Semis and River Rafting

          Funny how something can trigger a memory that doesn’t seem like it would even belong.  For instance when Roland is driving, he seems to go over the speed limit by five miles or so.  Sometimes he will pass the slow moving trucks.  Often people will pass him as though he’s not even moving.  We haven’t had a semi pass us but have watched some semis pass others.  I was recently reminded of going on my first river raft trip.  How would a semi remind me of river rafting you ask?  Well, let me tell you.

          I had signed up for a program through BYU.  We were told to meet at BYU and we would car pool to southern Utah.  As it turned out, there were only three of us who signed up.  John and John Junior lived in St. George.  It seemed pointless for them to drive up to Provo just to go back towards their home.  Thus Larry was designated to drive me to St. George where we would pick them up and then onto whatever river rafting company was used.  I was the same age as Jenna is right now.  Dad trusted that Larry would get me to my destination and I didn’t have any qualms about the possibility of being in danger.  There is no way I would let Jenna ride with a complete stranger even if it was a credited sponsored program – nor do I suspect BYU would allow it today.  But there you have it.  Different time.

          Larry was polite and we talked.  I don’t remember the specifics except for when we had passed a semi that had been pulled over and it appeared that the driver was receiving a citation. Larry told me to pay close attention as it was rare and I would never see it again – which I haven’t – though I suspect it happens more often than it did at that time – just as suspicion and abductions seems to have occurred more often.

          We picked John and John up outside of St. George and continued on our way.  We had our own private chef.  His name was Pete and he made the most delicious food.  The three guys had allowed me to go first for every meal – I wonder how many there were or how long we were gone.  It seems weird to think about now.  I am sad that I don’t remember many details.  I know I had fun.  I purchased a picture and kept it in my Book of Remembrance – which is one of the many items that was left behind before our arriving in Oregon.  Too bad.

          I’d love for Jenna to go river rafting.  I’m certain that she would enjoy it.

Side Note:  Shortly after I created this post, Jenna had the opportunity of going camping with a couple of people who I don't know and actually neither does she.  It may have been innocent and with wholesome intent on the one making the arrangements.  Roland and I told her no.  She doesn't seem to understand the possibility of "what if".