Possible making food. Checking the weather. And making sure the boat is in tip top shape and to follow all safety guidelines, as per OSHA.
This morning didn't not go as was planned and mentioned above.
I walked to the woods with a small roll of toilet paper. Hoping this would be a duty that I would be able to conserve what little was left, and contemplating how to get through the next lock and dam.
As I found my way down a fairly civilised path, I heard some commotion several meters away. I did my duty. Peaked my head around the corner, and saw civilization. My curiosity took over, as, short as 3 minutes ago I though I was deep in the wilderness.
I followed a path outside of a gated campground, around some trees, over a soon to be river, and through some more woods.
I was haunted by surprise when around the next building opened into an absolute oasis. There before me stood a beautiful lake with wakeboarding ramps and water skiers, smiling Austrians eating hamburgers and drinking cold beers, children playing games, families laughing and boasting, beautiful women tanning on cotton blankets!
I had to see no more. I ran back through the woods and found John preparing his boat. I said "John, I have good news and bad new. Bad news is the same as the good news. We are staying here one more day, and it's going to be an amazing day." John wouldn't believe what I told him next about the paradise in the middle of no where. I couldn't believe it myself.
We prepared nothing, grabbed wallets and phone and blankets. Walked into the wonderland for free, grabbed a couple cold ones, and wondered around for hours around the lake. Around every corner was another attraction. Slip and slides, tall diving boards to jump off where all the kids where doing flips, small islands, people floating on floaty things. The view was incredible, and there was no shortage of food, drinks, and shear beauty.
For me, the best part was getting a chance to try wakeboarding. The first attempt was bad. If the video was sent in to Bob Saget's Americas Funniest Home Videos, it might get in the top 3 for the episode.
The second attempt was the same. On the 3rd try I made it 100 meters. I continued to try, but gee golly it's a tough sport. I got a lot of respect from the veteran wakers for picking it up mind quick. They were all teaching me techniques along the way. It was really cool to see people helping so much.
After that John and I decided to grab some drinks and enjoy the evening. We hitchhiked in to town to get a few dollars from the ATM first. And ended up drinking with the owners and employees of the place we found is called 'AUS-SEA'.
Really great people there. They bought us a bottle of wine to end the night and welcomed us back anytime.
I'll probably never forget this day.
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