Today I'm recovering from a BAD day on the river Wednesday. I was escorting a group of geologists on an excursion through the TN River Gorge when we discovered a body washed ashore about a mile below Suck Creek. It had obviously been there a while. We called authorities and stood by until the first officer arrived, then we departed the scene.
Later, we returned to the Tennessee Riverpark Launch Ramp... what I consider absolutely the safest ramp in Hamilton County... only to discover thieves had smashed out my passenger window. :bash: Oddly, I had some valuable stuff in the truck (GoPro camera, binoculars, checkbook, etc.). However they didn't take anything, although they clearly rummaged through the truck. I can only suppose they were looking strictly for cash, or a gun. They won't find either left in my truck.
This info is absolutely NOT intended as any negative reflection on Tennessee Riverpark or the Hamilton County officers who patrol it. In fact, before I even called anyone, an officer rolled up immediately after I discovered the calamity. Off. Dennis Curry was great. He was very apologetic (although it absolutely wasn't their fault. They obviously can't be there all the time). He promised he'd get me a copy of his report for insurance purposes, and then even asked Gary, one of the maintenance guys, to clean the broken glass out of my truck. If there can be such a thing in such a circumstance, it was "service with a smile."
I share this (about the break-in) ONLY to point out that such things can happen anywhere... the worst, shadiest boat ramp, or the best, most well-patrolled. Therefore, don't leave anything in your truck you can't live without.
As for the body, I spend about 150 days a year on the river fishing. I've always sort of expected something like this. But when it actually happens, it's still a very unpleasant shock. I feel sorry for the woman's family, whoever they are. But I hope they can find some peace now, at least having the opportunity for some closure.
Finally, a shout-out to Safelight. I discovered they have an awesome website. Last night, on my iPhone, I got a quote and scheduled an appointment for this morning. I arrived and was out of there, fixed and good to go in 45 minutes. I was shocked at how easy the process was. If I ever have a broken glass issue again, you can bet I'll be returning to Safelight. But thief also dented my door frame. I've filed a claim with State Farm. Hopefully it'll be as pain-free. We'll see.
Later, we returned to the Tennessee Riverpark Launch Ramp... what I consider absolutely the safest ramp in Hamilton County... only to discover thieves had smashed out my passenger window. :bash: Oddly, I had some valuable stuff in the truck (GoPro camera, binoculars, checkbook, etc.). However they didn't take anything, although they clearly rummaged through the truck. I can only suppose they were looking strictly for cash, or a gun. They won't find either left in my truck.
This info is absolutely NOT intended as any negative reflection on Tennessee Riverpark or the Hamilton County officers who patrol it. In fact, before I even called anyone, an officer rolled up immediately after I discovered the calamity. Off. Dennis Curry was great. He was very apologetic (although it absolutely wasn't their fault. They obviously can't be there all the time). He promised he'd get me a copy of his report for insurance purposes, and then even asked Gary, one of the maintenance guys, to clean the broken glass out of my truck. If there can be such a thing in such a circumstance, it was "service with a smile."
I share this (about the break-in) ONLY to point out that such things can happen anywhere... the worst, shadiest boat ramp, or the best, most well-patrolled. Therefore, don't leave anything in your truck you can't live without.
As for the body, I spend about 150 days a year on the river fishing. I've always sort of expected something like this. But when it actually happens, it's still a very unpleasant shock. I feel sorry for the woman's family, whoever they are. But I hope they can find some peace now, at least having the opportunity for some closure.
Finally, a shout-out to Safelight. I discovered they have an awesome website. Last night, on my iPhone, I got a quote and scheduled an appointment for this morning. I arrived and was out of there, fixed and good to go in 45 minutes. I was shocked at how easy the process was. If I ever have a broken glass issue again, you can bet I'll be returning to Safelight. But thief also dented my door frame. I've filed a claim with State Farm. Hopefully it'll be as pain-free. We'll see.
ray: 
