25 points
Row, row, row your boat... by Cameron, Al gae
June 1st, 2006 10:20 AM
Earlier this week, I was enganged in a late-birthday stroll with my special-lady-friend. We were wandering around the park with a mutual friend and began moseying around Stow Lake. We had discussed renting a paddleboat on numerous previous occasions, but never had the time to do it. Due to my a slight change of schedules on the part of my special lady friend, we found ourselves with some extra time to kill.
So, first I purchased an Icee and Pink Popcorn, two foods that stoked my nostalgia for theme parks and kiddie attractions, and then we rented a little paddleboat.
Instantly, two things came to light. One, is that I am far too tall for a paddleboat. When the pedals were fully extended, my leg was still akwardly bend, and when it was in the opposite space, my leg was comically thrust up against my body. It felt like tryin to run in a room only three feet tall. Two, is that I am far heavier than my special-lady-friend, or, as I like to frame it, she is far lighter than me. So our boat listed comically to port.
Despite the challanges of my somewhat ogrish frame, we managed to take control of the paddleboat with some ease; probably due to the fact that we've shared control of a lot of things over the past decade; and soon we were doing lazy loops around the other akward vessels. We cruised smoothly around the circular lake, stopping and various points such as The Log Full Of Turtles and The Reeds Filled With Ducklings, in order to maximize our alloted hour.
It was perfect weather for a nautical adventure, and we had a great time gliding over the murky waters. At the very end of the loop, there is a small island with large "KEEP OFF" signs. Each tree on this island is surounded by a metal band about six feet up, painted akwardly in an attempt to match the tree. In nearly every tree was a huge nest, some containing huge, unidentifiable birds. If you know what they were, I'd love to know; I assume the island is bird sanctuary of sorts, with the metal bands preventing the ascent of egg stealing mammals.
In no time at all, our hour was up, and we guided our little vessel back to the dock, and disembarked for dry land.
Next time, I plan to spare my legs and rent and old-fashion-y rowboat. Plus, they just look cooler.
So, first I purchased an Icee and Pink Popcorn, two foods that stoked my nostalgia for theme parks and kiddie attractions, and then we rented a little paddleboat.
Instantly, two things came to light. One, is that I am far too tall for a paddleboat. When the pedals were fully extended, my leg was still akwardly bend, and when it was in the opposite space, my leg was comically thrust up against my body. It felt like tryin to run in a room only three feet tall. Two, is that I am far heavier than my special-lady-friend, or, as I like to frame it, she is far lighter than me. So our boat listed comically to port.
Despite the challanges of my somewhat ogrish frame, we managed to take control of the paddleboat with some ease; probably due to the fact that we've shared control of a lot of things over the past decade; and soon we were doing lazy loops around the other akward vessels. We cruised smoothly around the circular lake, stopping and various points such as The Log Full Of Turtles and The Reeds Filled With Ducklings, in order to maximize our alloted hour.
It was perfect weather for a nautical adventure, and we had a great time gliding over the murky waters. At the very end of the loop, there is a small island with large "KEEP OFF" signs. Each tree on this island is surounded by a metal band about six feet up, painted akwardly in an attempt to match the tree. In nearly every tree was a huge nest, some containing huge, unidentifiable birds. If you know what they were, I'd love to know; I assume the island is bird sanctuary of sorts, with the metal bands preventing the ascent of egg stealing mammals.
In no time at all, our hour was up, and we guided our little vessel back to the dock, and disembarked for dry land.
Next time, I plan to spare my legs and rent and old-fashion-y rowboat. Plus, they just look cooler.
I like that you can see exactly how much larger you are than I am by the great disparity in the size of our feet. For everyone else out there who wants to complete this task, the paddle boats seem to be made for people who are 5'6.