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- Sep 4, 2007
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The family and I were camping near a mountain lake and we had the canoe along to do some fishing. It was a hot day in late August and Hypothermia would not have even been a thought. My youngest Son who was about 12 at the time and I went out to do some fishing and while getting things situated in the Canoe I managed to flip it over and I went into the lake. My son had not got in the canoe yet so he was fine. First Mistake, I should have gone back to the tent and put on dry cloths but it was so warm I figured I would dry out pretty quick. We got things ready and paddled down the lake a couple miles and did some fishing. As often happens I heard a little rumble of thunder behind the hills and all of a sudden the thunderheads rolled in and the wind came up with a bang. MY Second mistake, I should have put into shore and got ready for the thunderstorm. However I thought we could probably make it back to camp before it hit big time. WRONG. We got about half way back when the waves were huge and I knew we were not going to weather this one. We got to shore on the wrong side of the lake but it was the nearest land. by this time we were both soaked from the spray and from the rain that started. We had some cheap rain gear but the wind was so strong that we couldn't even put it on. By now I was really cold and shaking like a leaf. Even though there was lightning we tipped the canoe over and propped it up on a log so we could crawl under it. I had a roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag for those outdoor emergency stops and with some pine needles and twigs that we scraped out from under the log we started a small fire under the edge of the canoe My son found some dry stuff in a hollow tree which turned out to be a big bird nest ( sorry bird) We got enough of a fire going to dry some smaller limbs and although I only has a fillet knife, I could whittle the wet stuff off a few bigger limbs and then they would burn pretty well. I know the fire kept me from a case of hypothermia and when the storm let up we made it back to the camp with some good lessons logged into the memory bank. Never think That you can't get Hypothermia pretty fast even in hot weather. Never head out with wet cloths on, always carry a lighter unless you are an expert at wilderness fire building. Time may not allow you to use some of the alternative ways of building a fire. Your physical conditions at the time may also foul you up. A little toilet paper which is easy to carry can really help as well. Last but not least, Never be caught without a knife. And a smart son.
Now I always carry a kit in the boat so that if I have to I can put ashore at the nearest shore and not only survive but to be able to have a level of comfort. I use a five gallon bucket with a good lid which will float if it ends up in the lake. Inside the bucket I have a couple of space blankets, A heavy plastic drop cloth to fashion a tent, a Sterno stove and fuel, tin cups and a small kettle, some instant soup mix, insect repellent, Instant coffee and tea bags, paracord, signal mirror, small flashlite and toilet paper. Most important, I carry three days of my medicines just in case. For those who need medications this is a must. Everything else can go well but if you need medicine, you better have it along. You can add or subract from the boat kit as locations and conditions require. Like many humans I tend to learn things the hard way but now like to pass those lessons on. Even if it makes me look silly at times.
Now I always carry a kit in the boat so that if I have to I can put ashore at the nearest shore and not only survive but to be able to have a level of comfort. I use a five gallon bucket with a good lid which will float if it ends up in the lake. Inside the bucket I have a couple of space blankets, A heavy plastic drop cloth to fashion a tent, a Sterno stove and fuel, tin cups and a small kettle, some instant soup mix, insect repellent, Instant coffee and tea bags, paracord, signal mirror, small flashlite and toilet paper. Most important, I carry three days of my medicines just in case. For those who need medications this is a must. Everything else can go well but if you need medicine, you better have it along. You can add or subract from the boat kit as locations and conditions require. Like many humans I tend to learn things the hard way but now like to pass those lessons on. Even if it makes me look silly at times.
