Cricket2019-07-08

(Lars) #1

need to be fueled, fresh water pumped in for
cooking and bathing, and firewood added
for onshore campfires. The cabinlike boats
let guests sightsee Voyageur’s National Park,
which claims over forty percent of the lake.
Houseboats are popular because you can
explore, fish for walleye, bass, and northern
pike, and take your cabin with you.
“They all want fishing boats,” the super-
visor calls out.


Will waves his hand in acknowledgment
and walks over to the dock lined with sixteen-
foot fishing boats. He hooks up a freshly
filled gasoline container and motors one of
the boats over to the back of a houseboat.
Often campers want a smaller boat to fish in
the shallow bays for the weed-loving northern


pike. Will attaches the fishing boat so it will
trail behind the houseboat.
A vehicle crunches its way over the gravel
drive, stopping in front of the office. Car
doors pop open, and a family jumps out.
Will’s cousins have given him lots of tips on
summer-job etiquette.
“Hello! Welcome to Rainy Lake
Houseboats!” He pulls off his sunglasses
and walks over to shake hands. “I’m Will.
The main office is right here, and I can put
your gear in the houseboat.” He remembers
to smile and to look each new arrival in the
eye. His cousins, Rainy Lake summer job
alums, have trained him well.
Will adds, “Glad you’re here.” He starts
to haul the luggage, fishing gear, and coolers
to the boat.
The dad asks, “Hey, we heard that the
fish are biting at Walleye Island. Is that true?”
Will stops himself from laughing. It’s a
standard joke in the area. There is no Walleye

HERE,ALUMS
(SHORT FOR
THE LATIN
ALUMNI)
MEANS
EXPERIENCED
OLD HANDS.

13

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