First trip I ever guided through West Clear Creek in 1990 … Hiked into the canyon on the trail near New Tank. When we arrived at the first long pool, people started inflating their inner tubes, small rafts, etc. I watched a fella named Howey huff and puff into a strange looking pile of vinyl. No idea what it was until about half inflated. Turned out to be his granddaughter’s wading pool. You know the kind — two round inflated rings with a thin vinyl bottom. Approximately 6 feet in diameter.
Howey tossed his wading pool into the water then tossed his backpack into the center of it. Folded up like a taco. Water rushed in and soaked his gear.