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Lake Don Pedro Our WayExpatriate Sailors Discover the Joys of HouseboatingBy Patricia Kutza
At least that’s what my husband and I found out this summer when we decided to rent a houseboat. We had first seen them in great abundance while vacationing at Lake Shasta a while back. (see Slummin’ on Shasta …http://www.travellady.com/Issues/Issue73/73U-slummin.htm ). Mammoth bodies of water that have innumerable coves like Shasta are attractive destinations for these boats. While revisiting Shasta would be nice, we decided to try a place we hadn’t visited in over 20 years. We put Sierra foothills-based Lake Don Pedro on our radar and researched our options. The Lake contracts with houseboat-provider Forever Resorts. We checked out Forever’s website and booked the smallest of their fleet, their 44 ft model. And that’s where this story really begins:
We receive our rental contract and video promptly in the mail. I look at the video cover thinking “Oh, just some PR fluff…maybe I’ll sneak a peek if I have some time.” Good thinking of my husband when he says “Let’s watch it together.” Smart move as the video is far from a marketing plug. It is a very informative primer on all the vital information each house boater should be aware of: like how to operate the control panels for boat navigation as well as generator usage; how to dock and anchor the boat, how to light the stove. These are the major tasks that, studied in advance of your trip, help build your sense of confidence in maneuvering and maintaining the boat. Another useful item that Forever gives you in advance of your trip is a folder chock full of information about the area where you will be boating. Also enclosed is a checklist of all the appliances, electronics, furnishings (such as bedding, blankets and towels), kitchen products and other accessories provided on the boat. This inventory is extensive: An ample selection of pots and pans, dishes, cutlery plus such entertainment electronics as radio/cd player, TV with VCR is provided as well as enough bedding to sleep 6 people, the maximum capacity permitted on this 44 ft model. We think about our guest list and send out invitations. We then inquire about fishing reports, water level at the lake and likely weather conditions. I call Forever’s Vice-President of Public Relations, Darla Cook, and ask what kind of advice she could offer first-time houseboaters. Darla, an avid and veteran houseboater, is generous with her comments. “Take the extra step and cook lots of your dishes ahead of time. Then vacuum-pack and freeze them. This will give you more time to enjoy your houseboat, your guests and your surroundings when you are out on the water.” Recognizing a dyed-in-the-wool mariner in Darla’s reply, we gladly take her advice.
We assemble our grocery list. Although the video shows a full-sized refrigerator, we decide to load up on canned goods (a throwback to the limited boat refrigeration we are used to). Forever provides a gigantic cooler for extra storage, handy also for grabbing beverages while lounging outside. We note that there’s a barbecue grill at our disposal. Limited resources (water/space) is a concept that veteran boaters are used to dealing with. We know that we will have ample water ( 170 gallons ) and can refill the tanks at either of the Lake’s two marinas at no extra charge. Where we cook our meals (oven vs microwave vs barbecue grill), however, can affect our pocketbook. Second to fuel consumed while running the engine, running the generator burns the most fuel (approximately ¾ to 1 gallon of fuel per hour). Using it judiciously is smart but tricky. Since the refrigerator, oven, TV, and the VCR all depend on the generator, managing its use takes equal parts of discipline and diplomacy! To further minimize fuel consumption (the houseboat’s dual engines each burn 4 to 5 gallons of fuel per hour), we decide to carry our 4-person inflatable dingy. Our plan is to tether the boat in a sheltered cove and use the inflatable for exploring the Lake. Week#3: We pack the car and head out for Don Pedro. The Lake is located in an area full of lakes and reservoirs, such as New Melones to the north, Lake McClure to the east and Modesto Reservoir almost within shouting distance. In mid-June, Lake Don Pedro is framed by the signature camel-colored hills reminiscent of much of inland northern California. The air, however, has that fresh piney scent unique to the Sierra foothills. I take a big gulp of it and head quickly to the houseboat rental office, trying to distract myself from the searing temperatures climbing ever closer to three digits.
The orientation begins and we walk through many of the tasks illustrated in the video with a member of Forever’s capable staff. We review the instrument panel (which contains navigation and generator controls), use of the barbecue grill, refrigerator and stove and location of the life jackets. We also get tips about sheltered coves located close to the Marina. Realizing that first time houseboat navigation can be intimidating (even for seasoned mariners), Forever Resorts offers to motor your houseboat out of the harbor. On the weekday we embarked on our adventure, the Marina was relatively quiet. Come Sunday, we know that it would be a different scene with every conceivable type of watercraft in play. We ask for a rain check, thinking we might need it on that day.
Our 3-day adventure passes much too quickly. Using our dinghy for Lake explorations helps minimize our fuel consumption. We also manage to wash plenty of dishes, as well as shower a half dozen times, without having to refill the tanks. We also laugh a lot, eat way too much and decide that a houseboat trip should be an annual obligatory event. In other words, in the parlance of those fish we love to catch, we certainly get ‘hooked’, hooked on houseboating. Contact Information:Forever Resorts Houseboat Rental Information: Don Pedro Lake Lake Don Pedro Marina Images by Patricia Kutza |
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TM
What do sailors do when they trade in their sails for
powerboats? They discover that there’s a whole world of boats that are just
as fun to use, even if they don’t have big keels.
Week#1:
Week#2:
After signing on the dotted line we are ready for our
orientation. A blanket of cool air greets us as we board the houseboat’s
interior. Wonderful ambient light pours in through its large picture
windows, giving this living area a spacious feeling and providing great
views of the Lake from all angles.. 
We launch solo and find the boat easy to handle. We
keep our eyes trained on the compass and tried to match the contours of the
land with the chart. It is challenging but before long we approach the cove
we had circled earlier on the map. Reaching the cove, we manage to position
the boat so that we would have lots of room to back out (to avoid damaging
the prop and outdrive) when we were ready to leave. Mimicking the video
instructions, we drive the rebar stakes into the earth and secure the bow
lines around them. Beaching a hull takes a lot of the worry out of an
anchor that can slip at the most inopportune time. We turn on the generator
for a short time to cool down our cabin and then we are really ready to
“chill.”
Great food, warm swimming water and fabulous sunsets
are just a few of our rewards. We hate to leave this spot but our guests
will soon arrive at the dock. Thanks to cell phones we redirect some of our
guests who had mistakenly gone to the Lake’s other Marina, Moccasin Point.
Finally all connected; we head back to our cove and after another easy
beaching, are ready to fire up the grill.
What is it about star-drenched skies? Nightfall finds
six of us stretched out on the upper deck, tracing the Big Dipper and
sharing fables about Orion. There are plenty of postcard-moments during the
next two days: bellyflops off the slide, laughter like little points of
light painting the darkness, mouth-watering smells emanating from the grill.