I knew I needed to stock up on quarters for this adventure, just like I did when I was in college. I’d given up my washer and dryer and remembered that laundry machines get hungry. Of course these days you can use bills and credit cards, but it’s more fun to plug coins into the machines, don’t you think?
The thing I didn’t know anything about were the ancient coin-operated showers. All the state and regional campgrounds we’d visited allowed us free unlimited showers, so I was shocked to learn that an expensive private campground in Clinton, Connecticut wanted to charge us. I think I stood staring at the coin box mounted on the wall for a good three minutes before I went back to gather coins and the girls.
Once we were in the shower, I loaded in a quarter and waited. It took me a while to figure out how it worked, as the water did not pour out immediately. However, I did and we went to work, quickly washing our hair. It was unfortunate when the time ran out just when we all had conditioner in our hair.
“Mom!” Camille said immediately. “It’s really cold!”
“No problem,” I said through chattering teeth, “I brought extra coins.”
“Hurry!” Serena cried out.
I had planned to take my time and enjoy the new experience of freezing to death, but Camille’s and Serena’s words encouraged me not to dawdle. Frostbite was threatening to set in as I put the quarter into the slot. Halfway. It stuck.
What??
“Mommy, it’s freeeeezing!”
“I don’t like this, Mommy!”
My hands shook as I tried to encourage the coin into the slot. It had worked before. Why not now?
In desperation I turned the knob back and forth, which had successfully started the water just seven and a half minutes ago. I’m not sure why I thought it would work, but somehow, someway it worked and we all cheered and reveled in the glorious hot water again. Quickly.
Love absolutely love your blogs… brings back many roadside memories with my own family. Keep sharing Laura please keep ’em coming.
Thank you, Sweetie!!