The Treacherous Waters of Money Creek

Crossing the deceptive waters of Money Creek proved to be a test of will. As Kendra and I gazed longingly towards the sun-blanketed riverbank, we knew we had to navigate through water to feel the warmth. We did not expect that crossing would cause us so much trouble.

We were stranded in a campground covered like an umbrella from the enormous pine trees that swayed gently above us on the opposite side of the sun. We sat patiently, soaking our feet in the shallow water to prepare our bodies for the chill they were about to endure, debating our plan of action. We brought along floating devices to use as mattresses once we reached the other side. With a few more minutes of preparation, we blew up our fluorescent colored floating mattresses until our cheeks ached. The soothing sound of the rippling waves encouraged us that it would be easy.

One step at a time we crept into the river. Our numbing feet would not allow us to move our legs as fast as our minds wanted them to. The calm river began to move our limbs with a slow power. Close to six feet out into the water, we were knee length underneath. The freezing current felt like tiny sewing pins instead of rushing water. We struggled to keep balance because the riverbed varied in size and texture. Our bare feet slipped on the moss-covered pebbles, forcing our toes to slam into basketball sized, jagged rocks. Our breathing turned into short gasps, as if it were a violent struggle for air due to the drop in temperature.

Halfway across and up to our waist, we began to use our floaties as guides. Hovering over them with careful maneuvering, we tried to manage our balance more on our plastic toys than our feet. With every step, the invisible current grew with a heavy weight. Even with our balancing tactic, we had to defy the rocks that taunted us from below. Using our toes, we tested each rock before following through with our next move or else our feet would be forcefully wedged in between them.

Slowly we arose from the cold. Inch by inch the bank grew higher. Successfully making it to the other side, we could feel the sun sucking the frost out of our bones. Bathing in the heat and enjoying our accomplishment, we then realized that it was not over. Because our campsite was located on the side we originated from, we would soon have to torment our bodies with the harsh waters of Money Creek one last time.