Mountain Streams

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Originally uploaded by 王小明さん

From the time I was about 12 until 18 my uncle would take me to Colorado every summer to go fly fishing. We would stand around in streams that looked much like this. In order to fly fish in a stream you need to wear waders, which are rubber boots that go all the way up your legs. You can stand in a stream with the water up to your mid thigh as long as the current isn't too strong.

The first time I went fishing I was walking along the side looking for a good place to step in. The water was so clear, I could see the bottom from everywhere. I found what appeared to be a slow, shallow spot and decided to step in. The refraction of light made it appear that my foot was closer to the bottom than it actually was. My legs kepting going deeper and deeper until I hit an undercurrent and had my legs swept out from under me. I grabbed hold of some weeds on the bank as the water, now up to my waist, was filling my waders.

I can't remember if someone helped drag me out or I pulled myself out. When I was done, my legs were completely soaked and freezing. I continued fishing the rest of the day with soaked socks and jeans in my waders.