I belong to a group of people that has agreed to write stories. Need a story to be finished by Friday. Saturday, it will be published. I have struggled to find the events that will result in a story.’ What a foolish promise. Can’t think of anything to be a source of a story. Brain useless. One of my sons asked me why I was mumbling. Told him I needed a story. He said “how about the trouble when we had to get off the boat”. Would I ever learn to keep my mouth shut?
So, we had gone on a vacation. Some of the places visited were New Jersey and New York City. When I had lived in this area, I was working at a job for school (Engineering Class) requirement. This was a chance to show family the area and some friends I had made.
This included large boats at New York Docks. I am not happy with all that happened. In my life, women can create situations that sound interesting etc. There was one that was exciting etc. I met here. Not here now. Now this time, we had visited friends in New Jersey, visited New York City including the docks. We had just visited Niagara Falls and wanted to take the car and trailer down the Niagara river and enjoy a boat trip.
Pulled the car and trailer, got in line, and got ready to go onto the boat that was going to take us to Lake Erie. As usual, the kids go out and started running around on the boat. We were in line to pay. When it came our turn, boat people quoted a price beyond the money I had. It was the last day of a two-week vacation of 2 adults and 6 children. My wife and I were planning an all-night drive to home. An event I had done several times when I lived in New York City and New Jersey and worked there.
Told boat people that I couldn’t afford their boat ride. Then said I couldn’t get off. I believe the words I said was “The hell I can’t.’ You realize when you have a rather large group (6) boys, Young etc., you need signals to communicate. The signal was sounded and 6 boys headed for our vehicle. They jumped in the car, I counted the six boys, started the car, did a U-turn—and headed for the entrance and exit. We were moving off their boat. I think they were shocked as we left. My wife and I took turns driving and we made it. Reached Detroit the next morning. Must have been remarkable. Our sons still talk about the on—off for the boat