Busted! FifteenOffTV Episode 3, and First Run 2010

First of all, let me explain the picture. A couple weeks ago I had to tow a U-Haul trailer a considerable distance, then drop it off at my Dad's house. That must be where my flat-4 to 7-pin trailer light adapter is, because it wasn't in my car when I was hooking up the boat at 6:30AM this morning. I had no way, short of custom wiring (which I did briefly consider) to hook my trailer lights up this morning. Of course, not skiing was not an option. I figured the roads would be empty, I'd drive very carefully, and there certainly wouldn't be any cops on the way. Correct, correct, and incorrect. The first cop followed me for what seemed like eons before turning off on a side road. Must not have noticed the (lack of) lights, even through several stops. The next squad car followed me shortly thereafter, and ALMOST went straight as I made a left. Almost. His course abruptly changed, and on went the cherries and blueberries. This is the first time the Nautique has ever been pulled over. I didn't get any compliments on the rig from the officer, either. Still, the guy was very nice and just gave me a warning on the lights since I told him that my friends had an adapter waiting for me at the ramp (they did). However, my 2006 insurance card didn't pass muster, so I'll have to remember to put a current insurance card in the car. I felt like some filing clerk going through all the crap in my glove compartment: "Hmm, 2006 trailer registration, 2007 car registration, 2009 insurance, 2006 insurance, etc." It's been well over 10 years since I've even pulled over so I was terribly unorganized. Ridiculous glove compartment mess, really. Lesson learned.

Forecast was great for this weekend: low winds and warm air. Perfect formula for a Saturday/Sunday double-header. Skiing Saturday was OK. I had major rollers in my first set at 30, but still managed to squeak out some passes. Everybody in the boat dealt with fierce cases of the waist breaks, the butt outs, and the handle outs. Pretty rag-tag bunch of skiers today, really. But, we all had fun. The water felt great at about 63 degrees F. Had one set at 30, one set at 32. Very tired. Very out of shape. While editing this video I was thinking "Jesus, do I seriously look like that?"

We went again today (Sunday), and skied our brains out. We're all still just getting warmed up for the season, so no spectacular displays of skiing ability but it was tons of fun. We were tired and sore from the day before. Of course there were no signs of the police this morning.

I had the Flip HD camera going basically the whole time Saturday. I filmed myself getting the boat ready, just to show you what I'm doing at 6:20 on a weekend morning with low winds and flat water. I'm moving cars around in the driveway, putting the trailer tongue together, backing the car up, and hitching up the rig. So, enjoy the show. Hope to get on the water tomorrow, as well.

Comments:

scarletarrow, 5/23/2010: private video? can't watch it.


jhughes, 5/23/2010: Thanks, fixed.


Chef23, 5/24/2010: Cool video. When I watch this I thank god I live on a lake and don't have to trailer a boat. We are on public water and do have to deal with people messing up our water.


sethro, 5/24/2010: Nice video Joel...I enjoyed watching it. Glad to hear you only got a warning, and as long as you really have the insurance no problems there either.

Good thing the police officer wasn't a Malibu or MC owner. :)


scarletarrow, 5/24/2010: good times! loved it. if beth is your wife, who's watching the kiddo so early in the morning?


jhughes, 5/24/2010: The kiddo's always on the boat! You can hear her in the background.


martho, 5/25/2010: I bet those cops got scmods


harddock, 5/28/2010: Got bagged one time for a boat dealer plate on a utility trailer with a 20' drainage pipe loaded on. Gave the cop a story aboout shipping a sailboat mast overseas and needed the tube. He said nice story and if I ever see that trailer with that plate and no boat I'd better have a screwdriver as he was going to take the plate.