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Houseboat
Trips
People always ask us
what the houseboat weekends are like and we always give the same
answer - you don't have to swing to enjoy yourself, but you
can't be offended by it! Another frequently asked question is
about the clothing optional part. It is just that - optional.
Many people enjoy the freedom and remain textile free the entire
weekend, but there are also many who wear a bathing suit or
light cover-up.
Once again it was time for the fall houseboat trip, and this
time Terry and I were going to be captains! We had only been on
two prior houseboat trips, and we were just a tad nervous.
People always ask us what the houseboat weekends are like and we
always give the same answer - you don't have to swing to enjoy
yourself, but you can't be offended by it. You might see
anything, anytime, anywhere, but no one, repeat NO ONE, will
make you feel uncomfortable, or be pushy. If they do, they will
not be back. Another frequently asked question is about the
clothing optional part. It is just that - optional. Many people
enjoy the freedom and remain textile free the entire weekend,
but there are also many who wear a bathing suit or light
cover-up.
Here is a Trip Report
that may help you understand how much fun they
are:
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This
year's fall houseboat adventure started for most of us
with a night at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las
Vegas. Great rooms and a nice casino, but a little too
far from the Strip and the rest of the action for most
people, although the rates were hard to beat. For those
who made the get-acquainted meeting Thursday night, Hugh
managed to have the houseboat assignments ready, so all
we had to do was drive to Callville Bay early Friday
morning.
Terry and I arrived around 8:00 am and found Houseboat
#59 ready for us. As soon as our entire "crew" was
aboard, we were checked out and enroute to our weekend
adventure. Advance scouts had secured, while not our
usual favorite cove, a very nice alternative. One by one
the houseboats arrived and parked in the cove, all
twelve of them. Everyone helped in securing the
houseboats to the shore and soon it was time to start
fully enjoying ourselves!
By leaving early Friday morning instead of
mid-afternoon, we felt we had an entire additional day
of fun in the sun. Soon after we arrived, we had lunch
and then the entire afternoon to swim and play. Terry
and I prepared the Friday night dinner, as the captains
often do, and then the evening socializing began. Most
of the newcomers soon discovered that you are not
confined to your houseboat, but are encouraged to move
about and meet new people.
Soon it was time for bed - I mean to sleep. We opted to
sleep on the upper deck under the stars, as did most of
our crew. It was unbelievable, to say the least. The
stars, the fresh air, and the first light of dawn were
magnificent. Then the smell of coffee and breakfast
wakened the late sleepers. After all, you can sleep next
week, you're here to have fun! Another full day of
sunbathing, with all the various flotation devices
together in the middle of the cove, and we were ready
for the first of two potlucks. Salads on one boat, main
dishes on another, and desserts on a third. What a
feast! |
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And what
a way to meet as many people as possible. Then of course, it was
time to party. Boat-hopping was the order of the night. Another
wonderful night, another dawn, another breakfast, lunch and
potluck. Monotonous? Not in the least. Even a little wind on
Sunday couldn't dampen our spirits. Once again everyone pitched
in to help secure the houseboats that were blowing around a
little. Sunday night was topped off by Hugh's famous hypnotist
show, performed on OUR houseboat! While it might be hard to get
good seats for Hugh's performances, it is easy when he is on the
bow of your houseboat. A couple of those girls are still hoping
he calls their names! (You had to be there).
Monday morning usually calls for a quick breakfast and
non-hurried departure, depending on who has to be at the airport
when. Even a little wind didn't slow our return to the marina
(although passengers on the bow got a little damp) and even I
managed to pull into the gas dock in a manner described by the
attendant as "not bad". .
Yes, it's a little work. No it's not the Ritz. But it is one
incredible weekend that you'll not soon forget. In the words of
one first-timer on our boat, "too many women, too little time."
What a review!
Terry & Terry |
