We were trying to be funny here by showing how tall the bush on fire was with the burning tree in the background. I guess it wasn't that funny. The map showed two river crossings in Simpson Meadow. When we reached the first one the fire was burning across the trail so we continued on to the second crossing. That may have been a mistake as the bride at the second crossing wasn't there. I don't know about the first crossing but the bridge that was suppose to cross at the second crossing was rather high above the river. It would have taken very high flows to take it out. We ended up using a rope so that we could take turns crossing as it was a bit deep and fast.

You should read up about safe river crossings if you think you might have to do one on a hike as there are many things to consider before making a crossing. Even the way you use the rope can be critical. Never think you can just hang on to the rope. Always rap it around your body and hold the two ends together in front of you. Let out some slack as needed. If the person crossing falls you should be sitting down with your feet braced so that the other person can use the river flow to swing them back to the river bank.