Please check before crossing

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


All good advice...never check the water depth with both feet...!!

[Lorax]

I've seen that river on TV before. Pretty amazing that it's just barely 6ft wide at points but so deep and current so strong that anything in it will get blasted downstream before you know it.
Even if you don't have trekking poles, pick up a sturdy stick to use as a wading staff. Unhook the belt on your pack in case you have to ditch it quickly. Proceed with caution.

[dinosaur]

If it's only six feet wide you could pole vault over it.

[ppine]

In marshy country it is always a good idea to have some one on foot walking before the vehicles to see how soft the ground is. When ridinig horseback in the moutains be careful around wet spots with aspen stands. Sometimes a horse's leg can disappear in the muck. Ask around in new country to find out if there is any clay. In WY and So Dak I have been stuck on a flat road of montmorillinte after a rain with chains on all 4 wheels. No choice but to wait for it to dry out.

[twinsmommy]

Very good point. We always check and look around. I have heard so many stories of kids diving into water they thought was deep and turned out not to be.

[Waynefire]

I always have a long hiking stick with me. With this stick I push it into the dirt to test to guarantee it is solid enough to step on. Without this I do not go into the uncharted areas.