Watford City couple rescued from flash flood
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
Shayla Brown, a local realtor, and her fiancé, John Riggins, an oil field worker, experienced a harrowing adventure that tested their resilience and renewed their faith in humanity. On a celebratory trip to the Grand Canyon for John’s 40th birthday, the couple found themselves caught in a flash flood.
The couple’s plan was to hike the Havasu Creek area in Arizona, a challenging 10-mile hike downhill to Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. It is a destination renowned for its beauty - especially its turquoise waterfalls. Shayla described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” since the hike requires a permit - which are limited in numbers each year. As they arrived at the trailhead and prepared to look for a campsite, all signs pointed to a fun adventure. Then the rain began.
Despite the soggy conditions, the couple, who are seasoned hikers, pressed on, determined to make the most of their trip. As they ventured deeper into the canyon, the rain intensified, suddenly turning the once-serene creek into a raging torrent.
Seeking shelter in a cave on somewhat higher ground, Shayla and John watched in awe as the floodwaters rose around them. At first, Shayla says she was scared, but she and John were grateful they happened to find a dry shelter that kept them out of harm’s way, at least for the time being.
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