TheB o a Water is Fine: ting Lifestyle by Nikki Davis
Life on the water during the summer months is a common occurrence in this area, but understanding the nature of the time spent on the Ohio and area lakes can sometimes be a mystery to those of us who don’t partake in this recreational activity. So, we asked a handful of folks what it is that they enjoy so much about the open water and the boat loving lifestyle.
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acia Fritchley and her boyfriend Brandon Rogers like to go out on the Ohio with her son Luke and their dog Cosmo. They operate a 22’ Cuddly Cabin Sunbird. Fritchley shares that she enjoys the “fact that everyone on the water forms a bond and helps each other out. Families from every socioeconomic background have a common love of the water and enjoy it together. Kids make new friends exploring the beaches. Cookout on the island is synonymous with Saturday afternoon for boaters.” She adds, “Brandon belongs to the Evansville Boat and Ski Club, and they truly are like one big family. Without asking, someone is ready to back your trailer in so you can load your boat at the end of the day, and it doesn’t stop until the last boat is out. I was in awe the first time I saw that. Everyone in unison. Laughing, dancing, and making plans for the next morning. We come off the water and head for the camper where we prepare dinner and spend the night next to the water with friends and a fire. My son can’t wait for summer just to get back out on the water with the friends he’s made. I’m so thankful for the many good people I’ve met through boating.”
Crystal and Brandon Elliott like to go out on Kentucky Lake, Patoka Lake, and on the Ohio River with their daughters in Brandon’s parents Sea Ray Sundeck. They enjoy soaking up the sun, swimming, and relaxing with family and friends. Crystal shares that boating “allows for quality family time with our daughters and family. We love to just relax and watch our daughters have a 4 | Tri-State Home & Lifestyle • spring / 2014 great time. They love the water.”
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Inland Marina, Inc. president Katie Riecken Parker says, “The feeling of freedom, the nature & the beauty… Nothing compares to being on the water. People who boat have less stress in life. It’s a psychological healer.” Inland Marina offers boat slips on the Ohio River with fresh water and electric. Reicken shares that they can give “the convenience of not having to trailer your boat. We supply 24 marine fuel 365 days a year, ice, have two restaurants on the property (one on the water boats can tie up to) [as well as] transient slips for traveling boats.” The marina is also celebrating 50 years of fun this year on the Ohio River. Boating can become a tradition in some families including that of Tom and Gayla Goodman. Tom shares, “Our grandson Camron loves to go boating with us when he’s not playing baseball. He has been boating since he was six weeks old! He is now 13, almost 14. All of our children have been on the river with us. We would usually spend weekends on the river together. Kelly is 34 and Travis is now 26. His wife Emily have both gone with us, [too, and we are] now waiting for their son Miles to join us. He just turned 1.” The Goodman family use a 1997 Searay 250 Sundancer, with two sleeping berths, a kitchen, a full head, and “everything we need for a weekend on the water.” Not only do they enjoy the Ohio River, but they always also visit Green Turtle Bay once a year for a week at the lakes with friends. According to Tom, “Boating has just been something that takes you away from the everyday stresses of life, time to relax, enjoy the calm beauty and peace of being on the water with your toes
in the sand and a cool drink in your hand! [It] helps me to mentally get ready for the start of the work week, and the anticipation of the next boating weekend. I don’t ever see us not boating or being on the water, we love our River Rat friends!” Abby and Milan Maravich like to take their 23 ft. Caravelle Interceptor out with their two sons as well as their dog. They enjoy relaxing and the sun on both Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake. Abby describes their time on the water as “one thing we all do as a family. We’ve created the best memories skiing, tubing, etc. It’s definitely our happy place together. We love the water, the sunshine, and lake life. We’d never trade it for the world!” H&L
4/10/2014 3:00:11 PM