My friend Buddy took this picture of me on the Sabine River in 2009. I hadn’t seen it in years, but I found it yesterday when going through files on my old computer. Here’s the story behind the photo—one of the weirder episodes from my first book, Running the River: Secrets of the Sabine.
About a mile from the boat ramp, we came upon a waterfall gurgling over a rocky ledge, into a sheltered green pool beside the river. The cavelike walls of the cove were painted green with moss. Sunlight reflected off the water and danced like currents of electricity through the shadows. I had never seen anything so pretty on the Sabine.
“We might have to go swimming later,” Buddy said, and I agreed.
Not far beyond the cove we came to a strange scene: an unmanned boat floating in the middle of the water. It sounded like the engine was running. When we came closer, we saw a long, white hose extending from the boat into the river. At one spot a few feet away, we noticed air steadily bubbling to the surface. Just then a man’s head bobbed up from the brown water, wearing a scuba mask, goggles, and a breathing apparatus.
“Looking for mussels?” I asked.
The man affirmed my question by lifting his bag of shells out of the water. But my camera and questions aroused his suspicion. “Are y’all from the FBI?”
We said no, and when we boated past, the diver sank beneath the water. We eased a little farther downriver, through frequent rapids where the flow quickened and the boat scraped over rocks and gravel, and we passed the many abandoned concrete and wooden oilfield structures that I had marveled at during my earlier trip with Jacob. I watched the shoreline for signs of hogs, but my attention soon began to wander, and I started to imagine the view of the riverbanks from two hundred years ago, when the first settlers arrived.
Today, East Texas is scrub country. What land has not been paved or plowed is choked with thorn vines and brush. But at one time, the forest canopy was so thick it blocked the sunlight from the undergrowth, and the smaller plants that did manage to survive in the dark forests were cleared by occasional fires, leaving trees so large and well established that early travelers called this place the Pine Barrens.
“They say the pine trees used to be so tall in East Texas, you could ride a horse for miles, fall asleep in the saddle, and never hit a tree limb,” I said to Buddy as we drifted downriver. “There used to be huge trees here on the river, too. Just think how much prettier all this would be if we hadn’t cut everything down.”
Buddy glanced up from the trolling motor and studied the brush on the bank. “You can’t think about it that way,” he said. “It’s still pretty. East Texas is still pretty. Just be thankful you get to see it the way it is, because someday all of this will be gone, too.” He had a point, but I hoped he was wrong. Growing up, I had never given a second thought to this wild river running through my hometown. Now that I had spent some time on the Sabine, I didn’t want to lose what remained.
Buddy and I never saw the hogs, so we turned back. The flow that had seemed so calm when we floated downstream was now a force we hadn’t reckoned with, and we spent most of the journey trudging through the water and fighting the current as we dragged the boat upstream. At times the water came only to my hips, sometimes up to my chest, but then I would step off a precipice and fall into a deeper channel. I learned to use my foot to feel for the firmness of the riverbed before committing my weight to a step forward. Before long, I forgot about my fear of being swept away by the river. As long as I stayed alert and moved slowly, I didn’t have to worry so much about drowning after all.
When we returned to the waterfall and the pretty little cove, we parked on some boulders at the entrance and jumped in. The water was cold and deep here and stunningly clear: I could see the bottom some eight feet below. Above us, the clearwater creek had worn the ground away to the eroded rock, cascading through a series of precipices, before tumbling into the cove. Buddy swam over to the waterfall and let it pound his back and shoulders. “It feels just like a back massage,” he said with glee. “You gotta try this.”
I did. It felt great. “Man, I could even bring a woman here,” I said.
This was the discovery of a lifetime, the kind of place that Buddy could enjoy with his wife and kids for years to come. We swam for a long while, then waded out of the cove and into the river. The water was much warmer here, around waist deep, brown, and muddy. Our toes sank into the silt.
When we returned to the cove a few minutes later, something had changed. “Wasn’t the waterfall a lot bigger when we first got here?” I asked. Instead of gushing over the ledge, the water had narrowed to a trickle. Then, as we watched with increasing horror, it began to grow again. Within minutes, the waterfall was surging at full strength. It was like someone had flushed an enormous toilet. Oh no, that was it! We were swimming in sewage—the discharge from the wastewater plant in Gladewater. No wonder the cove was so cool and clear. No wonder we kept smelling that faint odor of chlorine. I spit what I could out of my mouth.
We climbed out of the cove and then ascended a steep, grassy bank to see where the creek led. We came to an even bigger waterfall and then a series of smaller ones. We walked as far as we could through a leafy forest to a barbed-wire fence, then returned to the river and stood for a moment on the big gray rocks beside the beautiful cove.
“I don’t even care,” Buddy said. “It might be sewage, but they treated it first.”
We jumped back in. At one point, Buddy even swam under the waterfall, where he indulged in another back massage.
Excerpted from Running the River: Secrets of the Sabine by Wes Ferguson and Jacob Botter and published by Texas A&M University Press.
4,338 responses to “A Sheltered Cove”
I cherished up to you’ll receive performed right here. The caricature is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you want be delivering the following. in poor health indisputably come more earlier once more as exactly the same nearly a lot ceaselessly inside case you defend this increase.
The next time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you possibly can fix if you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.
One thing I’d really like to say is before buying more pc memory, consider the machine in which it could well be installed. Should the machine is running Windows XP, for instance, the particular memory threshold is 3.25GB. Installing above this would purely constitute just a waste. Be sure that one’s mother board can handle an upgrade volume, as well. Great blog post.
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
Howdy! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you may have right here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your blog for extra soon.
What I have observed in terms of personal computer memory is the fact that there are features such as SDRAM, DDR or anything else, that must match the specs of the motherboard. If the personal computer’s motherboard is rather current while there are no operating system issues, improving the ram literally normally takes under an hour or so. It’s among the easiest computer system upgrade procedures one can consider. Thanks for expressing your ideas.
Interesting article. It is unfortunate that over the last 10 years, the travel industry has already been able to to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, influenza, swine flu, as well as the first ever real global recession. Through it the industry has really proven to be strong, resilient in addition to dynamic, obtaining new tips on how to deal with hardship. There are usually fresh troubles and chance to which the marketplace must yet again adapt and act in response.
Thanks for the concepts you are revealing on this site. Another thing I want to say is the fact getting hold of duplicates of your credit file in order to scrutinize accuracy of the detail is one first activity you have to conduct in fixing credit. You are looking to thoroughly clean your credit file from harmful details mistakes that mess up your credit score.
Hi there, simply was alert to your blog thru Google, and located that it is truly informative. I?m going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful for those who continue this in future. A lot of other people shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!?
In accordance with my research, after a in foreclosure process home is bought at an auction, it is common for the borrower in order to still have the remaining unpaid debt on the mortgage. There are many loan providers who seek to have all costs and liens cleared by the upcoming buyer. Nonetheless, depending on a number of programs, restrictions, and state legislation there may be some loans which aren’t easily fixed through the switch of loans. Therefore, the obligation still rests on the consumer that has obtained his or her property in foreclosure process. Thank you for sharing your thinking on this web site.
There are some interesting time limits on this article but I don?t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly
Another thing I’ve noticed is that for many people, below-average credit is the results of circumstances over and above their control. As an example they may be really saddled with illness so they have higher bills going to collections. It could be due to a work loss or even the inability to go to work. Sometimes divorce proceedings can send the money in an opposite direction. Many thanks sharing your ideas on this weblog.
Thanks for making me to attain new concepts about pc’s. I also have the belief that certain of the best ways to help keep your laptop computer in excellent condition is a hard plastic case, as well as shell, that matches over the top of your computer. These kind of protective gear are model targeted since they are manufactured to fit perfectly on the natural outer shell. You can buy these directly from owner, or via third party places if they are readily available for your mobile computer, however not every laptop will have a cover on the market. Yet again, thanks for your guidelines.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you really understand what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally seek advice from my web site =). We can have a hyperlink alternate arrangement between us!
I am no longer positive where you are getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while studying much more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent information I used to be searching for this information for my mission.
Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I?ll be subscribing for your feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one these days..
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to ?return the favor?.I am attempting to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish amazing. Great job!
Thanks for the suggestions you talk about through this site. In addition, a lot of young women exactly who become pregnant usually do not even try to get medical care insurance because they are full of fearfulness they might not qualify. Although many states now require that insurers supply coverage no matter what about the pre-existing conditions. Premiums on these guaranteed options are usually greater, but when with the high cost of health care bills it may be a safer strategy to use to protect your own financial future.
I am no longer certain the place you’re getting your info, but good topic. I must spend some time finding out much more or understanding more. Thank you for great info I was searching for this info for my mission.
Definitely consider that that you said. Your favourite reason seemed to be at the internet the easiest factor to be mindful of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as people consider issues that they plainly do not understand about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank you
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content!
One important issue is that if you are searching for a education loan you may find that you will need a cosigner. There are many conditions where this is correct because you may find that you do not possess a past credit ranking so the bank will require that you’ve someone cosign the financial loan for you. Great post.
I just could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts
There are some attention-grabbing deadlines on this article but I don?t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as well
Hello my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include approximately all significant infos. I?d like to see more posts like this.
I beloved up to you’ll receive performed right here. The caricature is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get bought an nervousness over that you want be handing over the following. in poor health certainly come further in the past once more as exactly the similar nearly very often inside case you protect this hike.
Thanks for your publication. I would also like to opinion that the first thing you will need to carry out is find out if you really need fixing credit. To do that you have got to get your hands on a replica of your credit profile. That should not be difficult, because the government necessitates that you are allowed to obtain one absolutely free copy of your actual credit report per year. You just have to consult the right individuals. You can either check out the website owned by the Federal Trade Commission or maybe contact one of the major credit agencies instantly.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is excellent blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
hello there and thank you on your info ? I have certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did then again experience a few technical issues the use of this web site, since I skilled to reload the website a lot of times prior to I may get it to load correctly. I have been considering in case your hosting is OK? Now not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often have an effect on your placement in google and could damage your high-quality rating if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this once more very soon..
Thanks for your writing. I would like to say that your health insurance dealer also utilizes the benefit of the actual coordinators of your group insurance plan. The health insurance professional is given a long list of benefits needed by individuals or a group coordinator. Exactly what a broker does indeed is seek out individuals as well as coordinators which in turn best fit those wants. Then he presents his tips and if the two of you agree, the particular broker formulates legal contract between the 2 parties.
I was just seeking this information for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top web sites are full of garbage.
Thanks for revealing your ideas. I would also like to say that video games have been ever evolving. Better technology and innovative developments have served create realistic and enjoyable games. These types of entertainment video games were not as sensible when the concept was first being tried out. Just like other styles of electronics, video games also have had to progress by means of many generations. This is testimony for the fast continuing development of video games.
Wonderful work! This is the kind of info that are meant to be shared around the web. Shame on the seek engines for not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I?ll try to get the hang of it!
Good day very nice site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also?I am satisfied to search out a lot of useful information here in the put up, we want work out more techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
A few things i have continually told men and women is that while looking for a good on-line electronics retail outlet, there are a few elements that you have to factor in. First and foremost, you should really make sure to look for a reputable and in addition, reliable retailer that has obtained great reviews and scores from other consumers and business sector leaders. This will make sure that you are handling a well-known store providing you with good service and help to it’s patrons. Many thanks for sharing your ideas on this web site.
Attractive component to content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your augment and even I success you access persistently fast.
Thanks for your fascinating article. Other thing is that mesothelioma cancer is generally the result of the inhalation of material from asbestos fiber, which is a positivelly dangerous material. It’s commonly found among laborers in the building industry who have long experience of asbestos. It can also be caused by moving into asbestos protected buildings for long periods of time, Genes plays a huge role, and some people are more vulnerable towards the risk as compared with others.
I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Thanks for this excellent article. One other thing is that almost all digital cameras come equipped with some sort of zoom lens that enables more or less of a scene to become included by way of ‘zooming’ in and out. These types of changes in {focus|focusing|concentration|target|the a**** length are reflected inside the viewfinder and on substantial display screen on the back of the particular camera.
Great ? I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
One thing is one of the most prevalent incentives for applying your card is a cash-back or even rebate present. Generally, you’ll have access to 1-5 back for various expenditures. Depending on the credit cards, you may get 1 returning on most buying, and 5 back on purchases made in convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores and ‘member merchants’.
Thanks for sharing your ideas in this article. The other factor is that any time a problem comes up with a computer motherboard, individuals should not go ahead and take risk connected with repairing it themselves for if it is not done correctly it can lead to permanent damage to the complete laptop. Most commonly it is safe just to approach any dealer of a laptop for that repair of motherboard. They’ve technicians who may have an know-how in dealing with notebook computer motherboard issues and can have the right analysis and execute repairs.
Heya i?m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.