It always happens when you least suspect it, and that is why you need to live by the Boy Scout motto – be prepared. Yesterday I wasn’t.
I was joining a group to paddle the White River from Hancock to Stockbridge in VT. 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 the rest of the group was ready to go.
As far as I knew the forecast for the day was sunny and warm, but I hadn’t checked in a few days. I didn’t want to hold the group up any longer so I grabbed my boundary boots boots, left my hat, drysuit and spare cloths in the car, and headed out. It would be fine. Its just quickwater, and the river was at a nice level.
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 dry top (the only spare cloths that I had) and hoped for the best. It'll be fine when the sun comes out.
Unfortunately, the sun didn’t come out. Instead, it started to rain. The clouds increased and we had a torrential downpour. Everyone pulled out their raingear, but I just got colder and wetter. I was able to borrow a hat from Bob, and that helped for a while. When my teeth started to chatter I knew I needed to get some dry cloths. I borrowed a fleece from Jonathan to replace the wet shirts under my dry top. That felt much better, and I started to warm up.
Fortunatately, 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.
Thanks for sharing that Erik, important for all of us to keep in mind. Glad you were ok.
Re: Be Prepared...
Posted by Patricia S Lardner on 5/3/2021, 8:34 am, in reply to "Be Prepared..."
Erik,
Thanks for sharing, this is such a good reminder this time of year. Many of us are out for the first time of the year and pulling out all of our equipment. Last year I created a check list in notes, but the two times I have been out this year, I did not check. Forgot my gloves last paddle and fortunately, a friend Paula had an extra pair. As leaders, its always good to prepare for those who are not. Extra warm stuff tucked away in a dry bag can save the day.
Re: Be Prepared...
Posted by Sharon on 5/3/2021, 9:51 am, in reply to "Be Prepared..."
Erik thanks for sharing your story. Such a great reminder. So glad it turned out ok for you.