Page 25 of Alice & Meg: Summer Vacation
We all cracked up, and even families nearby turned heads.
Moments later, Chet shifted the vehicle into gear.With a throaty rumble, the duck boat clattered down the ramp and onto solid ground.We bounced over pavement with Chet pointing out local landmarks, ancient sandstone cliffs, tall pine borders, and the early thrills of the strip.
Then we veered right off the paved road onto sand and gravel, through forested trails where the duck’s wheels churned up dust.Four miles of wilderness trails awaited, all the while Chet narrated the Falls’ story—land carved by glaciers, sandstone gorges, fossils, and early settlers.
Alice squealed when the duck abruptly soared down a small embankment.It was the “roller coaster hill” moment.
Then the boat swung for the water.Chet hit the brakes dramatically.“Alright, here we...stop and check for traffic!”Then splashed forward, right into the Wisconsin River.
Water covered the windshield first, then cascaded over the front bow, and lapped at the floorboards near the back benches.The ride was kind of slow but still exhilarating.Adley hooted, clutching her purse to her chest.“Yay!I didn’t get wet!”
Lo leaned close.“Should we tell her about the jet boat?”
I shook my head.“Let’s let her think she won’t get soaked.”
He kissed my cheek.“We’ll put her front row.”
I laughed.
For the next twenty minutes, or maybe seventy, the time dragged blissfully.I soaked in Chet’s narration about Pulpit Rock, sandstone one-of-a-kind features, the baby grand piano formation, eagles perched high, herons gliding low, and beavers building dams.
The boat coasted through Red Bird Gorge’s narrow walls, and nearly touched the aged rock.
Alice leaned over me.“This is amazing.”
“It sure is,” I agreed.
Back on pavement, Chet slid us to the loading dock.
“Thank y’all for riding today!I’m Chet.If you’re doing the combo jet boat, have a great time!”He hopped down and waved.
We filed off through smiles, laughter, and sun-kissed faces.
“Let’s go snack?”Adley asked, waving to nearby food carts.
We trooped off to the carts to grab some food before the next boat ride.
Alice
The line for the jet boat was already winding halfway around the upper platform when we got there.It snaked past the shaded picnic area that housed a restaurant, a bar with neon margarita signs, a cute little donut stand that smelled like heaven, and an ice cream cart that looked like it had been plucked straight from a fairground.
Wendy frowned at the line.“Do we have to stay in line?”
Slayer snorted.“Um, if you want to get on the boat, yeah.”
She narrowed her eyes at the nearby ice cream stand.“Would you go get me an ice cream?”
He stood with a shrug.“What flavor?”
Wendy shielded her eyes from the sun.“Surprise me?”
He chuckled.“You got it, babe.”
King and Wrecker stood up at the same time.
“Where are you going?”I asked Wrecker and squinted up at him.
He slid his sunglasses to the top of his head.“Babe, I don’t even have to ask if you want ice cream.”
