Various Aquatic Adventures

This past weekend our young married’s Bible study went on a houseboat adventure to Lake Don Pedro (California’s sixth largest body of water, with over 160 miles of shoreline). We arrived at the lake around dusk on Friday night. Emily’s dad met us at the marina in the speed boat. We taxied for about twenty minutes until we arrived at the houseboat, anchored in a small, private cove surrounded by rocky cliffs and trees. That night we made our beds on the roof of the boat. Far away from civilization, the stars were incredible! Each night I would lie in my sleeping bag and fight against the drowsiness because I didn’t want to stop gazing at the beautiful sky. (On Saturday night, the highlight was seeing a shooting star!) It was very peaceful to lie under the starry canopy with the sound of crickets, bullfrogs, and gentle waves lulling me to sleep.

After breakfast on Saturday, we tried wake-boarding for the first time. Let’s just say that, um, Amy really stinks at wake boarding. Kevin, on the other hand, did wonderfully. He was able to get up, and stay up, on his second try! It’s amazing. It’s like he figures out the science of it, combines that with his natural athleticism, and succeeds every single blasted time.

Amy’s favorite "water toy" is the ski-bob. Kevin and I took a wild ride, with Emily as our driver. She zig-zagged all across the lake to try and knock us off. We endured the bumpy ride over the wake and back again on numerous occasions and only fell off once or twice. The real challenge was getting back on the Bob after falling off. It was highly entertaining to sit in the speed boat and watch couples try to climb on top of Bob and fall back into the water. The water was a beautiful, clear-emerald color. We enjoyed taking a spontaneous swim whenever the boat was at a standstill. Another fun time was when Kevin and I got on the row-boat and explored a little finger of the lake that twisted down a canyon. We got to a point where the water was really calm and clear. The surrounding trees were dark and gnarled and a fog started to settle in over the water. Very romantic.

It was marvelous to just RELAX for the weekend. There were several hammocks on top of the boat. We enjoyed taking an afternoon nap on Saturday with the dry, gentle breezes caressing our souls. It was a much needed vacation. A slice of heaven.

It was great to be surrounded by nature - yet have the convenience of a toilet at the same time! I’ve decided that I can totally get used to this houseboat business. ;)

On Sunday, as the houseboat headed back to the marina, we stopped at a bridge (a landmark for the deepest part of the lake) and took turns jumping off the roof of the houseboat into the water. The plunge was horrifying, to some, because of the anticipated free-fall. It was funny to watch people cringe, pinch their nose, close their eyes, and then leap off the roof. To make matters worse, the water was freezing cold in this part of the lake! But it was worth it. What madness. What fun.