Re: [Paddlewise] Risk Homeowhatsis

rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:
> 
> Doug Lloyd and John Winters have written some provocative posts about
> risk and in the case of the latter, a well thought out webpage as well.
> (snip)

I can only agree, and of course, thank you for your always thoughtful 
input too, Ralph.

I really can't add anything here, but hopefully think on what has been 
said and learn. Maybe re-learn, maybe re-think. 

I'm getting older and somewhere that line of knowledge we proudly add to 
each trip(hopefully), runs into anouther line that is being drawn(even if 
we don't acknowledge it), that is called age-induced-bad or slow 
judgement. These may not be the correct words, but maybe you get my 
drift. Getting too content with our well won skills might even enter into 
the equasion...?

(Ralph continues) 
>  Almost invariably when paddlers run into
> trouble it is because of lack of attention and foresight regarding their
> route as it will be affected by weather and other variables on that 
>day.(SNIP)

The lack of attention. Wonder how many people could undo a bad or fatal 
moment, if only they had paid attention.? It's amazing how darned focused 
one can get when facing possible death. Such a shame if you loose.

I won't tell the whole story here, but once I was enjoying a perfect day 
at the end of a long lake(30+ miles fetch). There was ZERO wind and in 
about 30 minents sp? I would be off the lake and back onto the river. 
Just at the middle of a no turning back point on the cross'n, a ripple 
"rushed" under my boat, coming from the far end of the lake. It was 
followed by a second.
I will guess that there is several of you reading this that knows what 
was about to happen to my "perfect", head up my butt day.

If you havn't read it before, try to find a copy of the short story by 
Jack London, called "To build a fire". It is a pretty darn good story of 
how complacity sp? in what we think we know, can really ruin a day.

James

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