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

[GMan]

Oh those unexpected "joys" of life that befalls us all.

[James]

All you can do is laugh with the crowd.

It is a major risk if there is such a thing of ilt wearing-he sneaky breeze lifting the pleats at the back-and the wearer not being aware of any problem.

James

[Riverkilt]

Back at the AA gathering this afternoon and tonight. More people coming up saying they've seen "the picture." Then an old guy and an old friend wanders over to my and my lady when we're eating at the BBQ and says, "So do you wear underwear with that kilt?" Was in my caramel UK workman's today to help BBQ...lots of soot and grease.

Of course, he'd seen the picture too. So asked after the guy who had it saying I'd really like a copy. He found the guy and we chatted...the camera was back at his campsite. But he took my email to send me a copy and said it really didn't show my butt. He said the wind really did get the kilt above my butt but the camera only recorded the kilt on the way down...still high...but not what others were implying.

Anyhow, guess I'll get to see for myself in a couple weeks when the guy gets home and emails me...

Ron

[Alan H]

Just think of all the joy you're bringing to all those peoples lives....*grin*.

Hell, even if the pic is totally harmless, just TALKING about is a party.