My near miss after finding Triad 1 of 3
My log, dated 1/25/2009
I headed out to this one after finding Triad 3 of 3.
I thought I found a good place to cross the creek, come to find out it wasn’t that good and I got a little water in my boots.
I found the Cache after a brief search.
Looks like critters have been chewing on this but it’s still in good shape.
I signed the log and headed back to my vehicle.
I encountered the creek at a different location.
I spotted a tree that had fallen across the creek and the ice appeared to be thick and solid under it.
I headed down, grabbing the branches of the fallen tree as I gingerly crossed the creek.. when.. all of the sudden, CRACK! - SPLASH!
Yes, the ice broke and the branch that I was holding onto broke too.
I was now in water up to my chest!
I felt the current pushing me as if it wanted me to go under the ice and take me down the creek.
I don’t think so! I used my tripod and smashed the ice that was in between me and the shoreline.
I managed to shimmy up to the shore line and pull myself up out of this icy mess.
I poured some of the water out of my boots and made the decision to go over to the Hwy 58 and seek assistance.
A nice couple pulled over. I explained what happened and they took me back to my vehicle (I’m so glad I live in Iowa). They just wanted to know how I got over “that fence”? I said “I don’t know, I just knew I needed to”.
I got back to my vehicle, got naked and dried off.
I put on some dry socks and some of the spare clothes that I keep in the truck.
Turned the heater on high and warmed up a little.
Glad to report, no damage! I thought I’d at least suffer some frost-bite.
I’m glad that I swallowed my pride a bit and asked for help rather than trying to make it back to my vehicle!
Thank You Iowa Tom for the adventure and my new respect for what appears to be solid ice!