In the heart of the economic downturn, Boating Life Magazine had a good idea on budget vacations. They commissioned writer Pete McDonald and me to spend an evening camping out of a Premier Pontoon Boat on the St. Croix River near St. Paul, MN. Story spin: is it possible to have a two-day/one-night marine adventure for 50 bucks? We would have done it, but the weather didn't cooperate.  Dangerous thunderstorms. So even though we were ready and willing to rough it, we were forced to seek shelter in a hotel room. We did have fun boating and got some terrific shots for the magazine, despite the constant downpour.