Houseboater Stories

Here’s just a sampling …

“When serving as California’s state tourism director, I was asked by a national travel magazine what was my favorite vacation.  When I called Joan and asked her, she replied without hesitation, “houseboating at Shasta.”  What she loved about it was the absolutely care-free time we enjoyed with family and friends.  Her mother, sister and brother had joined us with their children on one big houseboat (whose costs we shared).  During the day, we’d cruise slowly, letting the kids steer as we supervised.  They loved the authority it gave them.   Out there on the lake, they grew in confidence, learning responsibility.  Or, we’d drift, reading, sunning, playing games, fishing or chatting while the kids would slide down the water slide or jet ski.  For adventure we’d pull into a cove and hike to an abandoned mining town or visit the Shasta Caverns or Shasta Dam.  You ate when you wanted to eat.  Each of us took our turn cooking, and all tried to outdo one another with their culinary prowess… even the kids got into that.  It was always an adventure anchoring the boat to shore after someone had spotted the perfect cove (it always seemed someone else got to the one we wanted, but then we would cruise a bit further and find a better anchorage).  We’d tie up the boat with its stern toward the sunset and sit atop it as we enjoyed a cocktail and watched the sky and lake change color.  When the stars came out, we line danced on the top of the boat, laughing and enjoying the disgust that our teenagers had for our nerdiness.  Then, they joined in.   There were no restaurant prices to pay (though a few surround the lake), no timetable, but mostly it was being together in a beautiful place with people we loved, having simple fun together.”

John Poimiroo, former director
State of California Travel & Tourism Commission

“My family and I have a rich and memorable history at Lake Shasta.  The lake is more than just a vacation destination for campers, but represents a bonding experience that involves the joy and fun of spending time together with family and friends.  Our family house boating tradition is running twelve years now and shows no sign of stopping.  Every year this trip has our entire family looking forward to the month of May because it is a chance during the summer where we can all have a great time and enjoy the beautiful lake in the hot summer sun.

My family’s house boating history dates back to my father who always enjoyed camping and house boating with friends.  He always had fond memories of house boating and wanted his kids to experience the same joy he felt as a child.  It’s always enjoyable relaxing and being surrounded by great company.  A house boat provides a great outdoor experience that is fun and safe for all ages.  Our house boat vacation consists of 3-4 families where we have cook-offs and theme parties throughout our four night stay on the lake.  In addition to our theme parties, we have game nights and poker nights that are a lot of fun as well.  All the guests put a tremendous amount of effort in to preparing a delicious array of meats, salads, and hors d’ oeuvres.  The meals range from Tri-tips, ribs, chicken, pork chops, hamburgers, sausages and anything else that would entice someone to join the party.  There are also great fruit salads, appetizers, side dishes and delicious cold beverages prepared too.

It’s always a great time enjoying the food as well as the entertainment we provide for each other.  There are always tons of laughs and memories that this vacation provides.  The pleasant people we meet every year along with the great lake environment are a memory in itself.  The photos taken throughout our vacation are also very memorable, and are put into a collage and scrap book after every year.  The memories that this trip provides for all my family and friends is countless.  It’s my favorite place to go during the summer because all the things there is to do on a house boat.  The memories made on Lake Shasta Lake will never be forgotten.”

Peter, Sacramento CA

“Our family grand total 25, impossible to get together, so i planned our trip thinking I would get a spark going. As it turned out we took a trip with nine of us, the littlest being three weeks old. I have to say the houseboat was perfect. Home on the water mom and baby never felt left out. A trip we still talk about until this day. From the first to the last day of our trip it was nonstop fun. Our grandsons two and four fished for the first time, we were not prepared for that. They had kitty, spiderman, and superman fishing poles. We thought, let them drop it in the water and call it fishing, ha! The four year old said that he had a fish. With the help of pappa and daddy he had caught a 5+ pound cat fish. We had no net and had to use the boys folding chair to scoop the fish up, no lie. Just to give u an idea of the size we took pictures measuring the size next to pappas leg, measuring to the top of his thigh. The boys were freaked, and we were rolling laughing. Another day the boys were playing on the shore and deer came right up to them. Our photo album shows all that I talk about. Our family and friends wouldnt believe it if they didnt see it. Everyday was nonstop for us. We took trips up the different arms. Swimming and pulling the boys in the little tube. The adults skied. Each night we would make a run to the marina for ice cream. Our family will tell all. We never thought about everyday life, schedules, we were lost in another time, a beautiful world that we never wanted to leave.”

Bonnie, Newhall CA

“We are the Ritter clan. We began houseboating on New Melones 4 years ago, and continue to come back every year.

Houseboating has been a journey of awakening to nature and its beauty, along with great fun and bonding with friends and family.

Our first year we nestled in a cove for the first night. It was beautiful and peaceful. As we watched the fish jump from the lake we caught our first glimpse of a family of Bald Eagles. We were so excited, every member of our party sat on the top deck and watched them as the dun went down. It was so quiet and we had never seen so many stars. In the morning we took our coffee on deck and sure enough the mother bird was in the tree feeding her young. It was so quiet as we plopped our fishing rods over the side. We actually caught our first fish that morning.

Every year we experience something new and wondrous on the lake.

It truly is a vacation experience you will remember for years to come. Our fondest memories come from our trips on the House Boat. We can’t wait to come back this summer.”

The Ritter Family, San Ramon CA

“I have had the pleasure to use Jones Valley Resort now for over twenty years. Throughout the years our house boats have always been clean and ready to go for a week of fishing and relaxing fun. In the past I would compare the rental rates with the other marinas on Shasta Lake. Jones Valley’s rates were always comparative to their competitors. Now day’s I don’t even bother. It’s the outstanding service that keeps me coming back. Janelle at reservations has been the most pleasant employee of yours I’ve had the pleasure to know over the years; she is a very knowledgeable, friendly employee. My crew use to insist that I always send her and the reservation staff a boutique of flowers a week before our departure. That’s our way to say thank you for a job well done. Your company has a five star, first rate operation.”

Randy, Lakeview OR

“Looking forward to next year…361 days to go.”

Harold, Rohnert Park, CA

“We thought the days of excellent customer service were gone-but your operation has shown us that itis still available.  The whole staff is very courteous.  Thank you.”

Sandy, Roseville, CA