Splashdown
I had 2 days off this fair. On the first I went to work as a guest. For the second I trucked out to the closest thing we have to direct competition, Splashdown Park.
I was struck by how much less they have compared to Cultus. I mean yes of course no Valley Of Fear but I forgot they didn’t have the lazy floaty thing. Not Big Jim’s River Run but that level circuit that goes on forever and takes you under a hut at one point.
Speaking of Big Jim’s River Run it seems some kids thought it was Red Rover, standing in the way of people seeing if they would get knocked down. This concerned us for both safety and fairness reasons, particularly after Mindi collided with them. When we confronted them they ran. Later Mindi’s nose started bleeding, I had some difficulty believing these events unrelated.
But revenge was on the menu and I ordered a serving.
Later that day we found them doing the same thing. Mindi had already passed the area and her sister was nearby. I planted my feet and said “you’re not supposed to hold on to the sides or stand at the bottom of the hill”
“So?” they retorted.
“So it’s dangerous and against the rules” I said.
“Whatever” they say, remaining in place.
“Perhaps I haven’t made myself clear,” I continued, “you’re going down the next hill, now, or else I’m throwing you”
“What’s your problem?” they asked, terrified but with a sliver of bravado remaining.
“You were doing this about an hour ago when my girlfriend ran into you. She got a bloody nose and I’m hoping you’ll give me an excuse to return the favor. So go ahead, say no to me and see what happens.” I said.
The sliver of bravado melted and they broke ranks like mice.
“I wasn’t involved with that” said the girl.
“I know, and you weren’t holding the sides just now either so you’re free to go” I said. She bolted.
The others tried to make the same claim.
“I saw you. Besides you’re holding on to the sides right now and still standing at the bottom of the hill” I said.
They let go.
“So are you going to move along or do I get to throw you?” I asked “Oh, and my aim isn’t very good, you may not land in the pool.”
“Okay! Okay!” they said.
“And if I catch you at this again you won’t be given this opportunity again” I said.
They went down the slide muttering insults under their breath.
“I’m glad we could have this little chat” I said.
Didn’t see them the rest of the day.
