One Man's View Of A Float Trip
By John Matlock

This came from an old Monthly Chapter Bulletin - Valley H-Lites - September 1978

     The annual float trip had all the makings of a total disaster. Those of us who were going to the camp grounds Friday evening had to shop, pack-up, load-up, etc., in a driving rainstorm in St. Louis. "It's going to be a quagmire at Emminence", said one. "Let's pitch the tent in the basement and float down the backyard", said another (it was not his basement). But one staunch individual (namely me) said with confidence (after a call to Circle B) "that everything will be all right". And it was until:

2030 hours - (Army talk for 8:30 PM) Lightning and ominous rolls of thunder far off in the distance

2045 hours - Lightning and ominous rolls of thunder not TOO far off in the distance

2100 hours - String gusts of winds, lightning and ominous rolls of thunder right on top of us

2115 hours - String winds, lightning, thunder and rain you wouldn't believe

But we survived it all with only a few tent pegs pulled out (dumping several gallons of water on the party who opted for the basement) and slight leaks in the tent (only one cot floated out). The staunch individual (namely me) who during the entire storm held onto the kitchen fly center pole, said tomorrow will be all right. And it was until:

Midway through the first half of the trip (no watch to tell time the rain the night before took care of that) it started to rain, not heavily, just a nice, soft, warm rain. Which, when combined with the cool water, created the most beautiful fog you have ever seen. Have you ever canoed in the fog? It is a little like playing Russian Roulette. You hear voices shouting, "watch out for the log (or rock, or water moccasin, etc) over there!", "over there"? You don't even know where "here" is.

Now, to all of the above ingredients add-capsizing, multiple lacerations, bruises, contusions, swollen joints, aching muscles, insect bites, ad infinitum and what do you get?

ONE GREAT TIME!

Because, overriding all, there is the camaraderie, the Saturday night campfire, the singing, the people from all over the camp ground sitting around and listening, applauding, urging you to sing another one. That's what it is all about.

WHEN DO WE GO AGAIN?