All Aboard!!!

If you resided in Southeast Michigan before 1991, it is very possible that you visited Bob-Lo island. During the summer months, we would look forward to taking a trip across the river, to a different country. We traveled on a vessel filled with many people, listened to the music and watched the frothy waves sway back and forth along the Detroit River . We boogied on the dance floor, explored the deck and after expressing extreme patience, we arrived at the island. My eyes searched for my favorite ride - The Log Ride. I could not wait to sit in the log, legs streched out, floating in the water until it was time to climb the hill. Chug, chug, up the incline. Heart racing, eyes open for a second and then the g-force begins. There it is, the stomach in the mouth feeling, screams of intense excitement penetrated my ears and then, it is over. Until the next incline. Sometimes we were sprinkled with the water. I thoguht it was so much fun!!! Of course, the park was home to many other rides such as rollercoasters, dodge-em cars and even a haunted house. Who could forget riding in the Model T cars? In our young minds, we thought we were really controlling the wheel!!

My grandpa Moe joined us on one trip. He really had fun. I was in charge of "keeping an eye" on my six year old brother. He was walking down the stairs, which were very close to the edge of the boat, and I was scared he was going to fall. I grabbed his hand just to be safe. Always the worry wart... that's me. Nonetheless, I was, and continue to be, the mother hen of the brood.

The classic story occurred in 1978. My mom always buggied us to the coolest fun spots. This time, she surprised us with a spur of the moment trip to Bob Lo. We headed for the Detroit port and missed the boarding time by about five minutes. My mom, she is an ambitious lady. She said, "That's ok, we will go to the Wyandotte port. It isn't too far from here." Once again, we were a few minutes too late. Since there was only one daily pick-up in Wyandotte, we did not go to Bob Lo that day. The day was not a disaster - it had a sweet ending. My mom took us for ice cream - who would complain about that?

Unfortunately, Bob Lo island closed in 1993 and is now a residential community. Good website is
http://boblosteamers.com/