Good Samaritan Society-International Falls
Not exactly tropical — but all the elements are present — water, people, decorations, music, food, sunshine and excitement. Pine trees replace palm trees and the thermometer’s reading is a little low. But these are minor details that no one will mind, because this is a special day — the annual houseboat trip.
The mid-August day starts early with staff and volunteers loading pre-packed bins of supplies and food to be used throughout the day. Residents of Good Samaritan Society-International Falls are dressed and ready to go. Shortly after breakfast the buses arrive and the residents anxiously await their turn to board.
The anticipation builds as the buses pull into the unloading area of Rainy Lake Houseboats. The Dougherty family has graciously hosted this annual outing for many years. For some residents, this is a voyage taken before. With four houseboats decorated Hawaiian-style, no time is wasted. As residents board, a lei is placed around their neck and flowered hair clips are donned. Staff and volunteers get into Hawaiian garb and the boats leave the bay and merge into the big waters of Rainy Lake.
A 15-minute cruise brings us to our destination. The scenic spot, set in open water with a few islands dotting the horizon, is spectacular. The clear sky and calm water, dark but vibrant blue, is the perfect background for a luau. All four boats are tied together to form a small, floating city which allows staff to traverse from boat to boat. By now, it’s getting close to 11 o’clock in the morning — time to think about lunch.
Our luau main course is a real treat — walleye. Volunteer cooks get ready to fry up some fillets. As lunch is served and appetites are satisfied, a peaceful rhythm gently rocks our little city on the water. After lunch it was time for some entertainment. How about a Hawaiian hula demonstration of the Hukilau, a little fishing, a dip in the lake, a few laughs and a few photo opportunities to wrap up the afternoon? All-in-all a wonderful day spent on Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park.
Geraldine (Gerry) Howard, GSS-IF resident said, “I really enjoyed it. It was relaxing and such a nice day. Too bad we can’t do it more often. The lunch was good and so was the entertainment.” She remembered when her mother was a resident at GSS-IF and how excited she was to go on the houseboat trip. This was Gerry’s second voyage with the GSS-IF crew and looks forward to next year’s cruise.
Maholo (thank you) to all who helped including the Dougherty’s for making this day possible and memorable, George Schlieff for his culinary talents, Dick and Irene Anderson, and Larry Carlson for volunteering the entire day in so many ways, to the family and friends who came from near and far to help and share this experience, and to the staff who take such good care of our residents and who are more like family.
