: Uhmm, so the waterfall "was" a big surprise. THAT is why I'm far
: more aware of where and what I'm doing now, even when I know I shouldn't
: be doing what I'm doing. At least if and when I go over again I won't say:
: "Oh, Shit!" while wondering: "What the hell?" So much
: for smiling for a poster. If I am such, I have Homer Simpson's
: doughnut-blank look on my face. Hey, when I file my latest trip report
: today, I'll be offering advice on how to choose a launch point to access
: near frozen rivers, how to use the access and how to get back ashore. I
: had some complications yesterday when my scouted access point turned out
: to be filled with 6-foot high blocks of broken ice. I had to pick a new
: point which meant poling across 15 meters of unstable ice to get to the
: open water. Once in, Ihad a great time even if it was somewhat cold.
: Incidently, I let the Fire Department know I was going in for a few hours.
: I didn't want to be rescued agaisnt my will nor did I want to take the
: rescue guys away from the hockey game which I am sure they were watching.
:

: Robert N Pruden

Wow, you don't have to go far to find a place to take risks up there do you. I'm sure I'd be right behind you (after you proved the ice was thick enough to walk on that is).

I've had 40+ broken bones over the years and that doesn't keep me from taking chances but their memory does serve to make me aware that things happen and to keep a sharp eye. Unfortunately the sharp look out wasn't enough to keep me from breaking the next 39 or so bones. Knowing it's dangerous is not always enough. Still, I wouldn't swap a single ouch if staying safe meant not having fun. Just don't get carried away.

--KT--