PARADISE written in 2001 by Karen Cummins

Do you believe in signs? I believe God guides us with signs in our daily life to make decisions. All summer we had a plan to camp in the WI Dells. Finally the weekend arrived. Just one day before we were to leave Steve took his truck to be looked at. What was thought to be a minor problem (a squeak and a leak) ended up to be a significant problem. A sign. Perhaps we should stay home.

The weather forecast was for rain all weekend. A sign. Perhaps we should stay home.

We departed for Yogi Bear campground despite the signs. It rained the entire way there. As we approached our destination it became dark we sat in the wrong check-in lane. Later we learned someone ahead of us had lost his or her site and the campground had to locate another. By the time we arrived at our site it was still raining and dark. The site of course was not the easiest to maneuver and kind of dropped off in the rear. It was difficult to maneuver and a complete challenge especially in the dark because this campground thick with trees was not especially well lit. Thank goodness Steve Thompson was able to come to our aide. Not only did it save a marital argument but made and awful situation much easier. By flashlight and umbrella the camper was finally put in its place. This was our first experience setting up the camper in the rain. Steve got out his rain gear and did a great job. Alexis was a real trooper. She sat in the car seat like a champ. Not a whimper or a peep until the very end.

Now the camper is set-up. Its hot and muggy from traveling so we turn on the air and begin to get things settled for our Subway sandwich supper. By this late time, we are starved. It wasn’t long and we had dimmer lights and no A/C. On went the rain gear to peruse the fuse box. Yes, we had blown a fuse. Apparently the box was set-up for a 20 Amp not a 30 S Amp that our camper prefers. Steve changed over to the other fuse already in the box. Now, we were back in action. It’s not long, and we have blown another fuse. By now we determine we cannot run A/C and the lights at the same time. Now we must find some campground assistance. Eventually the camp maintenance runs us down a handful of fuses. “you’ve got a big camper, you might need these.” All the while it is raining, all night it rains.

It is still raining when we arise the next morning to go to Paul Bunyons Shanty for a hearty family style breakfast. The menu included buttermilk donuts (Mmm Mmm soo good), eggs, ham and sausage, fried potatoes, and pancakes. We ate off of metal plates and drink out of metal cups which got very hot with coffee in them. It was a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast we drive around the Dells to look for possible options for a rainy f=day of fun. We had initially planned on Noah’s Ark, which is the Worlds largest outdoor water park. But, now that it was raining, was it even open? We went to check it out. The ticket staff admitted the weather was not to clear, if it began to lightning and thunder the pools and slides would be cleared until the weather passed, no discount on a wristband for inclement weather. Still 25 dollars each to get in. After much discussion we determined we were crazy. We were going to get wet anyway so why not go to the water park in the rain?

We head back to the camper to get our swimsuits and towels. Briefly Steve and I discuss what if one of us gets pneumonia from our decision? I carefully pack all of our dry clothes and towels in garbage bags and place them in the bike trailer that has a rain roof. It will protect our gear and provide a place for Alexis to nap too. We get back in the truck. It is still raining. As luck would have it, the truck gets stuck in the mud. At this point, I say out loud, “It’s a sign!” Alexis and I get out to the truck and head for the camper. We will stay behind to play in the camper while Steve and Nick go with the Thompson’s to the water park. Quickly both Kathi and Steve say “oh no your not, you’re going”. So, we all squeeze in their Yukon and go to Noah’s Ark.

For the first 2 hours it rains. There is even thunder and lightning. They don’t close down a thing. By this time I am saying the Lords Prayer and praying we all stay safe. Alexis doesn’t think too much of the rain on her head. She is non-committal. Not crying, not happy. We find a corner at a little cabaña where they sell alcohol. The corner will keep the bike trailer dry and Alexis and I can sit on a stool. Eventually she falls asleep in my arms. The other visitors have on rain ponchos or have umbrellas. Meanwhile the rest of the clan is running the park, which is not very busy (imagine that!) and are enjoying short lines on all the slides, wave pools, bumper boats, and lazy rivers etc.

Eventually the rain stops. They convince me to leave my post and go on a ride. We choose “Flash Flood”. I should have known by the name. It is a roller coaster like boat ride. The boat climbs ever so slowly up to the top (clickety clack, clickety clack), take a big curve, and whoosh down to the bottom you go into a huge wall of water that literally drops on you just when you think you will remain dry. They call this fun. What was a finally dry body is back to being cold and very wet. It begins to rain.

It rains off and on the rest of the afternoon. The Point of No Return (Nick’s greatest accomplishment!) is a 10 story tall water slide where you go nearly straight down on your back in just 3.5 seconds, feet first. Nick loved this one. Steve Thompson and he were the only two who dared try it. Steve Cummins walked up the stairs at one point, watched a few persons go down (air borne) and decided it was not for him. Nick really loved this one. That love was not inherited from his mother. We left the park at 6 p.m., closing.

The rest of the evening was basically uneventful. Nick enjoyed some mini-golf at the campground. Mom and Dad rested. Sunday morning we awoke to sunny skies—not a cloud to be found. We all ate breakfast together—pancakes, eggs, and sausage. Then, we took a hayride with Yogi where we learned a new song….”I know a bear that you don’t know, Yogi, Yogi…” It’s a catchy, cute song. Also within the campground was a petting zoo which Alexis enjoyed. Nick bought some invisible ink at the general store and drove us nuts with that. Then, Steve and Nick headed back out to the Dell’s to ride the go-karts. The Thompson’s headed to mini-golf. Mom and Alexis stayed behind in the camper for “naptime”.

To make a long story short, Nick was in a head-on collision with another go-kart. He returned to the camper with a completely torn leather sandal, a hugely bruised upper arm, a bruised chest, and couldn’t walk on one foot. There was no obvious sign of broken bones—thank goodness!

We headed for home and not even 50 miles from Yogi the “check engine” light is on. By now we think perhaps we have the “Cummins Curse”. After reading the owners manual we pull over ASAP to re-fuel. Back on the road again, the warning light is off. To top off the trip, we miss our Rockford exit and drive 24+ miles out of our way to turn around and head in the right direction.

Upon returning home, I call my Dad (Grandpa Grell) to tell our latest camping story. I knew he would be entertained by it and I could hear him laughing before I called. Sure enough, he did. One thing he said at the end of our conversation-- “At least I knew where paradise was!” He is absolutely right. HOME!