As mentioned in the previous post, when you get to a river crossing, let the guide do his job. Don’t crowd him! Don’t start making suggestions! And bring your hiking stick or trekking pole(s)!
Depending upon the situation, on any given guided hiking trek in Yellowstone or elsewhere, our guide will usually go first. He may test a potential crossing location. He may instruct the group to pair up and lock arms or even to go in threes, arms locked, with the weakest link in the middle. On smaller streams, he may locate a log or rock crossing that will keep your feet dry, but remember: when he is assessing the situation, he is not just looking for a place where most of the group can safely cross, but where all group members can safely do it. That’s why we don’t want folks blurting out suggestions or looking on their own while the guide is assessing the situation. Log and rock crossings can be dangerous, and our guides will only OK them if they are truly safe for all of the members of the group! Remember, a broken leg is far more inconvenient than wet feet!
I have often been in situations in which well-meaning clients start saying things such as “what about over there?” “How about that log?” In most situations, I have already considered or rejected those options. Many folks don’t realize, for example, that finding a narrow crossing location usually means deeper, faster and therefore more dangerous water! Usually, with some exceptions, the wider the better. Wider usually means shallower. Again, give the guide time and space and he will nearly always come up with the safest option.
On all but the easiest crossings, in addition to listening to your guide, remember to unhitch your hip-belt and sternum straps. If you go down, you do want to be able to get out of your pack! But do try to remain upright. It makes for a much more pleasant rest of the day!
