Boating has been a beloved hobby by many for a very long time.  There is something about getting out on the water that soothes the soul.  Whether your idea of boating is a weekend get-away, a day of fishing, or a more stimulating day of wake boarding, water skiing and tubing, the time we spend on the water is special.  Some of my fondest memories growing up are the times my family spent boating on Lake Erie.  Different parts of the country have different types of boating, but, in my opinion, Great Lakes boating is the BEST!!

I will soon be moving to New England to be with my boyfriend and will obviously miss my family and friends, but also boating on Lake Erie.  I was reminded how special our boating opportunities are when my boyfriend Tim and a family friend of his, Rocky, came up to visit me last month.  Tim had previously boated on Lake Erie with us and still talks about how much he loves the Great Lakes.  With the island destinations, the mild boating conditions (at least compared to the Atlantic Ocean) and the ability to just get on your boat and go20somewhere, he thinks we have it made.  Rocky, however, had never enjoyed the Great Lakes before.  He is familiar with boating in the Atlantic off the New England coast and off the Florida coast, but he had no idea that the center of the United States has such boating as we have here.  While out boating, Rocky kept saying, “I love this boating.  Look at the lake.  I feel like I am on vacation in Florida.  This reminds me of the bays in Florida!”

How often we take for granted how special our own backyard is until we see it through the eyes of a newcomer.  That day, all of us enjoyed our boating more than we have in a long time.  Not because of perfect weather or boating conditions, but because Rocky reminded us of how special this area is.  So many people have no idea what the Great Lakes have to offer to recreational and vacation boaters.  Together, we need to spread the word and remember the excitement that we all feel when out on the lake.

During the past couple of months of boating, I have been focusing on the people I encounter at various destinations.  While sharing a relaxing day on Put-In-Bay recently with my family, I noticed how the demographics have gradually changed over the past years.  Put-In-Bay has always been stereotyped as a party island, bringing in a lot of college students and younger “party” adults.  However, this summer I have noticed many more families with younger children enjoying th e beauty of the bay.  Families were renting golf carts and bicycles and exploring the entire island, playing miniature golf, exploring the caves and playing Frisbee in the park.  Of course the party crowds are still there enjoying the swim-up pools, and restaurants and bars.  However, the common denominators among everyone I saw were a smile, laughter and enjoyment.

The 4th of July weekend was also a blast.  As always, my family went boating and tried to dock at all our closer destinations:  Kelley’s Island, Famous Dave’s at Cedar Point Marina and Put-in-Bay.  All were so busy we could not find a dock for the day.  But that did not stop us from having fun!  Later in the evening, we boated over to see the Cedar Point fireworks, turning on the radio to the Sandusky, Ohio radio station that plays the music to which the fireworks are choreographed.  Yes, the water was a little choppy, but it was all worth it to watch this incredible display celebrating our country’s independence.

Now that I am getting ready to move to a different part of the country, I realize more than ever what a great part of the country we live in.  The mid-west is known for its friendly and diverse residents and this adds to the beauty of boating on the Great Lakes.  I cannot remember being on a boat or visiting an island, beach or restaurant by boat and seeing anyone not smiling or having a good time.  On the water is where stress is forgotten (unless your boat breaks down!) and memories are born.  So cheers to all for a wonderful boating season and relaxing fall.  Yes, fuel is more expensive, but in the scheme of life, it is so worth it.  When you are out on the water, worries seem to disappear.  So make time to escape for a bit and enjoy your boat and your family and your friends, new and old.

Megan Straw Marketing Director
Loadmaster Trailer Company Ltd. - www.loadmastertrailerco.com