I met with a great guy some time ago who gave me an ear-to-ear grin when he found out I work for a houseboat company. “I used to go fishing with my Dad all the time on a houseboat” he recalled, looking into the air as if to search for a memory, “We would fish all night, waterski all day and had a blast. I should really take my kids.”  He continue with how much he missed spending time with his boys, now off to college and his daughter who was 16 and spending time with her was more of a chore than an experience.  His stories of fishing in the moonlight, catching catfish and how much he missed his father, who has since past away, reminded me of the special moments I spend with my kids.  Memories created on a houseboat last a lifetime.

Here are a few stories told by Dad’s:

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.

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!

You get to know your parents in a different way when you spend a few days on a houseboat…you might hear them tell of a family story that’d never been heard before, learn a family recipe that had long since been forgotten but was revived for the occasion, or learn how to fish – at 40.  And it may sound funny, but, my Dad enjoyed his beer…and there is no better place to kick back AND kick back a few beers than on a houseboat. For some reason it just tastes better ice cold out of the cooler. You just never know what the experience will bring, but it will surely be something special and remembered for many years to come!

Some of my fondest memories of my dad are from fishing, canoeing and this past year, houseboating.  I had the blessed opportunity to take my Dad out last August, we had a blast.  We fished, told stories, and cracked jokes.  I’ll always treasure my memories with my dad and I can only hope that someday, my little ones will have the same experience.