Sometime during our summer of 1990 engagement, Bryce invited me to Grant to float the canal. It was a lovely summer day. We drove several miles east from their home and put someone’s new 2-man inflatable raft in the water. The canal was nice and wide and we settled in for an enjoyable, cozy float. It was exciting to be off doing something with just the two of us, especially something I had done little of.
We admired the fields we passed, moo’d at the cows, and enjoyed the tree-lined banks that provided shade from the summer sun. We noted some tree branches ahead of us completely encroaching the width of our path. Trees over water can be dangerous so we worked quickly to prepare for its challenge by working together hanging onto branches to swing us around into clearer currents. That added a little charm to the day and was quickly and safely navigated.
Not too much later, another problem presented itself. A fence strung across the canal became visible. It was mostly underwater but too far above the water to go over. There was a small area on the left side that we might “just fit” through if maneuvered skillfully. To complicate matters, an additional barbed wire hung threateningly across the canal too. Bryce explained the game plan. He would stand in the raft and step over the fence and barbed wire as I was to flatten myself out in the bottom of the boat. As Bryce stepped over the fence , he pulled up on the barbed wire so the raft could pass through unscathed. It was tricky business and would require a steady hand.. Silently and with tandem effort, we somehow managed to make it through. Bryce didn’t fall in or tip us over! I was ready to celebrate our success but just then Bryce let go of the barbed wire. As the wire sprung back into place, it punctured the back of the raft and we heard the dreaded sound of air escaping rapidly. Working very quickly “MacGyver” style, Bryce asked for my chewing gum. He placed a temporary patch on our boat and we proceeded without too much loss. I think one of us kept a finger close to our patch the rest of the trip.
Our troubles were not over though. This float was only supposed to take an hour as it was, but somehow obstacles kept finding their way in our path! We soon came to a bridge that crossed the expanse of the canal with head room only for fish or maybe some swimmers not afraid of tight spaces. As both of us were dressed in shorts and t-shirts and did not plan to get wet, we paddled over to the right side of the canal, carefully exited, walked around the bridge, and then re-entered the waters. We began to wonder if this trip was worth all this effort!
Before our journey ended, we encountered a check-point “dam.” The water fell noisily over the boards in front of us. To the side bank we went yet again. Except this time, we exited the float. Our excitement had been enough for one day.
Despite the disruptions in our “restful afternoon float”, this is a favored memory of mine because we worked together to get through these little trials and lived through it without injury. I also learned a few things about my future husband. First, and most impressive to me was the way he took the lead and the way he took care of me!. He was a gentleman who always took the harder part. He took responsibility ultimately for our safety, as I thought he should. His behaviors in a stressful situation were calm and quick. I was pleased to be engaged to such a man. I was so grateful to see he did not have a short-fused temper, that he was able to take each obstacle in stride and think creatively. His quick thinking led us safely to our journey's end.
I literally decided on this day, this hour, that this was going to be a great man to be attached to in life. This little float trip mirrors real life. Our expectations may be “happily ever after” with smooth waters and relaxed sailing, however, life is not always smooth. There are always inconveniences and obstacles to deflect. After 33 years of marriage, I can honestly say Bryce has been the best captain of our little fleet I could have ever hoped for.
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