Fickle Winds on the River

[Riverkilt]

So hey, my sage Utilikilt Survival II has those toggles on the front that have worked to keep the kilt in place even in helicopter rotar wash. The perfect choice for a flat water raft trip down the Colorado River yesterday.

Pontoon raft, seats about 20, there were maybe 15 of us on the raft. We're all sober members of Alcoholics Anonymous. One of three rafts off to have an AA meeting on the river while we float through Glen Canyon. My raft pilot is my friend and AA sponsor. Weather is lovely. Float runs from the base of Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry, AZ, about 15 river miles, four hours on the river.

All is well.

Until, I'm standing at the bow of the raft as we motor downriver to catch up to the other rafts for the meeting. Something about the wind in the canyon and the wind off the bow catches the back of my kilt and answers that most common question.

Worse, I didn't feel it happen...didn't know it happened....they're telling me....I'm incredulous. A guy at the back of the raft says he got a photo of it. I'm still incredulous...alcoholics lie...especially sober ones teasing each other.

My sponsor says that when it happened he was explaining how the canyon was formed to a lady then suddenly they're both looking at "my canyon."

Later that night, back out at the main gathering (about 200 of us) a couple comes up to me, introduces themselves, and says, "We've seen your picture" meaning the apparent windgust has, in fact, been documented. So maybe there really is a picture. We shall see later today...the event runs through Sunday. I'm hoping its no worse than that kilted soldier folding the flag shot.

Kind of embarrassing, since there was no intent.

One nice thing...saves having to answer the question for this group.

First time that's been a problem for me on the river...

Ron