by rayfound » February 1st, 2010, 9:12 am
So, I'm sure we've all had our share of somewhat scary situations out on the stream. I'll give you mine, and then I look forward to hearing yours.
1. About 5 years ago I took my brother in law to the WF. He was wandering across stream to retrieve a snag. I told him "Be careful, the rocks can be slippery", he responded "What's the worst that could happen? I'm going to fall in?"... about 1 second after the sentance ended, a log, maybe 20" long and 5" diameter came down the rock face and hit him on the head. If it was a rock, or hadn't been a bit rotten, I think a serious injury was sure. As it was, he had a headache for the rest of the day.
2. Rattler's at the stream that's not shallow. 2 trips in a row, 2 rattlers I walked right past. The buzz of the second one immediately after I passed got my heart racing!
3. Yesterday. Was fishing my favorite local, scrambling around the banks to the next pool, and apparently with the recent moisture, the ground is not as stable as it usually is. I was about the top of a 3-4ft little climb when the earth gave way and I started tumbling backwards, down the little hill. I Turned to break my fall and landed face-down amongst sticks, rocks, and dirt - luckily, not hitting my head. Then a rock, about 28" x 20" x 16" pinned both legs in a hole between 2 other rocks. Everything wedged together and both legs were pinned. I was stuck, helplessly, on my knees - and I was alone.
took only about a minute to get my right leg out, but my left leg was seriously stuck. I started grabbing branches to use for leverage, but they kept breaking when I would try and pry the rock.
Eventually, I was able to pry a small hand-hold and using my back, arms, and right leg, roll the rock off enough to pull my leg free. But I was scared. Scared that I was alone, and my wife didn't really know where I was. Started thinking about getting one of those spot locators... that's for sure. And now with my Willie J pack, there is no reason not to carry basic survival gear with me. (Fire starting, a little food, mylar blanket, etc...)
Nothing ended up hurt seriously. Actually little pain today besides some stiffness in my left calf and a weird pain in my right foot.
So what about you guys? What's got your heard racing?
Fishing is the most wonderful thing I do in my life, barring some equally delightful unmentionables.
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