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Thursday, July 29, 2010 |
The sun is out and the summer is on!
Whether you are heading to the pines or the deserts, America's favorite Waterways are waiting for you now. So read on with us this month as we cast some sunshine on all of the fun.
Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks gets the spotlight this month as we explore a true American playground. We also check in with all of the other marinas for the latest news on the water front. Take a second look at the 59' Deluxe Houseboat, a craft some say is the perfect vessel for fun on the water and catch up on past issues of Waterways you may have missed. You can now read them in a larger web format.
There are some great specials, promotions and discounts to consider and the mouth watering topic of grilled corn on the cob, dripping with melted butter, is discussed. Check your wakeboarding skill set with our Top-5 list and you should be ready to go.... America's favorite Waterways are waiting for you!
Happy Houseboating!
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The Antelope Point Vacation Value Package:
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The Vacation Value Package:
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Lake of the Ozarks
Discover for yourself why visitors come from Omaha, Chicago, St Louis, Kansas City and all over the USA to visit these pristine blue waters. Join the generations who come back year after year, to play, to relax and to enjoy one of America's great Waterways, Lake of the Ozarks.
Situated in the heart of Missouri about two and a half hours drive from Kansas City or St. Louis, featuring over 1,100 miles of wooded shoreline, and holding over 646 billion gallons of water, the 54,000 acre Lake of the Ozarks is the largest man made lake in the Midwestern United States and one of the most popular vacation spots in the country.
"People are not afraid to have fun and take a vacation here AND the lake is full" says Cory Ginsky, General Manager of the Lake of the Ozarks Marina. He has been known to joke that the lake is so full that "you have to walk UP the ramp to get to the water. Our houseboating season typically runs from April to early October with the peak crowds coming between Memorial Day and Labor Day." "People really like all of the activity on this 92 mile long lake" he says. "It is a great weekender place too."
Cory says that most houseboaters usually head up river to the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and "find a good tranquil place to tie up there. Many also take along a power boat and use it to visit some of the restaurants on the waterfront." You will discover that many of these restaurants and clubs have their own docks for patrons. Locals like to say that contrast is a good way to describe the feeling here. The shoreline outside of the park is lined with waterfront homes and some development backed up by a constant forest of green which can make for fun people watching on your way. Once you get into the park, however, it is like going back into time and back to nature.
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Look around at the hills that surround you inside the park and imagine the scene several hundred years ago... The tall Osage Indians roamed these hills and valleys and called them home. They often sought shelter in the many caves scattered about the area and you can still find arrowheads on the ground here and there. The earliest meeting of the Osage and explorers was in 1701 but it wasn't really until Lewis and Clark came through a century later that the natural wonders of the Ozarks were put on the map. The Osage were traders and some of the beaver pelts they traded ended up in Europe and were used for top hats and capes. Daniel Boone even traded fur here later on.
Curious about the name, Ozarks?
It comes from the French who established a post on the Arkansas river named "Aux-Arcs" which means "to the Arkansas." They pronounced it close to how we say it now, "Ozark," and that is how, over time, the area came to be known as the Ozarks.
Day trip?
Take your power boat on a side trip to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. (You will need to take a power boat to get to the dock.) There are over 3,600 acres in this park, some interesting ruins and 12 hiking trails to explore taking you to places with names like Devil¹s Kitchen and Turkey Pen Hollow. There are also eight known caves to investigate along the way. Learn the Snyder family story, their dream of building European style castles here and how some tragedy and misfortune helped shape the park of today. Bring your camera and a sack lunch and spend the day!
Up for some fishing?
Largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish and walleye are all here waiting for the right bait on the right line... Locals will tell you that "when one species isn't cooperating, relax....another one will." They also like to brag that the fishing season on the lake "begins on January 1 and ends on December 31... " And... if you are looking for something different, try luring a paddlefish (sometimes called the spoonbill) which is a true remnant of the dinosaur age. Serious anglers will also recommend the calmer waters during the week as a better option when there are fewer craft on the water.
Average Air & Water Temperatures
• Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri • |
| Month |
High |
Low |
Water |
| Jan |
43° |
21° |
39° |
| Feb |
50° |
26° |
38° |
| March |
60° |
35° |
41° |
| April |
70° |
45° |
54° |
| May |
77° |
54° |
68° |
| June |
85° |
63° |
79° |
| July |
90° |
68° |
84° |
| Aug |
89° |
66° |
84° |
| Sept |
82° |
58° |
77° |
| Oct |
72° |
47° |
69° |
| Nov |
58° |
36° |
57° |
| Dec |
46° |
25° |
48° |
All temps in Fahrenheit and averaged historically.
Sources: weather.com / nps.gov |
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The water!
Here is the scoop.... The concrete dam that started it all, Bagnell Dam, was built in 1929. At the time it was built, it was the largest dam in the world! Today it produces 215,000 kilowatts of electricity which powers much of the surrounding area.
Lake of the Ozarks is plain and simple, 54,000 acres of pure recreation for houseboaters to swim in and play on. You will also find a lot of happy people using just about every kind of water craft you can think of on this lake too. Float out for a visit and you will probably agree that Lake of the Ozarks is truly Central Missouri's water playground.
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Lake of the Ozarks State Park
The Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers you three fun locations managed by Forever Resorts inside the park.
Public Beach #1 and Public Beach #2 (see map) offer you small watercraft rentals, ramp permits and slip rentals. Often called "PB #1" and "PB #2" by locals, these convenient marinas offer houseboaters a great location inside the park to refuel or to rent small watercraft as well as pick up supplies.
The year round Pa He Tsi boat ramp (adjacent to PB #2) offers a great location for your friends or family to launch from and join you at your houseboat.
›› Learn more about the facilities and available watercraft at these great locations.
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Lake of the Ozarks Marina
The Lake of the Ozarks Marina is your full serivce houseboating gateway to all of the fun and adventure on Lake of the Ozarks. (see map)
Check out this brand new covered houseboat marina with 20 slips. Spacious shaded ramps make this a sweet location for loading and unloading, and the parking is about as close to your houseboat as you can get.
Other facilities feature slip rentals, fuel dock, watercraft rentals including fishing boat, Boat launching and a convenience store.
The rental office, maintenance facility and convenience store are all actually built inside a cave. You are underground the minute you walk inside the door!
›› Learn more about the convenient full service facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks Marina.
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Checkin in with the marinas...
Here is the latest news from the marinas:
Lake Mead, NV
(Callville Bay)
"Water Levels have stabilized at 1095.13' and are predicted to come back up about 10' in the fall. The water is clean, clear and there is still plenty of it to play on. The fishing has been pretty good with lots of stripers coming in. We're rockin and rollin."
Lake Powell, AZ
"Our levels have topped off at 3643' which is about 10 feet higher than last year. There are lots of new beaches that have opened up and there are more areas to explore with the lake levels coming up. The water temp is about 82 which is great for swimming and strippers are biting like crazy!"
Lake Mohave, NV
"Water level is at 640' which is just a few feet down from full pool at 644'. The water is in the low 80s and it is incredibly clear, amazing actually. The new top of the line docks are in and the new marina building will be coming in soon."
Lake Amistad, TX
"Lake Levels have come back up to 1117' so we are now at full pool. It is nice and hot and we have not had a day in July under 100 but... the water is real pleasant to swim in and especially clear this year. We are averaging bass in the 5-6 pound range. The all time record catch for the Alligator Gar, by the way, was 219 pounds."
Lake Mead, AZ
(Temple Bar)
"We are at 1094' and it is changing daily. The water is great to put your toes into. The fishing is always great here and the stripers are absolutely biting... you can't beat the catfish out here."
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
"We are at full pool and it has been raining a bit, the trees are all green and clean. All of the restaurants with docks on the lake are open and seem to be full of people having a fun summer so far. The water mid week is calmer and better for fishing but you can always get out of the main channel for a few good bites."
Trinity Lake, CA
"The water is at 88' from the crest. The weather is beauriful with temps around the 90s in the day and high 50s at night. There is plenty of water to boat and ski on. The Sunday BBQ in the Timbers Restaurant has been a big hit this season and you can smell the food cooking all the way down to the marina."
Lake Don Pedro, CA
(Moccasin Point)
"We are at 800' and there's lots of room on the water and not a lot of competition for the prime spots. The wake boarding has been sweet because the water is like glass... especially in the mornings. The fish have been biting better on the other side of the lake, but hey, it's a great excuse for a power boat ride over."
Lake Don Pedro, CA
(Lake Don Pedro Marina)
"We are at about 800' and the weather has been great... warm in the 100s which is normal for this time of year. The water is 85 and wonderful up here, it's nice. They're 'catchin big' and the fish are biting really fast. A lot of people have been coming in at the last minute and we still have boats."
Lake Oroville, CA
"We are at 765, and there are still over 100 miles of shoreline and some great calm water area to houseboat on. People have been raving about how smooth and quiet the water is out here this year. It's almost like having a private lake. Give us a call for the latest scoop on ramp and water conditions at 530-877-2883."
Lake Berryessa, CA
"We are at 70% capacity. In addition to our boat rentals, the camping, RV and cabins are all open too. We also have some additional camping areas available on the west side of the lake. Fishing is good... trout seems to be especially hungry this year. The weather here has been perfect so far, high 80s, and the water is very refreshing."
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Check out past issues of Waterways!
News Flash:
The Wall Street Journal recently ran a front page article about the Alligator Gar. You may remember reading about the Aligator Gar fish in your January issue of Waterways. (Is that considered a "scoop?")
FYI:
You can always catch up on past issues of Waterways online, 24/7. Take advantage of your full screen with the larger online format and enjoy bigger pictures and text.
Catch up anytime:
January Waterways
Discover the Alligator Gar, the 70'Silver Millennium Houseboat, "Youth Conservation Efforts," vacation planning help, and more.
Click here for the full online version of the January Waterways
February Waterways
Read about Lake Mead, grilling up Bass, the 59' Deluxe houseboat, "Getting hitched at lake Mead," "The Lab on the Lake," and more!
Click here for the full online version of the February Waterways
March Waterways
Jump into fun at Lake Powell - straddling the Arizona Utah Border, check out the grand style aboard the 70' Millennium houseboat, meet the legendary Stan Jones, "Smooth Sailing for the Mobility Impaired," and more.
Click here for the full online version of the March Waterways
April Waterways
Lake Mohave, the Best Kept Secret in Nevada, stay at Cottonwood Cove, sip up some cold fun with the Top-5 smoothie list, enjoy the humor of "Airplanes vs Houseboats," step onto some fun with the 59' Deluxe XT Houseboat, and more.
Click here for the full online version of the April Waterways
May Waterways
Strike true gold at Lake Don Pedro in California- one lake with two great marinas, check out the 50' Forever 8 houseboat, Yosemite, "Healthy Houseboating," grill some bass and more.
Click here for the full online version of the May Waterways
June Waterways
Visit Trinity Lake in California, check out the new Vacation Value Packages, learn what is biting at all of the marinas, chuckle with us at the Top-5 Water themed dog names, read the "Confessions of a First Time Houseboater," and welcome aboard the 56' Getaway houseboat!
Click here for the full online version of the June Waterways
Read this issue online now too!
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Click into a fabulous time on the water.... |
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Click on in and discover how easy it is to book some sunny time on the water this year. Take the wheel (or mouse in this case) and captain your friends and family to a fun decision.
There are now more great dates to choose from with the all-new houseboat rental departure schedule and... while you're clicking around, discover some great 2009 values.
Security deposits have been waived and many of the new daily rates are lower than last season. Fuel costs are down too!
You may find that planning this year's trip is easier than ever with great dates, and a super selection of top flight houseboats, still available at all of our marinas.
Go ahead cast some sunshine on your summer plans and check into some fun!
Review boat models, floor plans, check availability and compare new prices here.
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The 59' Deluxe
One great Houseboat!
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Many seasoned houseboaters will tell you that the 59' Deluxe has the optimal size and layout. Step on board and discover for yourself why they also say that it is not too big, not too small, but that it's "just right!" Snuggle up with enough room to sleep ten and enjoy plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and relax too. The "just right" size also makes it an easy craft for you to skipper and navigate with relative ease.
And... depending on your usage, the 59' Deluxe can also be one of the most fuel efficient houseboat models in the Forever fleet.
This traditional houseboat, which has evolved and grown over the years, has been custom built to make your time on the water smooth sailing.
Fully equipped with everything you and your crew could need on the water, our favorite features include:
Sleeps 10 comfortably, maximum 12
2 Private and 2 Semi-Private Bedrooms each with a Queen Bed
Captain's Flying Bridge for driving from Top Deck
Canopy top
Wet Bar with Icemaker & Refrigerator on Top Deck
Fully equipped kitchen
BBQ grill
1 1/2 baths
This nimble and comfortable craft is now available at all Forever Resorts houseboat marinas, except Antelope Point.
Get the full story about the
59' Deluxe
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Dining on the water
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Lake of the Ozarks offers dozens of waterfront restaurants with docks for those nights when you and your crew don't feel like cooking and want to check out some of the local fare.
Most offer you the choice to dine inside or out, but always with a view of the water.
Options like outdoor decks, sand beaches, live entertainment and covered patios to enjoy it all from can make dining out on Lake of the Ozarks a real treat for you and your crew.
Themes vary from gourmet French Mediterranean to all American burgers and steaks.
Check out Captain Rons a local favorite and a great place to rendezvous with friends from the water or the land. There is plenty of parking there for both cars and boats.
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It's all about corn on the grill...
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You have to admit, there is nothing better than corn on the cob with just about anything from the grill. Steak and corn on the cob, fish and corn on the cob, how about just corn on the cob? Skip the microwave or the pot of boiling water in your fully equipped houseboat kitchen and use the on board grill instead.
The Secret:
Many grillers will tell you the secret for preparing corn for the grill is to soak it first, just put the ears in water for at least 30 minutes.
After soaking, take the ears out of the water, peel the husk back and remove the corn silk (the stringy stuff). You should also remove a few layers of husk too, just make sure you leave some husk on to protect the corn from the flames.
Here is a great tip:
Butter the corn while you still have the husk peeled back, before grilling... This is a great way to add some mouth watering buttery flavor.
Fold the husks back over the corn and tie up the ends of the husks to seal in the flavor. The best way to do this is use some of the extra husk you removed. Tear em into strips and use them to tie off the ends of the corn.
Put the corn on the grill for about 15 minutes at medium heat or lower the heat and leave em on longer to absorb more of the smoke flavor. (30 minutes usually does the trick)
You will know when it is ready when the husks are dried out and ready to fall off. Take the corn off the grill, unwrap it, and yummmmm.
Don't forget the extra butter!
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Safe Boating for Everyone!
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Safety is #1 for you and your crew out on the water, and getting a head start, before your voyage, is now easier than ever.
Many houseboat captains find it handy to have their whole crew review a safety course before departure.
These courses are a great way to get everyone started thinking about the trip in advance and you will find that they make for safer boating as well.
Many of these online courses are free to review, easy to read, include interesting illustrations and videos, and even offer practice tests free of charge. Some captains have been known to offer bounty for the top score in their crew!
There is also an added bonus for your captain...
Check out all of the details for the Safe Boating Discount and find links for safe boating courses your whole crew can take:
Be a safe boater!
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Portside Musing |
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"I recently discovered the importance of proper pronunciation when I asked a local fisherman where the crappie fish were biting." |
The Top 5
Wake Board Maneuvers
"surface tricks" |
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Getting up on your wake board is just the beginning of what can be some very cool time on the water. So... are you a boarder?
Are these Top-5 Wake board maneuvers in your portfolio of surface tricks?
(at least number 5?)
 Backslide Spins
When you rotate around with your back to the boat first.
 Inverts
When you (voluntarily) go upside down in the air.
 Wake to Wake
When you take off from one wake and land on another.
 Stomping the Trick
When you land, smoothly and cleanly.
 Wiping Out
When you make a spectacular fall. (Inevitable!)
Good luck and keep on stomping the trick! |
True blue water while being green! |
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From the West Coast to the Gulf Coast
and points in between, Forever Resort
Marina waters are invitingly blue
while turning enthusiastically green.
Here's how ---
Many of Forever's marina managers
have earned the prestigious Certified Marina Manager
designation, distinguishing themselves as outstanding
professionals who have risen to the top of their class.
Two Forever Resorts sites in Texas have also been certified as
part of the Clean Texas Marina Program "to assist marina
operators in protecting the resources that provide their
livelihood --- clean water and fresh air," said that state's
coordinator DeWayne Hollin. "The program adopts
pollution prevention measures to help marine operators
reduce waste management costs, improve their recycling
programs, and attract responsible customers who respect
and follow clean boating practices."
Lake Amistad Marina in the Lake Amistad National
Recreational Area and the Marina at Lake Meredith in the
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are certified Clean
Texas Marinas. Both help create a strong environmental
ethic and promote individual responsibility. In and around
the 74 wet and dry slips at Amistad are spill kits for
emergencies. Used oil and filters and lead-acid batteries
are all recycled.
The Clean Marinas California Program includes Forever
Resort marinas at Lake Oroville, Lake Don Pedro (and
Moccasin Point Marina), Lake Berryessa's Pleasure Cove
marina and the facilities at Trinity Lake. "They all work
to provide environmentally clean facilities and protect the
state's inland and coastal waters from pollution through
compliance of best management practices," said CMC
Chairman Tim Leathers.
Lake Oroville in Northern California's Sierra Nevada
foothills offers over 150 miles of secluded and forested
shoreline. The cleaner the area, the more attractive the
location, and as a designated Clean Marina, "We work hard
to prevent any spills or work quickly and professionally to
clean up any that do occur," said Bill Harper, Lake Oroville
Marina General Manager. "We are all trained regarding
emergency procedures and enforce the rules regarding
boat maintenance while in the slips. Our watercraft are
maintained in peak condition with regular maintenance
performed and chemical and solid wastes disposed of in
accordance with all local, state, and federal laws."
When EPA and National Parks Service kicked off their
own Green Marina initiative in 2001, they noted that
"any marinas taking the voluntary challenge move
beyond regulatory compliance."
We say, congratulations to those who have.
We work hard to prevent any spills
or work quickly and professionally to
clean up any that do occur...
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July 2009 Edition |
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