Today my dad turns 60 and I've been thinking about all of the fun times we've had over the years. I have so many memories of cruising over twisty country roads in Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area where I was fortunate to spend my childhood. Whether in mom’s VW Beetle or “surfing” by standing up in the back of the orange 1970’s VW Camper Van. One day however, Pops really upped the ante on our childhood passenger experience when he brought home a “new to us” green futuristic looking Volkswagen Scirocco.
I don’t recall the name of the road, but there was an especially twisty and hilly stretch between Ironton and Reedsburg WI that we called “Vampire Valley” and it was so densely wooded that it was always dark. Even during the sunniest of days.
On this road, was what my brother and I dubbed the “Whoop-dee-woo”. Driving over the Whoop-de-woo in the VW Van or mom’s beetle would result in that floaty sensation in our bellies and fits of laughter. (We were country kids, and easily entertained)
Well, on this particular day, as AC/DC’s “Long Way to the Top” was on deck, Pops approached the Whoop-de-woo for our first time in the Scirocco, I remember John and I singing along with the music, “It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll!” and as the bagpipes screamed, chanting, “FASTER!…FASTER…FASTER!” like two little Gremlin/Ewoks as tension, excitement, fear escalated to an unreasonable level.
Now, the rest of this story could be influenced by my memory of scenes from the TV show, Dukes of Hazard, or even Star Wars but who cares… I happily recall going so fast that it felt like my face was melting, being stretched back by the speed, looking over at John who’s huge grin had turned into a look of terror as we launched in slow motion off of the top legendary Whoop-de-woo. Screaming along with AC/DC’s bagpipes, wanting to puke, but very much alive and laughing so hard we couldn’t catch our breath.
Thanks for the adventures and memories Pops! Hope you get into something fun and rascally this year! My gift to you is not illustrating you wearing your famous DaisyDuke cutoffs. You’re welcome!