Why I love my Chevy

A few summers ago my wife, my son and I were visiting my brother in law and his family in N. Utah. It was a beautiful, hot summer day so we decided to head down the lakefront to enjoy the sand and the sun. The public “beaches” were crowded so we headed over to a private shorefront. Since I was not familiar with the area I let my brother in law lead the way (both driving our own SUVs - after all gas was still reasonable).

 

I have to set the scene here a little. Bear Lake has huge water fluctuations between the spring and the summer. The lake also has about 100 yards of distance from the main road to the water. This is normally a sandy shorefront, but because of the receding water line, you are left with pools of 6” – 12” standing water along the lake front. These aren’t just large puddles, but small, shallow ponds separated from the main lake by 10 – 15 feet of dry, sandy beach. In order to reach points along the beach, you are forced to enter through a raised road and either 1) drive on the beach, running over the odd sunbather, or 2) drive in the standing water on just on the other side of the dry sand.

 

As I said, I was not familiar with the area so I let my brother in law lead the way. We drove along the beach, venturing into the shallow standing water when necessary to avoid a group camped out on the beach. After ¼ mile or so, we found ourselves a nice location to let the kids play.

 

A couple of hours later, it was time to go. This time I lead so my brother in law wouldn’t have to drive out into the standing water and around me. After all, we didn’t want to take the chance of him getting stuck. Besides, I just had to go back the way I came, and what could possibly happen?

 

After a short distance I came to a pool of water that appeared to be slightly deeper than the last pool I drove through, so I approached with caution. After a few seconds I decided it would be fine, since I recognized the two trucks parked beside the pool as those that we had passed earlier. I knew I was safe. To make up for my hesitancy, I decided to give the gas a little goose.

 

SPLASH! The next thing I know, there is water coming up and over the hood of my truck, and we’re slowly sinking. After momentary panic, I throw the truck into reverse but quickly realize it’s a futile effort - we're not going anywhere but down. Meanwhile my wife is frantically trying to gather up the animal crackers she spilled, before they are ruined by the slowly flooding cab of my Trailblazer. My shout snaps her out of it “WHAT’RE YOU DOING? Get the kid out of the car seat and get out”. Meanwhile my 4 year old son is absolutely enthralled at the chance to swim in Daddy’s truck. He’s not bothered in the least. He even asks “Can I wear my googles?”

 

Lunch break is over so I'll get the rest later