Steve had been working on their inboard runabout boat and dad had been helping him. They had also taken some tongue and grove pine flooring and made an Aquaplane to tow behind the boat.
The aquaplane was fastened to the boat by a tow rope that was tied through holes drilled in the front ends of the boards. There was a short rope bridal that came from the front crossbrace that was for the rider to hold onto to maintain their balance.
Well, after the boat was launched that first day Steve took all the kids out for spins close to our camp. Everything was working well so Steve asked Leola and mom if they would like a ride and soon they were zipping around the lake where all of us kids could watch.
While they were doing this dad got the aquaplane out of our car top rack (this was before we got the one-wheeled trailer we used for camping later) and carried it down to the shore. When Steve dropped Mom and Leola off he and dad hooked up the aquaplane, jumped in the boat, and slowly towed it out from the shore a safe distance and dad dove into the lake. He would be first to try the aquaplane out!
Steve eased the boat speed slowly upward as dad planted his feet onto the board. I was standing by mom and I can remember her saying "Oh, Artie be careful" kind of under her breath.
But then - he was up.
Yes, dad was standing up on the aquaplane and starting to look good. Mom and Leola were yelling encouragement to their guys and all us kids were whooping and hollering. It was exciting: Steve was going faster and cutting tighter circles and dad was trying out ways to guide the board by shifting his body weight and leaning. For the first time for Steve pulling, dad riding, and the board aquaplanning I have to say they all looked happy and pleased. The scrap-wood project was turning out to be a real success.
Then Steve decided he would do figure eights. I think he was trying to make it a little harder for dad to stay up. The first couple go-rounds went well. Then Steve picked it up a notch faster as the boat headed for it's own wake. Slap! the wooden planked runabout went as the wake was jumped and it landed on the other side. And here came dad! He hit the wake. He and the board went up in the air. Standing tall. Looking good. Hold on dad! Slap! the aquaplane goes as it hits the lake. Mom looks proud. Everyone cheers dad.
Then........The board stops as it digs into the water. Dad sort of falls and dives into the the lake. I look at mom. She seems worried. I look back at dad - he waves and grins. Mom smiles and laughs. Steve speeds along pulling the tow rope. Tied to the ends are the two tongue and grove flooring boards to which the rope had been fastened. They have jerked right out of the aquaplane with the force of the impact. Steve picks up dad and the broken board and heads in.
Every one greets the adventurers as they beach the boat. The Gals are beaming, the kids are laughing. What a great family afternoon.
Soon it's evening and dinner is served. There is nothing like homemade stew and biscuits with cold Hawaiian Punch - followed by cocoa and chocolate chip cookies around a friendly campfire.
