Varying Levels of Stupidity (Another Non-Fly Fishing Post)

Somewhere I'm sure, there is a law of quantum biophysics that states (I paraphrase): The male human being shall commit acts that vary in level of stupidity, and such level is, as odd as it seems, directly proportional to the age of said male human being. It all starts with something like sticking a bobby pin into a light socket at the tender age of 3. Then one may graduate to jumping one's bicycle off of ramps to see who can fly the farthest. Later on, these stupid acts often involve motor vehicles.

About a month ago a guy reached a somewhat "rare air" level of stupidity. He tried to drive his pickup across the Red River about 10 miles from my house.

The pickup remains there today as it was walked away from a month ago. I assume as a testament, or an omen maybe, to those that are beckoned to the river with the same intentions. I understand it; really I do. I mean what guy hasn't thought he could take his 2 wheel drive 1992 Ford Ranger across the Red River?

However, sometimes the testing reaches a level of stupidity never before heard of. I'm talking something beyond the realm of semi-intelligent reasoning. Today as I crossed the very same bridge, I saw what has to be the stupid act of all stupid acts. On the other side, not the other end, but the other side of the bridge I saw this:

Yes, that is the river bottom. Yes, that is a pop-up camper and a very nice travel trailer. Yes, that is flowing water on the left of the photo. And, yes that is the very apex level of stupidity.

On This Date... (A Non-Fly Fishing Post)

On this date 23 years ago I boarded a bus in Galveston, Tx bound for the Military Entrance Processing Station in Houston; 4 hours later, I was officially in the Navy. From there it was to Waukegan, IL and Recruit Training Center Great Lakes for boot camp and then across the street to Naval Training Center for a little over a year of schooling in electronics. Then I was off to Naval Station Norfolk, VA for more training. After that, I was sent to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA where I spent the next four and a half years stationed at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobil Unit-3. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Navy. But, I had a family, which doesn't mix with deployments very well, and 14 more years seemed like an eternity so I got out. I had no idea what life after the Navy had in store for me. For the most part, it has been a blast and, looking back, I wouldn't change a thing really. The only shock has been how quickly these 23 years have passed.

One of my fondest memories from my time in the Navy came on Christmas day in 1986. I was still in boot camp and obviously none of us could spend the day with family. The USO stepped in and organized a day where recruit trainees could spend the day with families in the area. I didn't get to spend the day with a family in the literal sense. I was lucky enough to spend the day at the Oak Park, IL Fire House with the firefighters on duty. Never before or since have I seen such a close knit group. Never before or since have I been treated so well by strangers. Not only is it one of my fondest memories, it was one of my favorite Christmas days. I'll never forget those guys.

I know it's about a week early for Veteran's Day, but I want to thank all those that served this great country before me, with me, and after me. If it weren't for you, the past 23 years may not have gone by so easily nor quickly. I also want to thank those that support the military. You make the hardships that go along with serving our nation feel more worthy.


D.