Sentimental Sunday The Hero Gained Personal Wisdom

Always drink upstream from the herd. -  Will Rogers

You can probably tell where this story is going.  The Hero went hiking with his son and son-in-law in Utah.  They were excited, since they were from Texas where there are not many chances for mountain climbs. 

His description of the hike up the trails was exquisite, rocky trails, small wildlife, tall trees and a mountain stream, fresh sweet mountain air.   

He wanted to go slow and just take in the sights, however, the boys were young vigorous and kept moving along at a good pace.  It was hot and the Hero had not brought along a canteen.  They came to an opening in the woods where there was a place to sit on a rock and enjoy the lovely stream as it flowed on down the mountain.  It looked so inviting.  He said. "Guys, why don't we get a sip of the water here?  The water is clear and it is flowing over rocks."  The boys said "Dad, lets go on a bit further before we take a break."  He was hot, but he wasn't going to be a wimp with the boys, so higher they went.  I do not remember exactly how much further they went, maybe one of the boys will come on and elaborate, but it must not have been that much further, as it made a big impression on the Hero.  They came to another wide spot in the trail by the stream and it was muddy, smelly, and elk hoof prints all over.  He said it had the appearance of being a spot that the elk came to drink and do other bodily functions at.  He was so glad he had not sipped from the stream down below.  You should have seen the grins of the boys as they chimed in telling the story. So, you see, there is wisdom in Will Roger's quote.