We spent Wednesday-Sunday at Table Rock. A couple days working on the boat and hanging out in Branson, then 3 days on the water. I typically get teased about "having technology with me" and taking pictures and video of everything. Unfortunately, I took very few pictures on this trip, but we had a blast! At our campsite, I laid this white pinstripe. (Nevermind the dist boat. You know it got waxed before hitting the water!!) Camp Wednesday night. We camped by ourselves. We moved to Joe and Shannon's site after they checked in on Thursday. I discovered a fuel issue on the drive in Wednesday. So after getting it fixed, Joe and I went for a test run! Nikki reppin' COZ Interiors! Joe anc Shannon after we splashed Friday. Lunch at some pirate restaurant. Couldn't tell you the name, but the food was good! Burning fuel is fun, but the girls need their tans! We met up with a friend of Joe's. He was on a massive houseboat. So we tied up and chilled out a while.
After untying from the houseboat, we headed for the dam. Pictured is Joe in his '84 19BR. On the way to the dam, Steve intercepted us in his '78 19CD. He recently converted this boat from OMC to Merc, so he had to show me what it could do! Regatta day. Waiting to head out. We left Indian Point and intercepted the parade west of Chateau on the Lake. Mark's 1990 21CC. Heading in for registration. We tied up the rear of the parade. Poker run! Rick in his '86 269 w/twin 502 MPI's.
Heading into the Regatta for registration. During the poker run. Picking up our cards at one of the stops. We had 5 classics rafter together during the Regatta, and made Derek an honorary member with his '94! Before the poker run at Chateau on the Lake We got front row parking, right next to the registration booth.
They pulled lines at the Regatta a little after 5. We decided to head south to the Missouri/Arkansas border. Then headed back to the "Floating Cafe" at Indian Point Marina. Service was slow, and they forgot to put in the order for our fried pickles.... but after a full day of boating, anything we ate hit the spot... Sunday, we made the trek to Harlow's at Campbell Point. 30 miles one way. Water was rough east of Kimberling City but smoothed out nicely west of the Kimberling City bridge. Stopped at State Park Marina for fuel before heading out. Derek joined is in his '94 272 for a few miles of the ride.
Headed west to Harlow's. Joe knows the lake better than I do, so he lead the way! Docked at Harlow's. This water is Merky for Table Rock. The fish love the attention. Covin' in the Shell Knob area.
Thanks for posting the pics. It really motivated me to get mine finished and on the water. I have so much other crap going to that I easily get pulled away from the boat. Never thought I would be this busy in retirement. I really like the interior of your boat. Typically I always want to see original like your friends boat. But yours looks like it was done very tastefully and professionally. Really enhances the boat and does not detract. Nice job.
Thanks! Still Work to do. The better half was starting to lose patience with me as I got it lake ready for the Regatta. Many nights until midnight and then a drive home. (Boat was in a shop an hour and a half from my house.). The week before the Regatta, the earliest I pulled away was 3AM. The day Before we hit the road I worked until 5AM. Then worked on it for 2.5 days AT our campsite. But after we got home, she told me how much fun she had and how proud she was of my work. Hence why I'm taking a year off.... she's earned some time with me!
Awesome write up and shows the progress of the trip well! It was a great time and so glad we made the trip out. I know it sucks when you forget to take pictures, but that means you are having a good time and living in the moment! the old 19CD gave you a run for your money
Dude.... although we never straight up ran 'em, there's no doubt in my mind you would stay side by side. You had a boat full and were easily at 54! Wish you could have made the trip to Harlow's because you'd had the chance and smooth water to do it!
I understand the time commitment. As I said in my post on the restoration, I got the boat back 3 years ago but immediately suffered some financial and time setbacks. Then the move from California to Louisiana last year, buying and working on a 45 year-old home to keep the wife happy, all played a part in the slow work on the boat. If I could just work on it without interruptions I think I could have it finished in 3-4 weeks. Recently I took on a consulting gig that is also taking time but the money was just too good to pass up. I can relate to driving to the boat to work on it. I did that for 2 years. I now have a home on 3/4 acre and the boat sits on the paved side of my garage. Next Tuesday I am (finally) having a carport installed there so the boat will be out of the rain. Here in the small town of Madisonville, LA they have an annual Wooden Boat Festival the 2nd weekend in October. My goal is to have it in the water for that event. Fingers crossed....
I truly appreciate you posting your pics and telling your story. I wish I could've been at the regatta (bad timing on knee surgery) but I will be there next year.