting, “It’s getting into the hottest part of the day.” Later, he said, he might get back out on the water to fish or to kayak with friends. Then the next morning, he’ll hit the water again, mail in tow. “It never stops,” he says of the route, which started in 1916. Like the river, it continues through the heart of this community. “We’re over the 100-year mark now. This thing started way before me. I’m just carrying it on. I’m doing my part.”
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