Well, I wouldn't say I was in a situation that I had to "survive", but with the proper preparation it sure would have been more comfortable. It's part of the reason I found this website and now a days carry a basic kit everywhere I possibly can.

Of course, this is no adventure like Molf's (dude, you're crazy <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />), but I did learn a LOT this day.

Long (long!) story short, I was white water kayaking with a good crew on a fun class IV (V) river. We're fairly experienced but quite conservative boaters compared to some of the community. This day was chaos. Couple of us just had a bad day, and luck was not in the cards.

I ended up swimming. Now, since about 2001 I've been all proud of my nalgene bottle kit that I always have in my boat. Water purification, basic first aid, signals, etc. Always clipped in my boat. In this case the boat was traveling down river with friends in chase while I stand on the bank, with just what's in my PFD pocket (damn little or nothing back then) and my throw rope. I have to hike out.

Luckily there was a road within a mile or two, generally paralleling the river. Un-luckily we were in a bit of a canyon. So there I am, alone, hiking down this river hopping rock to rock trying to find a way out.

An aside- I mentioned I'm a somewhat conservative boater. I've done a good amount of class V, but I like a long safety margin and tend to boat very safely, taking time to scout, going on rivers that I'm comfortable with, etc. This day I realized my safely margin was getting much thinner than usual. I was still alright, and in good spirits, but while on a cliff, 100ft above the shallow water, just trying to get downriver and still hoping to find a way out of the canyon, I realized- holy moly, I'm just one or two bad moves away from what we call a "bummer".

Thirsty as hell, I took a few sips of the river water. Sure could used a purification system.

Finally find a way up the canyon. Victory! Then I realize, how funny would it be that now I get lost with just a mile or two through a flat (and dense) forest to the road. Great. Sure could have used a compass, as it was a very cloudy day.

I started lining out my rope, planning on trailing that behind me so I know I'm walking a straight line. Just then the clouds thin enough I can make out the sun, no prob keep it over my left shoulder for the short walk.

Found the road, and 10 seconds later my car drives up. One person who didn't paddle that day just up and decided to go for a drive, and happend to find me. A good amount of water, and some beers later, and I'm happy.

Shortly after I found this website and have been trying to remain prepared since. Lessons learned.