A ranger's 20-second tip saved my tent from a river surprise

Last summer I set up camp near the Deschutes River in Oregon, thinking I was a good 30 feet from the waterline. A passing ranger stopped and said, "That spot floods by 2 AM when the dam releases, move up the hill or you'll be swimming." I laughed it off but moved anyway, and sure enough, my old tent would've been underwater. Has a stranger's quick advice ever saved your gear or trip?

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emery2905d ago

Yeah when they said "that spot floods by 2 AM" I honestly rolled my eyes at first. I grew up camping near creeks and figured I knew water levels better than some random guy in a uniform. But after getting caught in a flash flood once in Utah where we lost half our gear, I started actually listening to locals and rangers. Now I always ask about dam schedules or weather patterns before picking a spot. That one tip probably saved you a wet sleeping bag and a miserable morning.

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