Had a little fun adventure the other day. The water route to and from the lake includes a low bridge that I am very dramatic about ducking when we pass under. But to be fair there is probably only about 6 inches of clearance for the captain who also ducks while maneuvering the tight channel. However with my claustrophobic nature I am practically prone, eyes shut upon entering the narrow passage. Grandson Joe finds this hilarious and sits up in his seat just to show me how he can bravely clear the obstacle without incident. The day is coming my boy when you will be too tall like the rest of us.
Lately we have been entertaining one couple at a time on a lake tour. Takes about an hour and the Captain has a regular spiel pointing out the sights along the way. My role is strictly ancillary as well as being taxed with taking the mandatory souvenir photo for the guest's future enjoyment.
One can only raise the canopy or Bimini they call it, after passing under the bridge. There are signs on either side of the bridge cautioning "Is Your Top Down?" which of course prompts the hanging of bra tops at times along the edge. The "Top" of course refers to the Bimini. I shudder to think of the fate and the horror of the unwary who do not realize the Bimini is always taller than the bridge. I explain all this so the next part makes sense.
Once free of the of the bridge we coast along slowly so we can put "Our Top Up". We also pull the bumpers onboard that are helpful if one gets too close to the walls while coming under the bridge. Upon our return trip, the process is reversed. I was efficiently tossing the bumpers out over the side when one just kept going. Oops. Now they are not that expensive, but expensive enough and a floating hazard to other boaters.
Our captain having seen the maneuver performed by another, confidently swung around and told me he would bring the errant bumper amid ship (between the pontoons). Leaning way out I of course missed it on the first run arrrggghh. I listened for the sound of the hard rubber bumper being ground up in the motor, but apparently not an issue. So we made a second run. "Lie down on your stomach and reach out" he called. So half on the boat, half in the water I made a wild grab for the rope. "GOT IT". Success is followed by wondering how one gets up gracefully, in front of guests, looking cool and confident.
As far as I know they enjoyed and applauded no doubt believing it was part of the show and no lives were lost.
These are actually two different couples, but the driver's the same. LOL.
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