Snapshot

The most memorable "snapshot" from our 2009 7/8 class backpacking trip was at the first creek crossing on the way back. Everyone was so tired from hiking some much and maybe not sleeping well (in my case at least). We arrived at the creek in small groups and the air was filled with sighs of relief. ONE MILE LEFT. There was a small swimming hole covered by overhanging branches and the gravel bar kept going as far as you could see. I waded out to a partially submerged log and ate my sandwich. By the time I got to the log my feet were numb, that's how cold it was. After I was finished a couple of my friends had jumped in. I thought " No way, I'm not going swimming." But the water looked so refreshing and so inviting. So I waded through the shin deep freezing water. My mind was split between jumping in and staying out. But finally, the look of such refreshment blew me over. I took off my shirt and jumped in. The freezing water rushed over my head. I burst through the surface spluttering and gasping for air, but it felt so refreshing. This, I thought, was true heaven. This refreshment was enough for us to drudge the last mile where ice water and popsicles awaited us.