As winter grudgingly gives way to spring we look forward to that first trip back on the water.
There’s nothing better than a warm spring day with the sun shining and no wind.

YO! Dude, let’s go, I’ll bring the boat and meet you there. Just bring your ski.

Yeah, I know I’m a little late. Darn trailer tire went flat and the spare was low so I had to stop and fill it. But I’m here now. Let’s ski. I’ll back you in.

What do you mean it won’t turn over. Well I’ve got some jumper cables, just get it close to the ramp and I’ll pull down. These other guys waiting understand, it happens all the time.

What’s with all the black smoke and miss fires, it should be fine. I left a quarter tank of gas in it last fall. That’s ok, it’ll burn out.

Man this is nice to be on the water again. Let’s unpack the gear. Hmmm, I was going to get a new rope, I forgot how frayed this one is. Oh well, it should make it one more set. But at least my vest and gloves are in good shape. Where is my other glove? Hey man, let me borrow yours. 

Hello there ski, how I’ve missed you. Darn, I forgot about that missing screw and torn binding. Let’s go back. I’ve got a tool box in the truck. An oversized screw and some duct tape and she’ll be good as new.

Hand me that dry suit man. Hmmm, where did that hole come from? Yo, let me hold that duct tape again.

Ok, I’m ready. What? I thought you brought the binding lube. Oh well, I think there’s a quart of oil in the dash from where I was going to change it.

All right, 15 off and 34 on the speed control. What? The 15 off loop is broke? Oh yeah, I forgot. Go to 22. And the speed control won’t come up? Must be a fuse, put it about 3400 on the tach. The speedo’s don’t work.

Hit it! Man this feels great, but that air is cold. I’m going to have an ear ache for sure. I should have packed my headband.

Yeah man, that run was feeling good until the handle broke. But my shoulders and back are a little stiff. I guess I should have warmed up and stretched first. Nothing a little liniment and Ibuprofen won’t fix, huh buddy. I feel bad you won’t get to ski. I forgot to pack the other rope. It must still be tied to the tree from last season.

How about you back the trailer in for me? Hmmm, I wonder why the lights aren’t on. Hey, you got some wire and electrical tape? No? It will probably be dark before I get home. You mind following me home?

Ohhh! I’m sore. If I can get out of bed this morning I’m going to:
Stretch and work out, clean the boat, change the oil, change the plugs, change the fuel filter, charge the battery, check the fuses, check my gear, fix my ski, buy a rope and handle, check the trailer tires, grease the bearings, check the spare, check the lights, pack my tools, and restock some spare stuff. And why is my face so sunburned.

I’ll be ready next week.

 
Gordon Slingerland

Gordon is a regular contributor and can be found carving buoys in his spare time.

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