rockhill

Probably a little lack of planning combined with bad luck. One trip the weather turned very cold and rainy, although not forcasted to do so. That turn of events, combined with low water levels and poor planning, turned getting to the Dark Valley bridge at Hwy 4 an exercise in survival. This June he was on the river when the monsoons set in. Finally got out at the 180 bridge complaining that the river had beat him again. He was more prepared as far as gear and provisions, just not for a sustained 10ft plus rise in river levels. In the sprit of full disclosure, I claim him as a son because he is that close to me and I have know him since his day one. In reality his dad is a good friend who now lives in Illinois while Matt is in Lubbock. I guess in that aspect I am a "surrogate" dad. At any rate I am responsible for putting him and his college buds on the river, and then rescuing them!
I have read John Graves book a couple of times, enjoying the adventure and history lesson. I intend to one day do a trip such as you document, and Mr Graves did alone, before I get too old. My place in Palo Pinto county looks out over the area between Oaks Crossing and Village Bend and I have often thought of the folks down on the river, doing as you have done. While I can not see the water from the porch, looking out over the valley, knowing it is down there, and the history around it, can lead to a lot of day dreaming.