chapter 439

7/19/2016

Out of Vermont

low class

From the Vermont border downstream we completed the mighty Battenkill River from the trial runs 3 years ago. Colleen's first time in significant currents.  You could get overturned, trapped and drowned in some of these snags, strainers, and downed trees with the deceptive powerful force of the water if you aren't careful.

There are some small hydraulic jumps to ride over and boulders to avoid. She was disappointed when told they weren't even Class I rapids. 

The tuber crowd avoids the more difficult sections but "enjoys" the city-on-stream atmosphere later in the day. Not my thing.

Multitude of these beautiful Cedar Wax Wings flying by for insects taunting me like the ungraspable out of reach dollars Lucas tried to catch in the hurricane wind booth.

My "That Tree" updated. Cows gone, horses this year.

Was allowed a few moments with G-son. Luckily his playmate got sick and was throwing up. Here we walk along the slippery bank on Geyser Brook at the Saratoga State Park. It is famous for mineral water which springs out of the ground. This mound is the result of mineralization, evaporation of the spring water continuously oozing out of the ground. People love to drink this CO2 carbonated iron potassium magnesium calcium phosphorus sulfur concoction, not me. 

They say "Let the first one without sin to cast the first stone". Lucas threw many into the creek unabashedly. He got such joy from that simple thing.

aside to self: Very pleased to complete 9 mile bike trip back to truck launch site. Finally after 10 months post op to bike without pain in new hip.

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