The houseboat trip was amazing. We used Fun n' Sun vacations. They are out of Alma Wisconsin. I chose them because, 1. I was late in getting it booked and had few to choose from. 2. Of the choices left, they were the cheapest.
We had a 50', two bedroom, 2-1/2 bath for the two of us. It was too big for two people but it worked. It had a sofa sleeper (2), a bedroom that had a queen bottom/full top bunk (4?) and a master bedroom (2). Easily could have slept eight. It also had a full kitchen with all the goods to cook and serve.
The front of the boat was a small deck with a patio table and four chairs. The top was all flat but was great for sunbathing and sliding down the slide into the cool water.
Obviously, from all my camping posts, I am an over packer. You can't do this on a houseboat. LOL I ended up using the second bedroom as storage. Seriously, not even a lot of room to hold your empty luggage . Make them duffel bags that will fold into themselves. I took way too many clothes. A couple swim suits, a couple cover ups and something to wear if you leave the boat. (We only did once.)
When we began planning our trip, we didn't know where to go. North? South? Hmmm..? Since Iowa was south, we chose north. I am so happy we did. The Mississippi river is so much more than a bridge over water that connects two states. It is unlike anything I have seen. Beautiful!
We were able to board the boat at 2 pm on a Monday. We did pay extra for this or we would have boarded at 4 pm and slept in the boats marina, with departure available the next morning. Upon arrival, Todd grabbed a cart and started unloading our truck. I ran to the boat and started unpacking the food. (Yes, I brought too much of that too and the fridge was on the SMALL side of a full sized fridge.) Once we were unpacked, we had a short orientation to go over on land about the operation of the boat. Very similar to a camper with water storage limitations, water pumps, electric/generator operations. (I will touch on the generator in a minute.) They instructed us on what to do to get through lock & dams, what to watch out for in the water and which way was north according to the “river/highway” markers in the water. After the “on land class”, we were able to START THE ENGINE. I might add that I had a bit of a buzz right here and left the “on water class” time to Todd. One of their deck hands drove the boat out of the marina and began instructing Todd on how to steer, what to watch out for, the dangers (Lock and Dams & Wing Dams) along the Mississippi, etc… By this time, I was on the front porch with another beer jamming some Zac Brown/”Where the Boat Leaves From”. Yeah… life was good that day! Our “water/learn how to beach park” class was finally over! The marina drove out and picked up our teacher and we were off on our adventure and finally alone!!
There was a moment when Todd had to pee and asked me to take over for a minute. So, I became his Gilligan and grabbed the steering wheel. Before he could even hit the (full with shower) bathroom, I was turning the boat in the wrong direction and over corrected when trying to correct. I yelled “TOooooddddDDDDD!!” and killed the engine. Needless to say, he didn’t let me drive again. Driving a houseboat is SO different than a car. TINY little movements can turn you. A full circle in a wheel and you would look like a snake going down the river with over-corrections everywhere.
LOCK AND DAM: We were told NO BOATING AFTER DARK. Okay, totally get it!! Let’s park and start cooking dinner on the gas grill located on the front porch. We decided to tackle one of the “warnings” we were given right off the bat and get through a Lock & Dam to find a beach to land on overnight. As you approach the L&D, you radio ahead and announce your arrival, check wait times and inform them that you are newbies and may need assistance. Lucky for us, we didn’t have any wait times. I guess these can get very busy with barges and traffic passing through. Some, I am told have waited over 30-45 minutes.
We radioed ahead…. “Fun and Sun to Lock and Dam 4. Over”. That was pretty cool to hear Todd say that. “Lock and Dam 4 to Fun and Sun. Go ahead.” We let them know we were approaching and might need some assistance. Passing through was a breeze. The staff helped us throw our ropes, I held onto one that was thrown over a railing and we waited for the water to fill the concrete system that is truly amazing. When the gates opened, we pushed off the wall and continued North.
It is not hard to find a beach to land on for the night. The Chippewa River produces so much sand, there are beaches with 40’ sand bars on them. We found one that seemed quiet, private and perfect. Todd did a fantastic job of landing the boat. (Star student in the “on water” class. Remember, I was already buzzing!) We put our anchors out and I started dinner and we prepared for our first night on board our vacation “home”.
Let’s talk about the generator now. The boat has no electrical power unless the generator is running. It is a loud machine that eats up gas, which can be costly. It is also on the rear deck, off the master bedroom. Early risers will need to wait to have their coffee or risk waking everyone to turn the generator on. Maybe the early risers would have the mast bedroom? Think of all you depend on… cell phones charging, air conditioner, coffee pot timer set, digital clocks on the microwave, stereos…. Plan on using these at scheduled times. Most nights were cool enough; we could open the windows and sleep with the sound of the wind and splashing waves. One night we left the generator running because it was just too warm. Someone should plan on bringing a power strip so everyone can charge their phones at the same, scheduled time. Leave the straitening/curling irons at home.
Sleeping on the water is so amazing. There isn’t much “rocking” as the waves aren’t that big. There is just a gentle splash. The Mississippi is also a form of a highway that transports items much like semi’s do on land. As with semi’s, the traffic does not stop because it is dark. We were woken in the night by a high powered flashlight that lit the whole interior and woke us from our slumber. We looked out the window to see what it was and were treated to the biggest barge I have seen. We went to the back deck and watched it pass. Amazing to watch during the day, even more so at 3am.
The next morning, we woke, ate and departed our private beach. We decided that we would head to Red Wing, MN for our destination. No time frame, just coasting. Along the way, the river bulges out to what is called Lake Pepin. We decided to anchor here for a while and I was eager to try out the slide. We ended up staying anchored through lunch.
We found a marina in the ships handbook and called ahead. We decided to pay for a nights lodging in a marina. Still on the boat of course, just a slip with shore power. As we approached Red Wing Marina, Todd called ahead to announce our arrival and secure our slip. The owner was amazing in helping guide the big boat in. “Turn to the right Captain”, “Slight reverse Captain”, etc…. Until we were secured and tied off in our slip for the night. I fired up the grill and grabbed a beer. As I was on the front porch, waiting for the grill to preheat, Todd came out and said, “Did you hear that? She called me Captain four times!” Ha ha!! Oh the testosterone! LOL
The next morning, we woke, made breakfast and walked into town. It was nice. Cute shops, old Danish feel. Okay… enough for me. I wanted to get back on the boat. As we prepared for departure, we decided that backing the huge vessel out would be a bit of a daunting task. It doesn’t drive like a car, nor does it back like a car. Without momentum, it can be very difficult to maneuver safely. Just ask the three docks and one boat house we SLAMMED trying to just get to the fuel station dock in the marina. When we pulled up to the gas dock, everyone was watching us. Some were even laughing and one gave a “thumbs up”. OH THE HUMILIATION!! The owner asked why we tried to turn around to get out. Yeah, I had brought that up but I was only a Gilligan.
We filled our gas tanks, ($650) and declined to have our black and gray water (toilet=black and gray is the shower/sink dirty water) emptied. After all, it was just the two of us. We know how to conserve because of the camper. Off we were again! Lake Pepin and was calling my name! YES!!
I would not change much about the week. Maybe packing a bit less? Not hitting a boat house and embarrassing ourselves? Remembering my fishing pole and bait? (They don’t sell it in the marinas!) I can’t wait for the opportunity to do it again and LONGER next time. Monday - Friday was NOT long enough.
If you all decide this is for you, I can help in the planning and checklist NECESSITIES. (Please emphasize that word in packing! LOL)
Links: Fun N’ Sun Houseboat Rental http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funsun.com%2F&ei=6bvLTtijOorg2AX5n8iUDw&usg=AFQjCNGqufV-z3G-G85546lsjaRvmidHEg&sig2=Av6dTuRpbFvByPEKkuGKsQ Pictures:
Start here and scroll right. I am going to move these into a separate folder soon. If the link doesn’t work, look for my “Houseboat 2011” folder. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150261814759297&set=a.10150233533629297.328464.500029296&type=3
We had a 50', two bedroom, 2-1/2 bath for the two of us. It was too big for two people but it worked. It had a sofa sleeper (2), a bedroom that had a queen bottom/full top bunk (4?) and a master bedroom (2). Easily could have slept eight. It also had a full kitchen with all the goods to cook and serve.
The front of the boat was a small deck with a patio table and four chairs. The top was all flat but was great for sunbathing and sliding down the slide into the cool water.
Obviously, from all my camping posts, I am an over packer. You can't do this on a houseboat. LOL I ended up using the second bedroom as storage. Seriously, not even a lot of room to hold your empty luggage . Make them duffel bags that will fold into themselves. I took way too many clothes. A couple swim suits, a couple cover ups and something to wear if you leave the boat. (We only did once.)
When we began planning our trip, we didn't know where to go. North? South? Hmmm..? Since Iowa was south, we chose north. I am so happy we did. The Mississippi river is so much more than a bridge over water that connects two states. It is unlike anything I have seen. Beautiful!
We were able to board the boat at 2 pm on a Monday. We did pay extra for this or we would have boarded at 4 pm and slept in the boats marina, with departure available the next morning. Upon arrival, Todd grabbed a cart and started unloading our truck. I ran to the boat and started unpacking the food. (Yes, I brought too much of that too and the fridge was on the SMALL side of a full sized fridge.) Once we were unpacked, we had a short orientation to go over on land about the operation of the boat. Very similar to a camper with water storage limitations, water pumps, electric/generator operations. (I will touch on the generator in a minute.) They instructed us on what to do to get through lock & dams, what to watch out for in the water and which way was north according to the “river/highway” markers in the water. After the “on land class”, we were able to START THE ENGINE. I might add that I had a bit of a buzz right here and left the “on water class” time to Todd. One of their deck hands drove the boat out of the marina and began instructing Todd on how to steer, what to watch out for, the dangers (Lock and Dams & Wing Dams) along the Mississippi, etc… By this time, I was on the front porch with another beer jamming some Zac Brown/”Where the Boat Leaves From”. Yeah… life was good that day! Our “water/learn how to beach park” class was finally over! The marina drove out and picked up our teacher and we were off on our adventure and finally alone!!
There was a moment when Todd had to pee and asked me to take over for a minute. So, I became his Gilligan and grabbed the steering wheel. Before he could even hit the (full with shower) bathroom, I was turning the boat in the wrong direction and over corrected when trying to correct. I yelled “TOooooddddDDDDD!!” and killed the engine. Needless to say, he didn’t let me drive again. Driving a houseboat is SO different than a car. TINY little movements can turn you. A full circle in a wheel and you would look like a snake going down the river with over-corrections everywhere.
LOCK AND DAM: We were told NO BOATING AFTER DARK. Okay, totally get it!! Let’s park and start cooking dinner on the gas grill located on the front porch. We decided to tackle one of the “warnings” we were given right off the bat and get through a Lock & Dam to find a beach to land on overnight. As you approach the L&D, you radio ahead and announce your arrival, check wait times and inform them that you are newbies and may need assistance. Lucky for us, we didn’t have any wait times. I guess these can get very busy with barges and traffic passing through. Some, I am told have waited over 30-45 minutes.
We radioed ahead…. “Fun and Sun to Lock and Dam 4. Over”. That was pretty cool to hear Todd say that. “Lock and Dam 4 to Fun and Sun. Go ahead.” We let them know we were approaching and might need some assistance. Passing through was a breeze. The staff helped us throw our ropes, I held onto one that was thrown over a railing and we waited for the water to fill the concrete system that is truly amazing. When the gates opened, we pushed off the wall and continued North.
It is not hard to find a beach to land on for the night. The Chippewa River produces so much sand, there are beaches with 40’ sand bars on them. We found one that seemed quiet, private and perfect. Todd did a fantastic job of landing the boat. (Star student in the “on water” class. Remember, I was already buzzing!) We put our anchors out and I started dinner and we prepared for our first night on board our vacation “home”.
Let’s talk about the generator now. The boat has no electrical power unless the generator is running. It is a loud machine that eats up gas, which can be costly. It is also on the rear deck, off the master bedroom. Early risers will need to wait to have their coffee or risk waking everyone to turn the generator on. Maybe the early risers would have the mast bedroom? Think of all you depend on… cell phones charging, air conditioner, coffee pot timer set, digital clocks on the microwave, stereos…. Plan on using these at scheduled times. Most nights were cool enough; we could open the windows and sleep with the sound of the wind and splashing waves. One night we left the generator running because it was just too warm. Someone should plan on bringing a power strip so everyone can charge their phones at the same, scheduled time. Leave the straitening/curling irons at home.
Sleeping on the water is so amazing. There isn’t much “rocking” as the waves aren’t that big. There is just a gentle splash. The Mississippi is also a form of a highway that transports items much like semi’s do on land. As with semi’s, the traffic does not stop because it is dark. We were woken in the night by a high powered flashlight that lit the whole interior and woke us from our slumber. We looked out the window to see what it was and were treated to the biggest barge I have seen. We went to the back deck and watched it pass. Amazing to watch during the day, even more so at 3am.
The next morning, we woke, ate and departed our private beach. We decided that we would head to Red Wing, MN for our destination. No time frame, just coasting. Along the way, the river bulges out to what is called Lake Pepin. We decided to anchor here for a while and I was eager to try out the slide. We ended up staying anchored through lunch.
We found a marina in the ships handbook and called ahead. We decided to pay for a nights lodging in a marina. Still on the boat of course, just a slip with shore power. As we approached Red Wing Marina, Todd called ahead to announce our arrival and secure our slip. The owner was amazing in helping guide the big boat in. “Turn to the right Captain”, “Slight reverse Captain”, etc…. Until we were secured and tied off in our slip for the night. I fired up the grill and grabbed a beer. As I was on the front porch, waiting for the grill to preheat, Todd came out and said, “Did you hear that? She called me Captain four times!” Ha ha!! Oh the testosterone! LOL
The next morning, we woke, made breakfast and walked into town. It was nice. Cute shops, old Danish feel. Okay… enough for me. I wanted to get back on the boat. As we prepared for departure, we decided that backing the huge vessel out would be a bit of a daunting task. It doesn’t drive like a car, nor does it back like a car. Without momentum, it can be very difficult to maneuver safely. Just ask the three docks and one boat house we SLAMMED trying to just get to the fuel station dock in the marina. When we pulled up to the gas dock, everyone was watching us. Some were even laughing and one gave a “thumbs up”. OH THE HUMILIATION!! The owner asked why we tried to turn around to get out. Yeah, I had brought that up but I was only a Gilligan.
We filled our gas tanks, ($650) and declined to have our black and gray water (toilet=black and gray is the shower/sink dirty water) emptied. After all, it was just the two of us. We know how to conserve because of the camper. Off we were again! Lake Pepin and was calling my name! YES!!
I would not change much about the week. Maybe packing a bit less? Not hitting a boat house and embarrassing ourselves? Remembering my fishing pole and bait? (They don’t sell it in the marinas!) I can’t wait for the opportunity to do it again and LONGER next time. Monday - Friday was NOT long enough.
If you all decide this is for you, I can help in the planning and checklist NECESSITIES. (Please emphasize that word in packing! LOL)
Links: Fun N’ Sun Houseboat Rental http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.funsun.com%2F&ei=6bvLTtijOorg2AX5n8iUDw&usg=AFQjCNGqufV-z3G-G85546lsjaRvmidHEg&sig2=Av6dTuRpbFvByPEKkuGKsQ Pictures:
Start here and scroll right. I am going to move these into a separate folder soon. If the link doesn’t work, look for my “Houseboat 2011” folder. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150261814759297&set=a.10150233533629297.328464.500029296&type=3
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