old man river

The Bow river is normally quite crisp and clear. However at this time of year it becomes much more muddy and brown with all the rainfall, floods and spring melt. Its levels rise and its width increases so that the river looks much more "Mississippian". There's a lot of water flowing past here and there is still almost 1000 miles to Hudson Bay.

Surveying the scene on this rather warm afternoon is Karim, somewhat inscrutable, as he relaxes on the bank of the Bow on a bench in his suit. He is a recent arrival to Calgary from the Horn of Africa. It is admittedly hot, but for a holiday such as Canada Day "one should dress appropriately" he explains as he enjoys the rest if his cigarette..