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My deepest sympathy goes out to you, Stan's family, and his friends. I never met him, but I'm sure I've seen him plenty of times on the river. On the Ocoee, I've always had this sense that everyone on the river knows the other, everyone you run into (whether you know him or not) is your buddy. I know that's not exactly how it is, but it seems more that way than on any other river. Maybe that's why it's so troubling to me that this happened. I've always felt like the sense of community and brotherhood was what made the Ocoee so much fun. I'm sure there are lots and lots of folks out there who are affected by this tragedy.
I also have always had a sense of security and safety on that river. I regularly paddle it alone and take chances I would never take on a more remote free-flowing stream. I guess a lot of that has to do with knowing it so well and with the carnival-like atmosphere it has. Again, that's one thing that makes it so much fun. When something like this happens, I think of all the chances I've taken without mishap. I plan to take it more seriously from now on.
Again, I'm very sorry this happened.
Spence |
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So sorry to hear about this.... New 
BoaterTalk 
