My Gilligan's Island Adventure

Merrimac Ferry

September 2, 2023

If you’ve been following my ‘cancer’ journey you’re well aware I’ve been traveling a bit prior to the start of my radiation treatment. This is part of last weekend’s trip to Madison, Wisconsin to visit my cousin’s son, Justin and his girlfriend Sarah. – Rick

It was late Sunday morning before any of us awoke. The night before we had traveled the hour plus drive into Milwaukee, and then back, to attend the Brewers – Padres game that seen the home team win 5-4. By the time we ate upon returning, it was very late or early morning depending on one’s perspective. One thing for sure, we were tired.

First on the days itinerary was a drive over to a Dunkin Donuts for coffee (can’t believe Wisconsin boarders Canada and doesn’t have Tim Hortons, I’m outraged) then returning to get cleaned up. Later we headed to the University of Wisconsin so Justin could show me his laboratory. I use that term jokingly and ‘Frankenstein-ishly,’ as he studies and teaches ‘Kinesiology.’ More on that in a later blog.

Afterward, we stopped for pizza at a nearby pizzeria that served slices a quarter the size of a large pizza itself.

Then we drove. And drove some more. And then still more. I began to wonder where this was leading us to. Below are some of the sights we have seen along the way,

All I though while looking into the vastness of the cornfields were, you sure could make a great horror movie out here. Oh, there was ‘Children of the Corn.’ Then that overthinking mind of mine, wondered if it were filmed here.

While we’re on horror flicks. Upon returning from last night’s game, I remembered a movie my friend (Kristyn Burtt, yes, you made another blog) had viewed during a premiere. ‘Cocaine Bear.’ I suggested we watch it.

If you’re new and haven’t heard me mention Kristyn, she’s a ‘Hollywood Reporter’ and covers a wide array of events including ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ A writer for ‘She Knows,’ as well, and has a slot on the morning talk show of ‘The Tom Barnard Show.’

The official movie trailer is below. But honestly, if you haven’t clicked and viewed Kristyn’s link above, you’re missing out.

Returning now to the driving part of today’s saga. Have to say, I was a bit envious of Sarah. She had the best spot in the car for our trek.

Why you ask, why I would have preferred Sarah’s backseat spot? Because I would’ve been sleeping. Justin caught me nodding off a few times on our journey which seemed to last hours. But in reality, maybe 30 to 40 minutes. They were country minutes, and those last longer.

Sarah and Justin’s relationship is a unique one. They’ve actually been together in life nearly as long as they haven’t. Quite a testament to their love for one another. I may be old school but a piece of paper defining marriage means little. Especially to the folks at the social security office when retirement time comes along. If the love is there and you’re happy in your lives, I’m a hundred percent behind you! Live the way you want to live and don’t let others tell you otherwise. And by the way, Justin, there are good and bad parts of every city, give the girl Chicago. Got your back Sarah!

Finally, we had arrived at our destination. We had driven over an hour and a half for an ice cream cone. But we weren’t there quite yet. We had to get on this. I had never been on one. A first. My mind immediately thought of the old sitcom ‘Gilligan’s Island.’

Here I was turning into Gilligan. I thought “I’ll be damned if I’m climbing any coconut tree for either the Professor, Justin, or Mary Ann, Sarah. That island is full of headhunters too; I just know it. Afterall, no one gives you a free ‘ferry‘ ride without motives. Yet here we were getting ready to drive aboard the ‘Merrimac Ferry.’

Mary Ann and Professor, you're on your own! — Mary Ann and Professor, you’re on your own!

All this is theatrics of course, to broaden your interest, as it is a cable ferry that crosses the Wisconsin River between Columbia and Sauk Counties in Wisconsin.

In reality, the ride across the Wisconsin was smother than any of Michigan’s highways or freeways. Fix the damn roads, Gretchen. By all accounts, the train ride to Chicago to get to Wisconsin was smoother too!