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- We actually started our Lake Powell Vacation from Germany. I made
reservations and received E-tickets, via the Internet for our flight from
Germany to Colorado where we have some family.
Additionally, I made reservations for our 44 foot houseboat and
coordinations to pick it up at Bullfrog Marina all by Internet, email, and
telephone. Lake Powell is managed by Aramark ( see http://www.
lakepowell.com/ ). We went through the end of June and the first part of
July (1 week) which was peak season, but the rates for the houseboat
were still reasonable. If your budget is bigger than mine, they have some
very large and very nice houseboats for rent. The staff on the other end of
the computer (email) was very helpful and answered all of my questions
promptly.
Note: The sooner you can make reservations and start coordination with
them the better. They may tell you a year out is ideal. Especially if your
vacation is during peak season. I started asking them questions about 9
months out and committed a reservation about 5 months out. A lot of
people want to rent their boats during peak season so make sure you get
your bid in first. I recommend that you contact them to see if there have
been any changes or updates.
THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW... You don't have to know anything
about houseboats or their operation! I didn't, in fact, I had never been on a
houseboat in my life before this trip! They teach you everything you need to
know. They provide you with an instruction booklet that is short and simple
so you can get a boating license and if you want to fish, you can also take
the test to purchase a fishing license. They spend about an hour showing
you how to operate the boat, how to dock and tie up for the night, and about
water safety.
Having grown and married children, with their own children, and our trip
being on a budget, we coordinated with them to set aside a little time and a
little gas money. This we did by telephone and at least three months in
advance to be sure everyone had time to make their plans. Waiting for us
in Colorado when we arrived were two of our children (one living in
Colorado and one who drove from Illinois) with four of our grandchildren.
We spent two days in Denver while we rented a van for a week and
stocked up on food and fishing supplies. When we were ready, we drove
from Denver Colorado to Bullfrog Marina, Lake Powell Utah, (about 10
hours) where we took our short classes, unloaded our gear from our cars
and onto the houseboat, stocked the on-board coolers with ice, and
headed out to sea (or Lake, if you prefer). The temperature the day we
arrived was near 106 degrees Fahrenheit so you will want to make sure
you have sun screen and keep yourself protected from the elements.
I can tell you this... If and when I ever have the opportunity to make this
vacation again, I will. We enjoyed the weather, the people, the sights, the
fun, the outdoors, and the adventure. My family makes it a habit to be
safety conscious all the time and yes, we kept a close eye on the toddlers,
but had no issues or concerns. The Lake is clean and beautiful! The staff
are pleasant and helpful. And the sights to see while you are on your Lake
Powell adventure are literally awesome!
Note: The pictures you see on this web site were taken by me and either
my digital camera or cam-corder still shots. None are altered. If you think
the scenery you see in them is beautiful, it's because it was!
