Pontoon, plane and paddle board. Photo by Kirsten Reichel.
The movie, Planes, Trains and Automobiles was released on November 25, 1987. Starring Steve Martin and John Candy, it was a hilarious movie (at least I consider it so), about two strangers trying to get home for Thanksgiving to spend time with family and all the various ways they attempted to do so.
I have been a passenger on planes, trains and automobiles, among many other modes of transportation. Even horses; although they can be a bit opinionated and self-centered. Rode many times and never got bucked off, so I guess that’s a good thing.
I’ve had some glitches along the way due to weather, breakdowns—whatever the circumstances may be. Certainly not to the extent of the two main actors in the movie, but it does go to show that the many forms of transportation we rely on are not always reliable.
The thought of this movie crossed my mind as I was sitting at our picnic table on the shore of Lake Vermilion, watching all the activity on the lake in the days prior to the Fourth of July festivities.
Fishing boats, pontoons, houseboats, jet skis, kayaks, paddle boats, jet boats…a whirlwind of activity right in, what we consider, our front yard.
My son Karl’s friend brought out a new inflatable paddle board, which both of them mastered in no time.
The thought of me even trying to balance on the board sent chills through my spine, and even in the idea of an anticipated attempt of me doing so brought thoughts of my imminent demise.
In the winter, there will be hundreds of snowmobiles, ATVs, side-by-sides, and sometimes an occasional vehicle that travel through “our front yard.”
We’re used to it and, since our family enjoys many of the amenities and modes of transportation the lake has to offer, we are accepting of it.
Now come the woes.
I wrote a column awhile back on the follies of aging. Once again, those same issues continue to haunt me.
Our son, Karl, just purchased a Super Cub airplane. It only seats two people. The pilot seat is in the front—the passenger seat is directly behind.
It’s a one-door operation and a person must, literally, crawl in through what I consider a mouse hole to access the back seat.
Fred went first. I figured if he could make it, I could. Not to be derogatory, but he is just a tad larger than me.
After about an hour’s flight, the guys got home and it was my turn. One foot here, one foot there—grab on to whatever piece of the plane that could assist in access. I made it! And had an enjoyable flight with my son. Precious moments.
After a much-needed nap, due to the exertion of the plane entry and exit process, Fred and I decided to take a boat ride to get out on the lake and maybe grab a couple of cocktails and a bite to eat.
So, our other son, Trevor, had a 1992 Scarab. A super cool-looking power boat that rumbles when you turn on the switch. Since his death in 2015, we cannot bring ourselves to sell it, so we continue to use it.
Which brings me to another conundrum. Although in our sixties (okay—I won’t be there until August), we’re not the coolest kids on the block driving a rocket boat! Although I have to admit, the rumble of the engine is pretty nifty.
However, the entry and exit of Nauti Buoy presents a challenge.
Entry—not too bad. I can step on a series of cushions, with a helpful hand from Fred—but getting out of the boat is a whole other issue.
Pulling up at the dock at Wolf Bay Lodge, I was grateful to have the assistance of both Fred and Logan, a very efficient dock boy, to give me a double grip to get out of the boat.
Getting home was a whole other story. I was not imbibed, but my legs just don’t work the way they used to.
I crawled out of the boat on my hands and knees, pushed myself up (stubbornly refusing Fred’s help) and made my 10-rated dismount to a standing position.
The last time I wrote on this same issue a couple of years ago, I was contemplating jumping off the back of the boat and swimming to our beach since I considered that more of an effective dismount than crawling like a dog. Plus, I’m a pretty good swimmer, so figured that would work to my benefit.
Oh, and I used to be a good slalom water skier—even touched my shoulder to the water a couple of times. That will be forever in my memories because I know it will never happen again!
I haven’t always been a slouch, but I certainly can’t imagine doing a slalom dock start as I could back in “the day.” I’m sure the attempt would result in a most unflattering face plant and a nose full of water.
Anyhoo, in retrospect, I think it best that we use the pontoon boat for our next ride where one can simply step off and on the docks without too much fanfare.
Karl chides us that we, as his parents, have to exercise more. I totally agree, but the motivation is just not there. I remind him that I’m 30 years older than him, and sometimes, things are easier said than done.
I know—excuses, excuses. It’s 40 below in the winter; the mosquitoes will carry you away in the summer; the Canadian fire smoke makes it difficult to breathe. Yada, yada, yada. I guess we all make our choices.
Another transportation woe is that I had to bring our Suburban in for an extended repair due to corrosion. Fortunately, I was provided with a loaner since the repair on the Burb may be three or so weeks.
The loaner is a Chevy Malibu—cute, and fun to drive—but I’ve driven large vehicles for many years, so the transition to this little mini car has presented a bit of a challenge.
Once again, getting in and out. It sits lower and doesn’t have the hand grips that my Burb does so I’m learning how to adapt, once again, to entering and exiting modes of transportation. I know—mew, mew. So many more things in life to be concerned about.
However we wish to get to where we are going, we get there. Physically, emotionally, mentally. Planes, trains, automobiles, boats, paddle boards, hovercrafts, an afternoon nap—whatever it takes—we all wish for contentment and a safe arrival at our intended destination.
Kirsten Reichel lives on Lake Vermilion, Cook, with her husband Fred and dogs Tikka and Frieda. Over the 4th of July holiday, they have been so grateful to have their son Karl staying at their home as he enjoys some time off work and are able to enjoy his company and flying time. She can be reached at kirstenr@htfnews.us.
