I remember Memorial Weekend of 1989 pretty well. I lived in So Cal and a coworker and I met up with his buddy who regularly went to Lake Mead for boating and parasailing. This drive normally takes about 5 hours. However, we managed to make it in about 12. Pulling a boat with a Volkswagen Sirroco and trying to peal-out from the gas station is not very smart. The transmission had to be replaced the first time because of the stupid stunt, the SECOND time because it was replaced with a slightly incorrect transmission. Fortunately, this guy had replacements, back in Whittier! Yes – he drove back TWICE! DOPE! Anyway – once we got to Las Vegas, late in the evening, we spent the entire night drinking at Scores or Crazy Horse, not sure which. We left at sunrise and made our way anxiously to the lake. I think I was the first to water ski. The water was cold and I was not feeling my best. I did alright, but once I came back into the boat, I huddled up near the bow and eventually hurled over the side. Oh, to be young again!
After sleeping that off for about 24 hours (okay, at least 16) – we went parasailing! That was a good time. As I look back at that entire trip, I think we weren’t at all safe. I do think it was pivotal in defining my propensity for the outdoors. Look at these pictures! I gotta laugh!
OH! And it was sooo windy that day, when they stopped the tow boat – I didn’t descend! I just hung there until they moved the boat into the leeward side of a cliff! HAH!
Me – May 20, 1989 – Lake Mead
