On August 13, we launched the tandom canoe and headed up Holsten Creek from HW58. We paddled against the current in the flood waters. I probably jumped out into the creek more than I actually needed to, because the water was cool and refreshing. We managed to get to the second spot beyond HW58 where the high ground meets the edge of the creek. At that point, there was a large deadfall we would have had to cross and we were already a pretty good distance up the creek.
On the way back down the creek, Fred floated in an inner-tube shaped floatation device. That’s what he wanted to do, and the current in the creek was in his favor. I tried to stay behind him with the canoe, in case he was attacked by a sharp stick that let the air out of his conveyance … or encountered some other, unexpected calamity.
I was happy because I got to spend a lot of time in the water and Fred enjoyed his tubing trip. We got back to HW58 at about 20:00. I really wasn’t expecting it to get dark so early, but it turns out that the sunset this time of year is right at 20:00, give or take a few minutes. By the time we unloaded the boat and brought it up to the road, it was pretty dark. I guess summer is heading into autumn.
I’m not sure when we’ll get another big rain event. I’m really glad we took advantage of the high water and did something fun with it. The water in Holsten is fresh water and, since it is mostly from recent rain, it is pretty cool. I’d estimate it is around 70 degrees F (20 C). Also, the creek has a gravel bottom in most places and it’s not deep. The only real hazard is the logs and branches that litter the bottom in places.
