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GardenersGlove (Anonymous) says…

Yes, this is so sad…………
Many years ago when my son was about 14 he joined a summer youth camp and the leader of it took the kids down the Yampa River in canoes. The river was the highest I had ever seen it and it was out of its banks, but this young 20 year old girl leader decided it was ok to have teens go in the river. The current got ruff, the canoe toppled over and out went my son and the boy in the canoe with him. My son saves the boy first and then my son went under holding up one arm, the other boy saved him. Hero to Hero, they ended the canoe trip and returned home that afternoon. My son white as a sheet gets his back pack out of the leaders truck and when I said, why are you home so early (as this was a month long adventure), the young leader just looked at me and said, your son just wanted to come home. When I questioned my tall, very athletic son about this, he replied, 'Mom I almost died.” we both almost drowned and I was scared to death and I don't want to ever go back on that youth camp trip again. In a split second I could have lost my son, through nothing but bad decision making of a youth leader. I never let my kids swim in that river again and I wish adults could tell the young how rivers may look inviting, but they can be so dangerous. My prayers go out to this family………..

GardenersGlove (Anonymous) says…

I agree 'native' and yes it was to close for comfort for me with my son. He too is a good swimmer, but you never can tell on a river or a lake for that matter. Oh I think you still can do all the right things and sometimes you are just in the wrong place at the wrong time, or maybe it's just your time. I hate to read these stories of the young dying however, it is such a waste. They have their whole life, but then it is cut short. With the approaching 4th I just hold my breath. Native, does that mean you have lived here all your life or in the valley? I was here as a young girl, then returned. Many changes have happened and some I wish still to come. I'm getting a big kick out of reading all these posts about the town and how people feel. I lived in a town for over 20 years that I thought was dirty and unprogressive, moving back to Craig I thought was a step up. Traveling all over as I have in the last few years, I see that Craig needs to come up to date. There are several things trying to get off the ground, but it sure is a waiting game. Anyway, personally I think if kids are going to swim in the river or lake, then post certain areas that are safe. If not, then yes, make a law that you can't swim in a river or lake without a life jacket. To little to late for this young girl, but maybe an eye opener to her age group of friends.

GardenersGlove (Anonymous) says…

Yes, I agree………….but hopefully others will learn from it.

I was here when I was in kindergarten through 2nd grade, my Dad owned a clothing store here. Then when the boom died, we left. I've lived in many different places. Went to 13 different schools growing up. Lived in the city and small towns so I've had both sides of that coin, I prefer living in the small town now as I take life on cruise control. :)
I just wish they would go back to having Victory go in both directions, I miss that. I miss the Drive In and good eating places, oh well have to put up with what we have for now. Ha!

sagebrushmanus (Anonymous) says…

to natives post yes it looked like a great place to swim but what you cant see is the undercurrent that pulled her under and kept her there

bigrred1576 (Anonymous) says…

telling my age, 53. I was born and breed here myself. I have seen many parts of this world and prefer coming home to Craig. if you are gone for more than a week, coming over the top of Rabbit Ears and looking into the Yampa Valley give me chills, knowing I am close to home. I am not a fan of Steamboat (being a bulldog) but it is in the Valley. I am a Proud alumnus of MCHS.
This accident was unfortunate, but God had a reason for having that Girl here for a season. we dont know the reason and probably never will, but HE makes all things turn out good.