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We went to float the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas on August 7, 2004. It was only my second time to go and Anicet's first. It was quite an adventure, let me tell you. I'm not much of a canoer, so I sat in the middle on an ice chest while Michelle and Anicet paddled. Of course, they weren't in tune with each other, so it took a while to get going good. Debra, Dennis, Glen and Todd were in a canoe of their own. I took my camera with me in a ziplock bag, but I was worried the whole time that it would get dunked in the river. Especially since Debra, Dennis, and Glen kept talking about how they had tipped their canoe last year and Debra's camera was ruined! We were going along pretty good, but then we came to a narrow part with a low, overhanging tree. And there were several other canoes there. We didn't work that part so well and we tipped the canoe. The branches were thick and very low to the river. I didn't think we'd actually make it under. I leaned forward as far as I could, but I expected to get knocked out of the canoe by the branches. I opened my eyes as the canoe tipped over. It hit me on the head, but I don't remember much about actually going under. I was up in a hurry and running after all our things that were flowing down the river. Luckily my ziplock bag was closed and we regained everything except one shoe. It was difficult getting the canoe stopped because the current was strong in that area. My camera survived even though everything was soaking wet. Thank goodness for ziplock bags! My head still hurts a little where the canoe hit me--I think it's just bruised. We made it to the take out point just in time for the last bus back to our vehicle. I don't think Anicet will want to float the Buffalo again, but I'll probably go back next year. |
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