The good and bad of the river

This past weekend afforded me an interesting opportunity, as well as a reminder, to witness duality when dealing with nature, especially when it comes to water.

The Wind River and Bighorn River have generated quite a bit of discussion and speculation over the past few weeks, what with the runoff and occasional rainstorm impacting just how fast they each are moving. Saturday, I watched as a couple groups navigated the river in the canyon, waves soaking and spinning them, even helping their rafts catch a bit of air time.

Just a few hours later, in the “calmer on the surface” water on the Bighorn, 11 people of varying ages found themselves a bit stranded on one of the middle islands.

If found it interesting that, when I saw both groups, it was those on the calm Bighorn who got knocked off their floats rather than those on the rushing rapids. And, yes, I know there’s more safety measures for those on the rapids, but I also know of people who’ve gotten knocked so far off in the canyon they chose to head to shore rather than back to the raft.

Let me add a quick word of appreciation to those who are making sure those who venture on the river are safe, whether it be guiding a boat or keeping an eye out for those in trouble and getting help if needed. Also, a big shout out to Hot Springs County Search and Rescue and those who helped in getting those 11 out of the water. Visiting with them afterward, they were a bit shaken up but very grateful.

Thinking back on what I saw Saturday also got me thinking about the Wedding of the Waters. Though the name implies the merging of two rivers, even though it’s only a change in name, it certainly seems like a point when the river shifts attitude from hurried to calm.

Speaking from my own experience on the river, I can only say make sure you secure anything important or valuable before you decide just to jump in. I still don’t know where my last pair of glasses wound up, and probably never will.