How To Spend a Day On the Lake… Without Owning a Boat!

Is there anything more enticing than a gorgeous, rippling lake scene… beckoning you to come float gently on the waves?  Our nearby Grand Mesa in Colorado is known as the largest flat top mountain in the world, and is home to numerous small lakes.  We finally figured out how to enjoy a fun day on the lake, even though we don’t own a boat!

How I miss being out on the water.  Growing up near a large lake in South Dakota, my family owned a small fishing boat that we used frequently.  I desperately miss that soothing, peaceful sensation of being on a boat.

Rent a Rowboat

Here’s the cool idea we stumbled upon recently.  When we were camping near Island Lake, my husband swung by the lakeside lodge and rented a rowboat for the day.

Genius.  We had such a blast! They provided the life jackets.  No motor or gas involved, as it was powered by two center mounted oars.  Super easy to use, even for boat novices like us.

Canoe vs. Rowboat Tip:  Get a rowboat.  Trust me. Canoes are so much easier to tip over! The rowboat was so stable. The four of us not only fit, but were able to switch positions when necessary.  Plus it allowed more room and flexibility to do the things I’ve mentioned below.

Highly recommend this easy family adventure day, and here’s some ideas on how to round out your fun day on the lake.

Bring a Picnic

Our little aluminum rowboat rental was large enough for my family of four, plus some gear.  Be prepared for the fact that any water craft like this will end up with a little water in the bottom of the boat.  Hello, dripping oars!  So keep that in mind when selecting what to bring along.

I was still easily able to keep our lunch and snacks dry, double bagged in grocery sacks and just tucked off to the side.  This is my first how-to tip:  you can easily spend the entire day on the water… so bring snacks, or even lunch!

My sandwiches were nothing to write home about, but at least the tasty Boulder Canyon chips I brought along made our lunch more exciting.  These better-for-you potato chips come in zesty and creative flavors (my favorite: the new “Sweet Chipotle” cooked in Rice Bran oil.  No trans fats, clean label, and their kettle-cooked hearty crunch make these chips an excellent choice.  They use lots of different oils for their various chip flavors, each adding a unique taste nuance.

Go Fishing

Finally my son and husband could fish for trout from out in the water, not just the shore.  It was slightly challenging to manuever two casting fishermen and two innocent bystanders in a small rowboat.  But we managed.

As is usually the case, my son caught the most fish!

Read Your Book

Ahhh…. those childhood memories of me going fishing with my dad.  And reading my book.

The apple has not fallen far from the tree. My daughter would rather read, than fish.

It’s still incredibly relaxing and fun to go along in the gently rocking boat.  Fantastic way to spend the day.

I hope you enjoy your non-boat owner day on the lake adventure!

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This was a sponsored conversation on behalf of Boulder Canyon foods.  All opinions are my own.