"We ve seen people make tube chains, with 20 or 30 people locking their hands or feet together," Harraden says. "It s like a big snake in the river." Plus, there are rocks to dodge. More on that ...

Some things never change, like the irrepressible desire to float a Hill Country river on a 100-degree day—with, most naturally, a cooler of beer.

Salt River Tubing has added more buses to shuttle guests more efficiently. “We did add 20 new buses to the fleet. They are currently being outfitted to accommodate about 40 passengers with coolers.

While Crocker and Soria are old hats at floating the river, it’s a pastime that’s gaining in popularity. Sharon Fetters at Jerry’s Hiway Service in Helena said they’ve sold inner tubes for ...