Shipwrecked Saga

RAY: A family of four and their dog are trapped on an island, when rising floodwaters tear out the bridge that they had used just a few hours earlier.

When they had just given up hope the son says, "I've got a small boat and oars."

But their joy was short-lived. The manufacturer's instructions printed on the boat stern say that the boat can carry only 180 pounds.

The dog is the only one who can swim.

The father weighs 170. The mother says she weighs 130 but it's more like 155. The son is 90 pounds, the daughter is 80, and the dog is 15.

TOM: The dog is going to have to take the boat back to the port!

RAY: Here's the question: Is there any way that the family can be saved?

TOM: We know that they can be saved! We would never give a puzzler that didn't have a happy ending.

RAY: Right. So, what's the fewest number of crossings they have to make to save everybody?

Think you know? Drop Ray a note!

[ Car Talk Puzzler ]