It was a very good day for a hike. Bright and clear, sunny and warm. Mike was taking a leisurely hike through the local state forest, his favorite place to meander. He was strolling along the bank of the river that ran through the park when he tripped over a root and, in trying to recover his balance, accidentally flung himself headlong into the river.
The river wasn't particularily deep, and fortunately there were no undercurrents, but Mike was still washed a good way downstream while he attempted to swim to the shore. Finally, he got to the riverbank, right at the feet of...