Warm and dry to start |
I was joining a group to paddle the White River from Hancock to Stockbridge in VT – (all canoes - 2 tandem, 3 poling and 3 solo). It’s a beautiful, 11-mile quickwater trip through the hills and cow fields of central VT. It’s also a three-hour drive for me, and I was running late. I was the last to arrive at the put-in, and I could tell by the looks when I drove in that the rest of the group was ready to go.
Cold and wet in the middle |
About a mile downstream I was navigating through a boney section of quickwater and it happened. I hit a rock and over I went. The recovery was quick, but the damage was done. I was sopping wet. I got my boat to shore, put on my splash top (the only spare cloths that I had) and hoped for the best. I’d be fine when sun came out.
Wet but warm at the end |
Fortunately, the rain eventually stopped, and the sun did come out. By the time we reached the take out it was sunny and warm, but it is still a lesson learned (or an important reminder) – BE PREPARED! Fortunately for me this time, my paddling friends were.
Blue sky at the take out |
If nothing else, at least I earned another poem from Tom on p-net:
Whatever doesn’t kill us,
just might make us stronger.
But some so-called friends dip in their dry bags
to address undry bagless so much wronger.
Twas good the hat and fleece of canoe’s companions
was there to unsaturate your fish-count way,
else baggy plaid pants and bridesmaid chiffon you dance,
such friendly fashion sense of ole Mike McCrea.
(Whyyy, he wouldn’t ease yer shiverin’ any other way!)
Just don’t wet-exit a second time, because you don’t want to see what’s inside that purple drybag Sharpied, “Victoria Shoulda Kept It a Secret/Dammit Eric!”
TW
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