Thought water crossings were no big deal until Swiftwater Creek nearly swept me away

For years I'd just walk through rivers with my boots on like it was nothing. Then last July I tried to cross Swiftwater Creek on the Sierra High Route right after a rainstorm and got pinned against a boulder for 20 minutes before I could crawl out. Now I actually scout the bank for a better spot and unbuckle my hip belt before crossing. Anyone else have a close call that changed their whole approach to crossings?

2 comments

2 Comments

samw474d ago

Oh man, that sounds terrifying! I had a similar wakeup call crossing a creek in the Wind Rivers. Water was only knee deep but the current was way stronger than I thought. I stumbled on a slick rock and got swept into a logjam. Now I always take my pack off and use a trekking pole for stability. Never assume a crossing is safe just because it looks shallow.

the_jessica3d ago

Pfft, unbuckle your hip belt? Amateur. I just cross my fingers and yell "cowabunga.