THE GREAT CANOE FIASCO On a trip to New Braunfels, in the Texas hill country, we saw a sign along the highway, advertising canoe rentals! We were there to relax and enjoy ourselves, so I suggested to my wife, Joyce that we should give canoeing a try. I knew I would face some opposition, since I have never been able to teach her to swim. She still can’t face a shower head! The sign referred to a water slide and canoe rental venue across the highway from the Guadalupe Outpost Resort where we were staying and we decided to check on rental fees and safety! The folks at the rental office said they hadn’t renewed their permit with the Guadalupe River Authority for the season but the young lady asked her partner if it might be possible to call for a temporary permit! The call was a success and we were in luck! Checking a map of the river, it was decided that they would portage our boat up river to Gruene Bridge, where we could launch. I was concerned about rapids and pointing to a place on their map labeled, “DOG LEG”, I was told that there were no rapids, just a few small drops at pool changes. The water was shallow at the launch site and after loading our snacks, camera and fishing gear, we donned life preservers, as required for safety. With Joyce seated inside the canoe, I pushed the craft towards deeper water near the center of the river. Entering the river, we started downstream and I jumped in and grabbed a paddle to begin paddling. Away we went with me grinning, at last on the Guadalupe! Getting a feel for handling the canoe, I turned to the edge, for slower current to try my fly rod and to take a few pictures. With no attempts by fish on my lures, we concentrated on the pool changes to better choose the best spot to enter the level changes. Each drop to the next pool area offered a bit of excitement, making our trip more fun. The river has huge Cypress trees, with knees poking up all along the edge of the river and now and then, a few trees growing near the middle. Approaching the tenth pool, we could hear a distant roar like water going over a big drop! I said nothing but Joyce finally asked about the noise. I shrugged and indicated that whatever it was, we were not going to be able to avoid it! Rounding a bend, I realized that we were entering the dreaded “DOG LEG” that I questioned at the rental place as a danger to avoid! Too late! The river had us and the water’s strength was pushing our canoe straight at two trees, leaving no room to dodge an impending crash! The noise of the water was a roar by then and I shouted to Joyce to hold on! The bow of the canoe hit one tree and after a pause, the current pushed the stern around and we banged against the other tree! Suddenly we were flipped out, Joyce ahead of me, in time-warp slow motion! I caught her by the life preserver just before we hit the water. She was on her back and reaching back, I caught the canoe that was stuck between the trees! Pulling her towards me, I turned her over so that she could grasp the side of the canoe. Tying the canoe to a tree root, I eased Joyce inside for security while searching for our possessions. Joyce’s purse, my camera case and most of our cargo circled in the eddy currents on one side. With most of our things gathered, I swung into the canoe and untied the rope for a short drift to a gravel bank. Still missing was my fishing tackle box but we had survived! Walking a short distance to the rental office, we told our story and that the canoe was not far up river. They told me that I wouldn’t get my deposit back because there would be damages to the canoe! I reminded them that the river authority would find it odd that they misled us about the hazard at DOG LEG! Calling it even and with no visible damage to the canoe, we received our deposit. The rest of the evening was spent drying Joyce’s purse, our clothes, wallets and cash. I found my tackle box near the highway bridge and in the end, we only lost one sock! But what a ride!!! Glen Radley
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:10:46 +0000