The Rapids

There were rocks everywhere.  I should have paid more attention to the rapids and its geography before getting into this situation. Now there was no way out of what was bound to happen.

The best outcome was a scratched aluminum canoe. Or a canoe folded in half by the weight of the water. I decided that a scratched canoe was better than death by stupidity.  Actually, there was no time for rational consideration or asking a teacher what to do now.

Personal survival does focus the mind. 

Off we go into the rocks. The flowing water creates a cushion that allows for bouncing off of some sharp-edged rocks. Please get into the mainstream of the rapids. Do not let the canoe get pushed sideway by the current. So far, so good.

Notice the tree branch ahead.  It may remove my hat. It does and there it is floating on ahead. 

Driven by the water the canoe runs against a rock that leaves a deep scratch in the side of the canoe but does not puncture the aluminum skin.

Now I can see clear water ahead. Be careful of the whirlpool at the foot of rapids.

The expectation of a scratched canoe was realistic and was accomplished.

This story is brought to mind by the global pandemic. 

by Delton Krueger 4/1/2020