We were staying at the Asheville East KOA to visit family and attend what would be a big, beautiful wedding. Both the wedding site and the campground were nestled along the banks of the Swannanoa River, about four and a half miles apart. The river was running high and fast because of two weeks of steady rain. One afternoon, as Stephanie and I were helping the boys get dressed for a pre-wedding dinner, she made a simple suggestion that would lead to a great adventure.
“I think you should tube down the river to the wedding site and meet me and the boys for dinner.”
“Really?”
“You’ve been wanting to go for a tube ride, here’s your chance. If you don’t, I will.”
“Do you think its dangerous?”
“Probably not, you’ll be okay.”
I had just had my hair cut for the wedding at the Acme Barber Shop in Black Mountain and I had stopped for coffee at the Dynamite Roasting Company on my way back to Asheville East. I was feeling frisky.
So I decided to go and ask for some advice at the camp store. When I asked the ladies behind the counter if anyone had ever tubed from the campground to the farm they looked at me like I had flying monkeys coming out of my ears and insisted that no, it had never been done before as far as they knew, and no, I shouldn’t try it. Not safe.
My mind was made up. Stephanie would taunt me forever if I chickened out.
When I returned to the camper and started to change into my bathing suit Theo and Max voiced their concern, “Daddy, we want you to drive with us in the truck not take the river.” I promised them that I would be okay, hugged them both tightly, gave Wes and Momma a kiss, and headed outside to prepare my trusty skiff.
I walked down to the banks of the Swannanoa and launched right from our campsite…
The water was cool and green and the woods were lush and lovely. Was I scared? Yes. But I would put my faith in God, and in my Intex inner tube. After I left the campground property the water began to move very quickly…
And I sensed rapids ahead….
As things got rough I demonstrated the presence of mind, and the sheer stupidity, to continue documenting my journey by snapping photos.
I made the trek across the farm as the rain began to fall. As I walked up the dirt road to the house I could hear voices and laughter. When I finally arrived the rain had subsided and the mountains and sky were beautiful to behold. I felt intimately connected to the landscape and to the weather.
My knees were a bit banged up and I got a few strange looks as I joined the party. But I could hear kids laughing and playing in the side yard of the house and I wanted my boys to know that I was okay. So I threw the tube into the back of my pick-up, changed into clean clothes, and joined the fun.
