[Bob Thomas]

We had just got to the canal at 0530. Biked to our spot. Matt and I stopped and began drinking our coffee. Dad stopped and next thing we heard was CRASH! He tried to put his foot down but didn't see the hole and his foot never caught. He went down onto the rocks.

We rushed over and he was responsive. Checked him out and saw the gash. He never got a good look at it but we did. Grabbed a towel and wrapped it. Rest of him was fine...fortunately. He insisted it was a scratch and suggested maybe a butterfly stitch. Yeah right!!

He wanted to relax a bit and watch the sunrise. Gave him a half hour and then saddled up to Tobey Hospital.

Unwrapped it and he finally saw the gash and missing skin.

Final tally was 5 stitches. Gear didn't look bad considering the fall but we will find out eventually.

Out of commission for 10 days at least. Very fortunate nothing more serious happened!

Be careful out there, guys. The canal is very unforgiving. Fared very well for a 68 year old salt! Glad nothing else....like his head, hip, back, ribs etc. hit that hard!