As I walk around the park talking with our guests and telling stories (who me) in this most crazy time in our lives, I think about the good things that I have seen this year. I also think about all the ugly that I have seen this year - but tonight I am going to reflect on the positive because I think if more of us did that we would be in a far better place - of course the ugly does make for some funny stories, but I digress.
This past weekend was a very good one for our business. Even though we are in the midst of the COVID crisis, people, Americans, still need a way to get our and enjoy, relax and put the troubles in their lives aside. Our tubing business that is a combination of customers that camp and outside people coming just to tube was busier than ever! You see, it was very hot and tubing on the West Canada Creek is one way to cool off and enjoy your friends, a cold beverage and good ole Mother Nature.
With the Covid Rules in effect we are only able to transport smaller groups up the river which has led to significantly longer than normal wait times. I mean, last Saturday, people had to wait up to 3 hours to catch a shuttle up the river. I am the organizer, I keep things moving, keep it organized and try to keep people patient and happy. I continuously worked the line, telling people how long it would be, apologizing for the delays - and to my very pleasant surprise I was greeted with nothing but patience and comments to "relax dude its all good" - my favorite saying.
One of my customers even commented - "Mike, I wait 3 hours for a 90 second roller coaster ride, waiting 2 hours for a four hour tube trip is ok." Of course, they we all enjoying Adult beverages, so that may have been what kept them all calm and happy. But I would like to think that it was sense of being outside in the sun and enjoying the friendship of the people in their groups.
No one was upset or impatient, everyone was talking and catching up with one another. It was social hour in line among the group you were with.
Masks - I won't get into the super political discussion of necessary or not, I will keep my opinions to myself - however - everyone was quick to put them on and wear them as appropriate and no one was giving us any grief or acting all "it's my right not to wear this" attitude - which we appreciate as we don't make the rules we just have to enforce them.
Everyday in our park kids are playing, parents are enjoying the outdoors, people are fishing, floating and just plain enjoying the river. Life really is good and while we live and work in a very rural place (for which I am eternally grateful) the COVID crisis just doesn't seem to interfere with our lives in a significant way. Sure it takes longer to get people on the river - but that's okay. It takes a few extra steps to sanitize everything at the end of the float, but that's okay. We are just happy that we can provide a few hours/days of relief from the on going stress of life in the city!
