Floating the 102 River

Most folks call it the one-oh-two river, or just simply the one-oh-two. Those who farm or live near it know how powerful the river can be and the amount of water it carries, especially after a rain. With the 102 as a backdrop in life at the ballpark, forming the border of the bottom ground on our farm, and seeing it regularly, the idea of floating a stretch of the river on an innertube appealed to me. I dreamt of such an adventure for years and finally decided it was time to give it a try about this time of the year.

I enlisted my best friend Kyle O’Riley, his girlfriend (now wife) Mendi, and my girlfriend (now wife) Beth for the adventure. We planned to start at the north end of the farm and float downstream to the 102 River bridge on the Rancho del Rayo bottom, a journey I estimated would take a couple of hours. In my mind, it was like a scene from a movie and a story we’d share with friends and future generations.

Beth was unable to join us, which should have been the first omen I recognized. Leaving a vehicle at the south landing point took longer than I estimated. Once we started it was just a few hundred yards downstream where we began to bottom out. Another bad sign. We carried the tubes for a few hundred yards before trying again. The water had very little movement, but we were determined to enjoy this scenic river cruise. There was some success, but with daylight fading and only making it about a third of the way downstream, we knew it would be best to abandon ship, crawl up the banks of the river, and cut across the field to the highway.

We emerged mid-field and trudged our way along the edge to the end rows, then began cutting across to a roadway that would take us south where our truck was parked. Carrying tractor tire innertubes proved to be more challenging than just tucking one under our arms. Daylight was fading, and it became clear we wouldn't reach the truck before dark.

I’m uncertain if it was relief or fear when I spotted a familiar vehicle coming down the highway and turning into the field. Aware of our plan and the encroaching darkness, our rescuer grew concerned and decided to come and check on our delay. Relieved that we didn’t have to walk the additional distance, it’s safe to say we were grateful to see him, but I knew it probably wouldn't be a jovial greeting. The first thing he said was, “Of all the stunts you’ve ever pulled, this one puts the icing on the cake.” It was my dad. He was right. My planning was full of holes and I was smart enough to know it, not make excuses, or argue the facts with him.

As years have passed, we’ve told the story dozens of times, always with a smile. The icing on the cake doesn’t taste so bad now, but at the time, it sure lacked the sweetness we’d dreamed of!

Tom Brand, a native of Hopkins, Missouri, graduated from North Nodaway High School and attended the University of Missouri. He spent 19 years as a farm broadcaster at KMA and KFEQ radio, 12 years as Executive Director of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), and is currently the director of the St. Joseph Community Alliance. He and his wife, Beth, live in St. Joseph.