It's not my opinion that counts -it's Shanes parents. I do feel better with some clarity.
The riverbank is almost the same, but, it's pitch black on the trail, completely out of the way to walk at 2:09 am to smoke. Damn!
But, that could be the very reason he entered the lot- to head down there.
Shane didn't hide his marajuana smoking, he advocated it.
My gosh, why?...why go there??
The bank is longer, not as steep on that side. There is a flat part where you can actually walk on the bank along the rivers edge. There you can definitely slip in.
I smoked my face off as a young adult. (Total River Rat)...The difference with me was I always smoked with my friends. I never toked up by myself. He's different.
I'm not sure about this way of thinking, because I think too much.
Part of me believes- Shane knew about that spot- he's a local.
He entered the lot went to the right-went to the trail-climbing down the icy bank to be near the rivers edge. Drunk in the dark. Well, I hate to say this but, that's is an accident waiting to happen. Very risky to do alone. In the dark of night, impaired.
I have more sense to believe, he stumbled upon that spot- thought it looked cool and didn't recognize the dangers. That would just be easier.
It seemed he went to that lot for a reason.
What does make sense for Shane to be so far downstream- the diver said he was caught in a current, he had to hold onto him- he was traveling with the current because he was surfacing. That I get. I thought they first reported he was lying on the bottom, which made me think- that's where he entered.
Chuckmaureen asked if it was shallow enough to stand. Yes in parts, the bottom & depth varies along that stretch. It's tricky. Little mounds of silt rock & mud have formed making small mounds or islands. It's not the same depth throughout. Some days the water is crystal clear and you can see the bottom other days it's cloudy- it could be a foot deep and you can't see the bottom.
I saw on the news this morning- Mark McDonald- press secretary for the Mayor says he looking into the safety concerns along this area. "at some point"..
They said all the businesses along Main Street are leaving their lights on overnight tonight in honor.
"Lights on for Shane"...what sweet sentiments, and truly a great community.
As much as I love the river and plan on living on it again- I hate it just as much!!
I thought living there is paradise- a million dollar view. Rivers rage & roar- they are devastating & destructructive. They take innocent lives.
A sad lesson to be learned- but, in this tragedy I have learned a great deal.
I am not invincible. I could easily drown. I am not a fish. This summer I will be wearing my life vest-something I've never done. My mother won't worry anymore.