Props

I recently got an e-mail from one of my Northbrook friends, Tim. He said, Hey, I finally developed the film in my underwater camera! He’d been taking shots on that same roll for three summers.

Among the shots were a few from a day that he, Husband Tim, and I went fishing on the Ausable, back in 2006. See? Here’s one now:

It was the end of the day, and Husband Tim and I, having worked our way up the opposite bank to get to the honey hole, needed to cross the river and climb up the steep side to the road, where Friend Tim awaited us.

I like this shot. What amazes me, though, is that the photo doesn’t convey how treacherous that crossing is. The current’s really strong, and even when the river’s low, when the water only hits my thighs or hips, I know I’m no match for it alone. I’d attempt a solo crossing only in an emergency.

But whenever I cross there, it means I’ve spent a few hours enjoying one of my favorite places with my favorite person. Tim and I support one another, become the stable prop for the other’s weight, take turns making the next move. We always get to the other side.