Larry: Revisited

So today was a big day. 3 years ago, Steve, Joe and I, were making our way back home and hit a snag. This was very close to the origin of ExecDec's and we all were starting to feel the effects of excessive time on the road. We ExecDec'd our way to Sheridan, WY (which was were I got pulled over for going 28 in a 20 mph zone) and then decided to drive 900 miles through the night to Amery, WI. We needed salvation and my Dad's friends, Larry and Martia Swartz supplied it. This time around was very similar, except it was only I who was looking for salvation. Last time I was at their lake house, it was amazing. We went water skiing, had a BBQ dinner, played extreme bocce ball, and I was able to wash Old Blue. At this point of the solo trip, I needed something close to that.

When I told Larry I was in Fargo, he didn't even know if I was going to make it that day. 3 PM, I'm at the front door ready to interact with people I knew. Larry's son was visiting for the weekend and had his son and daughter out to the beach house. Larry's grandson, Jake, was an awesome water skier who is able to barefoot ski at the age of 12. Shortly after I arrived, we went out on the boat to take Jake skiing. Of course, he was slalom skiing and tearing it up. The only time I have ever water skied was at Larry's 3 years ago, but I had this 12 year old obviously showing me up. It was then my turn to go. As I entered the water, I told myself, "You are a triathlete and a damn good snow skier, you can do this." I guess my pep talk worked because I was up without a problem and only took a couple spills trying to get out of the wake. I eventually got the feeling for getting past the wake, and then had a blast. I was going one-handed and touching the water, jumping the wake, and trying to get as fancy as I could. Jake was still 1000x's better than me, but I was happy with only my second time.

We then ordered some pizza and pasta from a local place and it was absolutely delicious. They kept forcing me to eat more pizza and I kept complying. It had been a long time since I ate pizza so I didn't feel that bad. Anyway, I will start my healthy diet once I get home. After dinner, Jake and I returned the jet ski that they had borrowed. By returned, I mean Jake took me out and tried to throw me off of the jet ski. Then it was my turn to drive and I opened this thing all the way and was flying across the water at 50 mph. It was pretty sick. We then returned it to Larry's neighbor and Larry gave us a ride back on the boat.

Back at the house, we all decompressed and watched a couple movies. Out of nowhere, Martia brought out ingredients for s'mores and next thing I knew, I was cooking mallows over their fireplace. I wasn't complaining. I knew I liked Jake when I found out he was a connoisseur of toasted mallows. He didn't like them burned and took his time to get the perfect golden brown finish. After a couple s'mores, I felt ready for bed. Not going to lie, I was all ready a little sore from water skiing, but that's what happens when you live the ULTRA life. ULTRA day 35/39: COMPLETE