Yabba Dabba Doo (17/73)

We would sit in the cement cars next to Fred Flintstone and take our picture in Willima’s kitchen. The on to mini golf that would take us under a giant water fall and through the purple cave to the lagoon Bam- Bam! was playing in. A rest stop area in the park between the attractions. Of course we had to stop for picture. I always cheered Bam-Bam on when I watched the Flintstones at school over lunch hour. I liked how he could shake off his anger by banging his club about. I had a lot of anger. I wished I had a club that I could bang around too back then.

The next attractions would be the last one for the day but by far my most favorite one of all!! ‘Wild Waters’ waters slides. It was attached the park. Now it was time to grab a quick  snack from the burger vendor next to the pool. Just close enough to see everyone drop into the pool from the slides.  I was so excited I could barely keep still as I stumbled to take off my jean overalls and t-shirt. I already had my bathing suite on underneath. I had planned ahead. My dad asked to my settle down and come back to table and have something to each before we went swimming. This frustrated me as I turned my back to the pool, kicked my one foot out, crossed my arms and looked at my father like he had just told me the world was going to end. I was mad but I listened as I slowly sauntered over to the table and sat down to eat my burger.

My dad would probably never admit it, but I think he was as excited as I was to get in the pool and go down the slides. It was always so warm in Kelowna and after a round of mini golf with me, well he needed it. To say I was not very good at golf was being kind, I was merely slow at it, especially in the heat. We both quickly ate our lunch and started our way up the stairs to the top of the slides. I was excited but a little scared too. I went down the slides the first couple of times with my dad just to make sure it was all good before I braved it on my own. Once I got the hang of it there was no stopping me. I was up and down those stairs faster than a lightening bolt. I loved it. One of my most treasured memories. How I have wished so many times that I could take my own children and grandchildren to that same Flintstone Park and Wild Waters slides that I went to. Unfortunately, the same place does not exist today. The park is now just a skeleton of what it once was back in the 80’s.