The Second Time Around
For two years I have been remembering the afternoon Reya and I went out on the paddle boats (aka “the little boats”) in the Tidal Basin. It was a beautiful Spring day and we were practically the only ones out that day. This afternoon we proved that the second time around does not always live up to our memory of an experience.
Today seemed like the perfect day to do it. The sun was out, the afternoon thunderstorm that may hit was hours off, there were only a handful of boats out on the shimmering water. We were fully protected with sunscreen and hats.
But after about a half hour, we both concluded it was a lot of work to go anywhere and it was unbelievably hot, made more so by the life jackets we were required to wear.
So what was different today? Perhaps it was because there was no goat cheese with crackers, dark chocolate bar, or bottle of chilled white wine (that we had last time). There was only a 99-cent bottle of water from Whole Foods for each of us.
Or was it the myriad of rules for driving the little boats?
Or maybe it was because we were almost rammed by a boat driven by a couple of 8-year-olds.
Whatever the reason, we decided to head back to the dock and release ourselves from the work and the heat. Even the little Tibetan flags couldn't keep us interested.
Like many things in life, sometimes it’s just better not to go for a repeat! Instead let a good memory be just that.
posted by Barbara at 4:58 PM
7 Comments:
It may be sacrilege for a Buddhist to say, but I'll say it anyway: Wine makes everything better. :)
Steve -- We reached the same conclusion. There was probably a rule about alcoholic beverages, but we managed to get by it the last time. Today they actually sent a guy on a speed boat out to tell Reya to buckle up her life jacket, so I'm not sure we could have gotten by with breaking any of the other rules.
I think of you every time I see those little boats. So sorry it didn't live up to the last time.
as with any trip, it's the picnic that makes the memories! ::Laugh:: I vote for apple slices, crackers, chevre, huge bottles of imported lemonade! ::Laugh::: throw in some grapes and I'm there... maybe you could find some 8year olds to pedal for you!
Kelly -- We did notice how relaxed the mother of the 8-year-olds was as she relaxed on the back of the boat.
The little boats, without intoxicants, are boring. We'll know better next year.
Still had fun though! In spite of getting in trouble for taking off my life jacket!
Reya -- Maybe we should just move on to canoes on the Potomac on a calm day and let our first outing on the little boats live on in our memories.
Post a Comment
<< Home