It looked for all the world like normal wet sand, but something wasn’t quite right. It was probably the way it rippled and jiggled like Jell-O when our steps landed on it. Right there in Seven Mile Wash, just upstream of the large boulder, the sand-to-water ratio reached that particular magical number that allows super-saturation to occur and the sand to have its famous can’t-hold-you-up-any-more qualities.
I wouldn’t let my left foot sink too far before I retreated in these photos. My right foot was barely sinking, so I assume quicksand conditions can vary in the same location. Dare I admit: it was fun to play in.
You can refresh your memory about the hydrodynamics of quicksand in this post from last year, which also has a most entertaining video of Bear Grylls getting out of Moab quicksand.
“Quick Trigger….get the rope and pull Kathryn out!!!!! And I’ll sing a little tune as you do!!!”
Comment by Ginger — May 28, 2011 @ 8:10 am |
Good! You kept your arms out–that’s what they say you’re supposed ta do, right? ; )
Comment by Lindsey K. — May 31, 2011 @ 5:39 pm |