Occasionally, we get something right. Anyone reading this essay, we would hope, would be pleased about that. Unfortunately, today was definitely not one of those occasions. Well, back in 2021, we did have a hot streak but it's not for us to boast. We've learned to be patient with ourselves in respect of poor judgment or else it's likely we will experience a lot more frustration.
Cheers,
Looks like she's actually enjoying herself.
We arrived at the parking lot knowing that we would be crossing the San Diego River. Obviously, we would be undertaking this exercise to get to the other side. We suppose you've heard something similar before. As we approached the river, we wondered how we'd cross over without getting too wet. One of us suggested we spend a bit of time examining the potential comfortable crossings. One party had also mentioned hearing of an alligator sighting recently. 'This is not Florida,' the other retorted, 'alligators do not inhabit much of the United States and particularly not California. In fact, the 'gator is far too intelligent to live in the 'Bear' state'. Then things began to turn a little tense.
Possible alligator or crocodile spotting...maybe, fish. We do not hold out to be experts. (Middle of the picture at bright yellow section).
Whether it was a show of temper or knowledgeable assertion, it was mentioned that perhaps it wasn't an alligator after all. 'On second thoughts, it was a crocodile,' the person uttered. Following that statement, the same person did not wait for a logical examination of the crossing options. Instead, said person in a rather unusual out of character reaction, darted into the water and proceeded to hike across, the level of the flow covering much of the lower body. In fact, close to waist level is a fair estimation. The poor person watching this fiasco, decided to act as a hero (modest, of course) and followed quickly in case of slippage or worse, coming 'face to jaw' with a crocodile. Both parties had accepted at that stage it could not be an alligator.
Whether it was a show of temper or knowledgeable assertion, it was mentioned that perhaps it wasn't an alligator after all. 'On second thoughts, it was a crocodile,' the person uttered. Following that statement, the same person did not wait for a logical examination of the crossing options. Instead, said person in a rather unusual out of character reaction, darted into the water and proceeded to hike across, the level of the flow covering much of the lower body. In fact, close to waist level is a fair estimation. The poor person watching this fiasco, decided to act as a hero (modest, of course) and followed quickly in case of slippage or worse, coming 'face to jaw' with a crocodile. Both parties had accepted at that stage it could not be an alligator.
Having negotiated the deepest section, a somewhat relieved but soaked hiker relaxes a bit.
The underfoot was slippery, the width of the river seemed to grow but the hero arrived to support the other person whose pants at that stage were immersed in water. Most fortunately, the said pants remained on the body as the flow of water was less than gentle but not too strong. Luckily, we did not sight any expected reptiles but we came across some fish, two were at least 3-4 inches long. The person who darted into the water initially, then wondered whether the fish might swim into the clothing. By that time, the other person, still showing admirable restraint and much patience, focused on ensuring that the worried hiker/swimmer would be protected should we have missed sighting one of those large-teeth predators from Florida or perhaps even Africa. Having been born in Africa, we wondered whether a crocodile might pick up our scent and try to become familiar with our bodies. Rather wisely, the initial darter thought having soaked ourselves in water, the scent would probably have dissipated. When we reconsidered the initial fear, after thirty-four years out of South Africa but for annual visits, we probably 'stink' like a local. It gave us comfort.
The underfoot was slippery, the width of the river seemed to grow but the hero arrived to support the other person whose pants at that stage were immersed in water. Most fortunately, the said pants remained on the body as the flow of water was less than gentle but not too strong. Luckily, we did not sight any expected reptiles but we came across some fish, two were at least 3-4 inches long. The person who darted into the water initially, then wondered whether the fish might swim into the clothing. By that time, the other person, still showing admirable restraint and much patience, focused on ensuring that the worried hiker/swimmer would be protected should we have missed sighting one of those large-teeth predators from Florida or perhaps even Africa. Having been born in Africa, we wondered whether a crocodile might pick up our scent and try to become familiar with our bodies. Rather wisely, the initial darter thought having soaked ourselves in water, the scent would probably have dissipated. When we reconsidered the initial fear, after thirty-four years out of South Africa but for annual visits, we probably 'stink' like a local. It gave us comfort.
Fortunately, with both parties mostly soaked, boots obviously squelching water profusely, parts of the body and boots covered in slimy moss, there was no acrimony between the couple. The partner who is invariably cold, especially hands and feet, uttered for the next while how enjoyable the cool water felt on the hot body. Hmm! One wondered about that.
A smile of triumph or ...
Nearly 4 hours later, we returned from what proved to be a wonderful hike and decided to take a closer look at possible drier crossings. It did not take long to discover a rocky section, covered with as little as 3-inches of water. We proceeded to take the obvious path which to be fair, was not easily visible from the other side of the river.
Nearly 4 hours later, we returned from what proved to be a wonderful hike and decided to take a closer look at possible drier crossings. It did not take long to discover a rocky section, covered with as little as 3-inches of water. We proceeded to take the obvious path which to be fair, was not easily visible from the other side of the river.
Truth be told, we were both pleased to have walked in and through the river—it was a terrific experience. However, the one party then asked the partner to take a hike through the river again so that the person could take a photograph. The answer from the hero was that as enjoyable as the trip across had been, once would be just fine per day.
The civilized crossing on the return led by a rather modest and humble gentleman.
Jenni and Jeffrey
"Don't worry, Jen, I've got your back. I'll get you across the river...on a wing, you bring the prayer."
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