Dropping In

"Just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in". Doing so required raising the shades and brushing aside some cobwebs. So, while here, I'll hit the "New Post" tab for the first time since 2017 and post a little tribute to my trash hauling dry bag.  Was posting the same on mywaterroots.com blog when I realized it would be more appropriate here...and to be honest, I kind of miss this place.  So, in the future, posts related to intercepting trash otherwise bound for the sea will be posted here, whereas posts concerning historic water routes will continue to go on mywaterroots.com.

It's probably fair to say that most folks have a piece of equipment or perhaps a tool that they use so frequently and for so long that they just take it for granted.  The other day, while out on the river, I encountered a mess of plastic trash accumulated behind a fallen tree...

...and without thinking reached for my dry bag which I've used as a trash repository for many years.  It's usually attached to a bungee cord on my boat's deck...ever at the ready.

The bag was able to contain this much plastic...

...and while it didn't get everything, it made a dent...

The bag can also accommodate larger plastic items that are occasionally encountered...

...especially when the colors match.

I remember buying the old bag at REI for a paddling/camping trip back in 1994.  Until 2007 it was used exclusively for keeping my camping gear dry.  However, by that time it had developed a small leak and was relegated to trash hauling service.  These days the leak helps in collapsing air from the bag when it's empty which makes it easier to store on deck.  The bag measures 29" long by 14" wide and has a round bottom with a 8" diameter.  It's made of fairly heavy vinyl and more than tough enough for keeping some sketchy-looking plastic refuse contained.  I tip my hat to this old bag and wonder if it might, in fact, actually outlast me...