This was our sixth year manhandling the manatee of a floating cottage around Lake Cumberland, also known simply as “Houseboat.” I refer to this annual trip with just a title like it’s spring break, or Vegas, or Cher. As in “when is the conference call for Houseboat?” And I have to say, it gets a little sweeter each year. Everyone was on the same page this trip – just the right amount of party, just the right amount of relaxing. Each person helped out and did their share; all the food was delicious, the drinks were cold, and the water was inviting. There’s something fabulous about sitting in a hot tub on the deck of a boat as it cruises along just before sunset. That actually happened. And for some giddy reason, everyone was very into champagne this year, so that really upped the celebratory feel. It was one of those trips where everything comes together to make for a just-about-perfect vacation. Lots of laughs, good weather, great friends.
Hot tub on deck, as mentioned. This boat sometimes seems like a rap video waiting to happen.
There was a lot of jumping off the top deck this year. It didn’t bother me a bit. I think the Fun Governor has retired.
There were also three Go Pro cameras on board – so there were a lot more shenanigans in the name of getting good footage. Like the little stunt pictured above. Ryan was able to make a pretty fun video of the weekend, though.
I call this one “View from a Floatie.” Artsy, no? Maybe not. But it kind of sums up the afternoons. Bonus points for bringing a length of extra rope to tie yourself to the boat. That way you don’t have the hassle of paddling back when you drift away.
Enjoying the early morning view and a nice cup of coffee.
Matt, ready to be ‘Merican, even first thing in the morning. His collection of gaudy stars-and-stripes themed apparel is really quite impressive.
This is one of my favorite pictures. As soon as I saw it, I said “oh hey guys, look. I took a picture of Ryan in 1978.” I think it was the steam from the hot tub that made the lens a bit foggy, but I think it turned out kind of awesome.
The sunsets on Lake Cumberland are something special.
All the photos in this post are from my Nikon Coolpix AW100 waterproof camera. The last photo above is with a polarized sunglass lens acting for a filter.
If you go…
alisonspencer.com 
I don’t even know where Lake Cumberland is but this is my kind of holiday. Drinks in the hot tub while cruising? Doesn’t get a lot better than that!
Thanks, Luke! It’s in Kentucky, eastern half of the US, in the middle. The boat is definitely an interesting way to explore the scenery. The park and the lake, which is endless, are pretty isolated. There area a few houses here and there, but not many. It’s a relaxing trip, that’s for sure!
Yeah wow, hidden gems all over the US. I’ve been twice and didn’t even consider Kentucky as a potential place to visit apart from driving through. Next time I might have to reconsider