July 18-20^th

Michael and I spent last weekend down at Table Rock Lake with some friends of ours, Sherri, Sherry, Allyson, and Crystal (fellow Prairie Divers). Instead of diving under the water, though, we decided to try some ‘on the water’ activities. Allyson and Sherri have an awesome ski boat, and a lovely pontoon which served as the platform for all of our activities.  The temperature was quite warm – mid 90’s, but the intermittent swims in the lake, and the breeze kept the heat tolerable.

After a smorgasbord of fruit and muffins, we started out each morning on the ski boat. Michael tried out some activities he’d never done before. The first day he worked on mastering wake boarding, but getting out of the water proved to be quite the challenge for the newbie. After many tries and a little rest, he decided to try an alternate skill. This time he successfully achieved a constant upright posture on both the knee board and the, ever so cool, surf board! He did so great! I was proud of him! As for me, I prefer to avoid the activities which could mame me!.  At the lake I’m just as happy being in the boat, watching the others try their tricks, and saying “They’re down!”, all the while thanking God that their last crash on the water was not mine! J

Our skilled boat driver, Sherri, did her usual wonderful job of keeping us safe.  Crystal was the Wakeboard Queen, while "Ms. Balance", aka Sherry worked on mastering her new, and very slippery, water skateboard.  Later she showed off with the surfboard by landing on the boat (while it was running).  She stepped right off the board on to the moving boat (don't try this at home, folks!).  Allyson is the slalem master, but can do it all upon request.  All in all, quite a skilled bunch!!  After many runs, it was time to return to the house for a little rest and some lunch.

In the afternoon, after everyone was rejuvenated,  we headed back out for the pontoon boat. This time we were to meet Crystal’s parents at the marina to take them for a spin. It was a very pleasant visit, and a good time was had by all. We finished up on an entertaining note for them, as Sherry and Michael decided to do a little tubing on something of a ‘two seater’. They bounced around and around, and up and down. They even swapped seats with each other multiple times. I thought they were crazy! Sherry told me she and Mike couldn’t stop laughing throughout the experience, even when she was taking in lake water!! I consider those two to be the dare devils of the group!

Our final stop of the day was at the “jumping rock”. Usually the jump is ridiculously high which makes it for dare devils only. Due to the heavy rainfall this year, the lake was up, and there was only about a 6-12 foot drop from the jumping rock, so almost everyone decided to try it. After the jumping rock it was time to head for the house. It was getting late, and everyone was ready for a rest.

Saturday evening was very relaxed. There was much story swapping and some burgers on the grill. The lake house we were at had a great view overlooking the water. We sat outside for every meal to soak up the ambiance. Everyone turned in to bed early that night, as the sun, wind, water, and activities had taken their toll (or we’re all just getting old! J). It was time for a good night’s rest so we could do it all again tomorrow.

Sunday morning we headed back to the ski boat. The skiers and boarders did their thing. Michael tried the skate board and the wake board, which he finally got up on, but was unable to stay long before being thrown off by the water! Still, he’d come a long way for never doing it before. The next time we go down I think he’ll have it mastered!!  Sadly, the noon hour came too soon, but everyone decided it was time to head back to the house, gather our things, and head for home.

All and all it was a fantastic weekend on the water. Aside from some sore muscles, and some minor sunburns, everyone came out of the weekend unscathed. It was a good time had by all. We’re all looking forward to the next time, and will keep everyone posted on future events.

Thanks for the read, and enjoy the photos!