Paddleboat
After our day hiking at a State Park, we stopped into the lodge for some Tomato soup at the deli. While there, I noted an advertisement for a day long paddleboat river cruise. As it was fall, the leaves were starting to change colors and the scenery was fantastic. I mentioned there was a cruise tomorrow and you headed right over to the hotel receptionist behind the counter.
You asked if she knew anything of the cruise and she stated it was a fantastic trip. She also told you the cruise tomorrow was far from being full because it was originally booked for a special event that cancelled at the last minute leaving the cruise 90% empty. It would not have run had it not been for the few tickets that were already sold. She also stated she had tickets here for the ride if we were interested.
You looked at me and booked the trip. Since the boat was mostly empty, she gave us a discount and a free drink ticket. Since we did not plan on staying, we also booked a room in the hotel lodge for the night.
We ate dinner in the lodge great room where it was fried chicken served family style night. After our meal we walked around outside of the lodge holding hands and looking at the stars. You mentioned we had not packed an overnight bag so we would have to stop in the little store at the lodge. As you shopped, I wandered around the hotel lobby. You exited the store with your purchases, and we went to our room and retired for the night.
The next morning, we had to be on the boat by 7:30 am for breakfast. You came out of the room dressed in a zip-up Starved Rock Sweatshirt with a lightweight cream top underneath. You purchased a short pair of shorts with wide leg openings. You often wore this type of short because you have such toned legs and a nicely shaped butt.
We drove the few miles to the dock and pulled into a nearly empty parking lot. As we approached the entrance, I studied the mastery of the paddleboat. It was an 1800's era reproduction with modern amenities and in excellent physical shape. We crossed the gangplank and were greeted by several staff members including the captain. He introduced a few crew members including the first mate who was a stunning slender Latino.
The Captain welcomed us and said it will be a light crowd, however they promise this will be a great experience for us. One of the ship stewards escorted us to the dining room and said the captain will address us as a group in a few minutes. He stated the breakfast will be buffet style while the staff filled our water glasses.
As promised, the captain entered the room and addressed the thirty of us. He joked that the crew almost outnumbered the staff on this voyage and apologized for the small crowd but stated the show must go on. He again promised a delightful cruise and then walked over to the buffet line and described every item in humorous detail like the rolls are light on calories because they cook them with helium, the stuff you put in children's balloons.
He stated there were not many activities other than sightseeing on the river as this was a special event cruise that had their own entertainment. But he assured us all our needs would be met by the able-bodied staff. And with that, he told us to dig into the buffet and of course to have a splendid day. As I looked around, the crowd was mostly older retirement age individuals.
The buffet was well stocked with food however in smaller quantities. The variety was everything you would expect including a full assortment of fresh fruits. After two trips we decided to go out on the deck as we were moving full speed ahead. One of the staff motioned us to the upper deck for a better view and to get away from the crowd. We went up a staircase going to a secluded upper-level deck above the dining area.
The view from the upper deck was very romantic. The tree colors were varied depending on species. The noise of the paddles was soothing as they gently beat through the water. One of the stewards offered us reclining chairs on the deck. He placed my chair facing forward and yours directly across from me. He brought me coffee and noting you had a drink ticket he asked if you would like something from the bar. A virgin bloody Mary you responded. Oh, so you are one of those virgin types of people. Sometimes, they are the craziest people he joked as he went to the bar.
As he returned with your drink, you noticed a small amount of a sprinkled substance on the rim of the glass. He told you to lick that up first and then take a drink. It is a sea salt that will entice the taste buds. You did as you were instructed, but didn't really feel it was very salty, more of a bitter taste.
He mentioned the ship had many areas in which there were great views. I would be happy to show them to you. As the boat paddled down river, we noted the other guests pretty much stayed in the dining room. One gentleman was playing the piano and entertaining the small crowd. We could have gone back inside but could hear him from where we sat.
The sun had warmed the air and really felt good. You unzipped your sweatshirt, removed it and laid back on your lounger. The combination of the bright warm sunlight and the thinness of the material on your top clearly showed the shape of your breasts. Your nipples were poking into the top and from my angle, I thought I could make out the darker pink of your areola. I wondered why you were not wearing your bra but who am I to complain.
As you sat up in the lounger, I could see your red panties and a bit of your pussy through your leg openings. I was going to say something, but there really wasn't anybody here to enjoy the view but me. One other couple came out and they received the same service we did from the deck steward, right down to the women's drink. They were a younger couple than we were and were more dressed for the beach than an early fall paddleboat cruise. You told me you think the steward must have forgot that your drink was a virgin drink without alcohol because you were suddenly feeling "different". I told him he thought you were the virgin and winked at you.
Thinking of splashing water on your face, you said you would be back and went down the steps to the restroom. As you walked away, I could see how thin the material was on your shirt as I could almost count the freckles on your back. I thought if anybody met up with you, they would get a view of your frontside.
I stayed on the deck and read my book losing all track of time. About an hour later I went down the steps to the bathroom and did not see you. I asked a woman coming out if there was anybody else in there and she said there wasn't. I walked the entire ship when I found you coming out of the cabin area on the lower deck. You said the drink made you lightheaded and some nice crew members opened a cabin for you to lay down. Your hair was a mess, so I just figured it was from laying down and the wind. You stated you saved something to talk to me about later.
As we went back, one of the stewards told us lunch was again a buffet and was ready whenever we were. So, we stopped and ate quickly as he said the ship would be making the U-turn soon and we did not want to miss that. Back up on the deck we took our seats on the lounger.
The young couple beside us were now both tanning and had been for a while based on the number of empty glasses. The fellow was shirtless and in shorts while she was topless only wearing what I thought was a bikini bottom with a decided camel toe. You told me later it was her panties. Her breasts were perfectly shaped for he figure with small nipples. I hope you don't mind she said. With it being so warm and peaceful and all, the steward said it would be fine. And when I saw your top, I figured you would be okay with it. As she laid back in her chair, I noted how well shaped she was and how she was not shy about her nudity even standing up by the rail at one point.
About five minutes later, the steam whistle blew, and the staff all stood at the railing around the deck. The couple that was sunbathing stood at the rail. She was still topless and not the least bit concerned with covering her breasts. The ship paddlewheel stopped, and mechanical engines started up turning the boat around the other direction heading back to the State Park. Once we were facing the right direction the paddle wheel restarted and we were on our way back.
For the first time, I looked toward the rear of the boat and noted the control office was just above this deck. The area was well staffed for the turn around. I remember thinking to myself they always had a full view of this deck. Maybe I should have told my wife she did have an audience. I think the other woman on the deck already knew that fact and played along.
I commented to one of the stewards what a marvelous piece of metal this boat is, and he offered me a tour. Not wishing to miss the chance, I looked over at you and you said to go ahead, you would be fine. And with that, the steward motioned to another steward on the deck. He asked the other steward to make sure all your needs are met as she is a special lady today. I overheard the steward making small talk with you as he handed you another drink. As I walked away, I glanced back at you and noticed your red panties were still visible through your leg openings covering your pussy, or so mostly.
Below the crew quarters was a whole new level of diesel engines and generators. There was a small crew there to watch over the operation. Six Cummings engines and two Caterpillar generators keep this boat moving down the river he stated.
I spoke with the crew and shared my experiences with them. With that, one of the men asked if I could maybe look at the engine that was not running. Again, not missing an opportunity, I dived right in. Within an hour we had it running and all dialed in. The operator threw the switch, and it sprang back into service, pulling some of the load from the other engines.