“April is the cruelest month,” and many of our river docents would agree with this T.S. Eliot pronouncement. April “showers” made many River Cruises less enjoyable. That is typical and somewhat expected weather for spring in Chicago.
However, for our Short Tales, let’s look at a warm and very humid day in August, 2022. The Chicago Metro forecast for August 29 was severe thunderstorms with damaging winds (sound familiar?). Mother Nature delivered. Intense rain and winds, measured at 60 mph, pummeled the river.
Our Short Tales are a commiserating email thread from seven docents, describing their experiences that day on their woefully wet and windy cruises.
12:00 PM Harry Hirsch: I did the 12noon tour today and it POURED! I went below but that was too noisy so I went back up and drowned. At the end of the tour despite my “no tips” declaration they kept trying to give me money. I held out and kept pure. But I noticed something – after a trip that has had weather issues people are very generous. Has anyone else noticed this?
1:00 PM Alan Lessack: Harry: I had the 1 PM tour with a similar experience and turned down the proffered tip.
1:30 PM Cynthia Bates: As the unfortunate 1:30 tour, doing my 8th soggy cruise of the season, my reward was the two brave souls who stayed on deck and told me afterwards how much they had enjoyed it. Of course it turned out they were from Saskatchewan, where they probably have extreme weather all the time. I was beginning to think that once again, the Weather Gods were singling me out in particular but reading these comments it seems they are again being the total jerks they have been all season. And as all have said we do this for fame and glory. But would happily swap some of that for beautiful weather.
Rebecca Dixon: Thanks, Harry, Alan, and also Cynthia Bates (who did the 1:30 … to only two hearty souls remaining on the deck). Just a few days ago, Harry departed the CAC as I awaited a walking tour and he boarded the boat just as the rains started. Passengers do marvel at what we do, even if the weather is favorable, but particularly if it’s horrible. Gallantly, we smile, saying “We love what we do” and refuse tips. The other night, at 8:30 PM, a man had a big wad of bills in his hand, which I refused, of course (always pure like Harry). Another family was even more insistent. I whipped out the QR code image, for Trip Advisor, and the 25-year old snapped a photo. Another family made me pose in front of the boat’s name and made a point of learning my name.
We journey on, fair weather and foul, enjoying the kudos and admiration when we can.
3:00 PM Ingrid Nelson: Waiting for the 3:00 tour, I huddled under Wacker with parked cars and two people from Toronto. Like Cynthia’s couple, they were from Canada wearing new rain gear they had purchased so they wouldn’t miss the cruise. The skies cleared shortly after we took off and the 14 souls aboard were engaged and appreciative. Fun! But my favorite encounter was an older Hispanic couple, who, when I offered my welcome and where are you from speech, put up their hands and nodded and smiled. I started speaking in Spanish, and they brightened, told me they were from Mexico City on their honeymoon! They had me take a picture with the skyline as a backdrop, and then one with their rings and hands together. For me, these are the moments I live for!
On the Brighter Side
3:30 PM Judith Kaufman: I did the 3:30 and as we pulled away from the dock the sun came streaming out. (Obviously the reward for living a pure life.)
7:30 PM Mark Purdome: I had the 7:30 yesterday, and while it deluged earlier, at 7:30 there was no rain and, in a first for me, a vibrant lightning show during the cruise. Several times I heard the guests gasp as lightning struck in the neighborhood, but we were dry to the end. What does that mean? Perhaps that I’m walking a tightrope between purity and a vengeful deity? 🙂
We all have memorable stories of our tours and shifts. Short Tales cannot continue without your help. Docents, exhibit hosts, guest services, and education guides—we need to hear from you. Share your chuckles and aww moments. Send your Short Tales to an***************@gm***.com. We look forward to enjoying your stories.
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A few years ago, my wife and I had booked a sightseeing cruise in the Apostle Islands (NW Wisconsin). The weather turned rainy and windy, and the tour operator…. recognizing that no one would enjoy it in that weather… canceled it and processed refunds. (We were able to go the next day.)
Just sayin’…….
Thanks for sharing those « blowing in the wind » and surviving the storm stories. Later in the day seemed luckier. Brave souls, you river rats!
Suzy Ruder
These short tales were great! I love to hear how folks braved the weather and enjoyed themselves in spite of the pouring rain. Mark, that lightning storm sounds epic!
Love these testaments!