“Here’s one last joke for all you mind readers out there.”
Slight pause, then a knowing head bob and a laugh.
“Good one!” or “I got it!” A guest was almost assured to yell, as they were helped out of the boat.
This was the final joke that was in vogue when I used to work the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland.
It’s funny how jokes come and go in the Jungle. There are the ones that never change, of course, like the backside of water, — don’t try that at home, you’ll hit your head on the back of the faucet — and then there are the ones that catch the fancy of the crew during any particular season. At the time I was in the Jungle, there was some joke making the rounds upon departure from the dock — something like, “And we’re off like a herd of stampeding turtles!” Don’t ask.
The end of the seven-and-a-half minute spiel was potentially the hardest. If things were backed up at the dock you could have several extra minutes to fill and every skipper worth their salt had a long lineup of corny ways to keep the guests entertained, with no new visual scenery to prompt the popping of the next pun. Seeing what jokes are making the rounds is one of my favorite parts of visiting the Jungle these days. To see what changes. And what hasn’t.
As for me, much has been changing in my little corner of the world lately.
Next week I’ll be concluding my time at the Reporter and embarking on my next professional writing and communications adventure. I’ll have one more round of stories and a column next week, but by the time it hits front porches I’ll be at my new gig, so I wanted to get my goodbyes in now.
I have so enjoyed my time in Maple Valley, Covington and Black Diamond, and I’ve had such fun getting to meet so many members of the community and tell your stories. Thanks for sharing them with me. I am thankful I got to start my writing career here with y’all, and that Kris, Dennis, and Polly took a chance on me. In a lot of ways it feels like I started just yesterday. I can hardly believe it’s already been over a year and a half. There have been a lot of memories and experiences packed into those days.
It still feels a bit surreal that this is happening, but it is and onward I go. There are things I will definitely miss here, but I am thrilled about this next leg of my journey as a writer. I look forward to watching from afar as the new Tahoma High is built and to see what the future brings these communities. I’ll still be out and about around the community and if you see me, by all means, feel free to say “Howdy.” Bonus points if you can quote the Mark Fink Keel Boats spiel opening. Or name your favorite Jungle joke. Stay tuned next week for my Disneyland Half trip report, which will be my last column.
“Well folks, I hope you had a good time out there. If so, remember my name is Skipper Katherine and this has been the World Famous Jungle Cruise. If not, my name’s Erin and this has been the Storybook Land Canal Boats. As you exit please watch your step, and watch your head. If you miss your step and hit your head, please, watch your language. There are children everywhere. And here’s one last joke for all you mind readers out there.”
