Finally reported..

Spent the last two weeks reviewing, checking, and summarizing hydro survey data from a project that I worked on years ago. Seems like there's a potential lawsuit, so they want all the information verified in a final report. But for me, reading the notes is like a time machine, bringing back memories. While I don't remember everything, there's 20 field books that cover over 15 years of survey work, there's still a lot of remarkable stuff to recount.

There was the time we almost sank the survey boat. We had just finished the cross section and while unhooking the boat from the tagline, it swung side ways to the current and started to tip over as it filled with water. The woman working with me immediately jumped overboard, but I was finally able to get the line free from the boat before it sank and motored the half filled boat to shore. Poor B. had to wait on the far bank, soaking wet, while I bailed out the boat and retrieved the gear that went overboard. She probably still hasn't forgiven me. Too much fun.

Then there was the winter trip when, after s series of landings to drill the ice and get water measurements, the battery apparently died and the plane wouldn't start. We took turns hand cranking the motor, but it didn't even fire. After discussing options, the pilot tried one more time and wonder of wonders, it started. It apparently was flooded, so just needed some time to clear the carburetor. Kind of an exciting take off, since by then it was almost dark on the river, but a lot better than sleeping out at twenty below.

Then there was Larry, river guide extraordinaire, who was always ready to get us to a remote survey site, help fix some broken equipment, or put us up in his cabins down by the river. He had a quick smile, a funny story, and a strong opinion on most everything. Larry passed on a few years ago and is missed by all who knew him.