Lake of the Ozarks Blog http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog Blogging Local Events, Festivals, & Attractions Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 BOAT SHOW!! KANSAS CITY!! WE’LL Be THERE!! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/boat-show-kansas-city-well-be-there/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/boat-show-kansas-city-well-be-there/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:28 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/boat-show-kansas-city-well-be-there/ OVERLAND PARK KANSAS, STARTS THURSDAY JANUARY 26, 2012!

CLICK HERE

STOP BY AND SAY HI!!
LEARN MORE ABOUT BOATU.S. AND BOATU.S. ANGLER,  JOIN RIGHT AT THE SHOW!!
]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/boat-show-kansas-city-well-be-there/feed/ 0 JUST A "LITTLE" MORE POWER!!! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/just-a-little-more-power/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/just-a-little-more-power/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:27 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/just-a-little-more-power/

]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/just-a-little-more-power/feed/ 0 SUMMER’S COMIN – - THINK ABOUT IT NOW!! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/summers-comin-think-about-it-now/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/summers-comin-think-about-it-now/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:26 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/summers-comin-think-about-it-now/

THINK YOU’LL NEVER NEED THIS??




SO DID THESE FOLKS – -!

]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/summers-comin-think-about-it-now/feed/ 0 Weigh-to-Win Again in 2012 – NEWS FROM BOATU.S. ANGLER! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/weigh-to-win-again-in-2012-news-from-boatu-s-angler/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/weigh-to-win-again-in-2012-news-from-boatu-s-angler/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:26 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/weigh-to-win-again-in-2012-news-from-boatu-s-angler/ NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA  22304
  
Weigh-to-Win Again in 2012

 ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 6, 2012 — It’s simple, it’s affordable, it calms concerns about mechanical breakdowns, and it pays tournament cash bonuses. For those four reasons alone, the hundreds of anglers that signed up for BoatUS Angler and “Weigh-to-Win” in its inaugural 2011 season, can look forward to renewing and participating again this year.
That’s right, by purchasing a membership in BOATU.S. Angler, you get towing you can trust should you have a breakdown, plus the chance to win tournament cash bonuses when you sign up for the “Weigh-to-Win” program, all for as little as $38.
“Tournament anglers spend countless hours behind the wheel of their bass boat and tow vehicle,” said BoatUS Angler’s Steve Levi. “We’re offering a program that takes the hassles away with 24/7 dispatch assistance when either one breaks down, and gives you the chance to make some extra cash when competing in 287 professional fishing tournaments,”
Participation in BoatUS Angler’s “Weigh-to-Win” is as simple as signing up for any of the following invaluable programs. You choose which option appeals to you most.
The On-the-Road Towing package includes a BoatUS Angler membership for just $38 and is great for bass anglers concerned about breakdowns on the highway. Those who want on-the-water assistance would likely choose the On-the-Water Freshwater Towing package for $58.
Anglers that want their mind at ease, both on-the-road and on-the-water would choose the combined BoatUS Angler membership for $72.  All three offerings make you eligible to enter the “Weigh-to-Win” tournament cash bonus program at no additional cost.
Take it from guys like the BassZone.com’s Matt Pangrac who called for assistance from BoatUS after his bass boat’s trailer tire blew out on Interstate 35. Help was dispatched, the tire was replaced, and Pangrac went on to catch an 11-pound bass hours later. There’s also Bassmaster Elite Series pro Britt Myers who was stranded during practice for the Lake Wheeler Bassmaster Elite Series Event on the Tennessee River miles from the ramp with nightfall approaching, and now brags about BoatUS’ on-the-water towboat service. 
Better yet, top weekend anglers like Kip Carter, Tyler Moberly and Shonn Goodwin have never needed BoatUS’ towing assistance, but have hauled home hundreds of dollars simply by being BoatUS Angler members and doing well in their respective events.
Simply said, it pays to buy a highly affordable BoatUS Angler membership – especially when you’re registered for the Weigh-to-Win cash tournament bonus program, and that’s why hundreds of anglers signed up last year. To make sure you are eligible in 2012, just dial (918) 742-6424 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST, and ask for Kendell, she’ll make sure you get signed-up. Or to learn more, please visit www.BoatUSFishing.com.
About BoatUS Angler:
BoatUS Angler, a membership program from the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters, BoatUS, offers boat-owning fishermen services such as on-the-water breakdown and towing assistance provided by the largest fleet of towboats in North America, roadside boat trailer and tow vehicle assistance through 18,000 specialized towing companies, and fishing boat insurance that has the right coverage for anglers. Visit BoatUSAngler.com for more.

]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/weigh-to-win-again-in-2012-news-from-boatu-s-angler/feed/ 0 WINTER FISHING? – DON’T GET LEFT OUT IN THE COLD! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/winter-fishing-dont-get-left-out-in-the-cold/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/winter-fishing-dont-get-left-out-in-the-cold/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:25 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/winter-fishing-dont-get-left-out-in-the-cold/

WINTER FISHING CAN BE CHALLENGING ENOUGH – MAKE LIFE SIMPLER – “Hook-up” with TOWING YOU CAN TRUST And BOATU.S.  ANGLER

]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/winter-fishing-dont-get-left-out-in-the-cold/feed/ 0 GATHERING UP THE FLOCK – - http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/gathering-up-the-flock/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/gathering-up-the-flock/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:05:24 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/gathering-up-the-flock/ The last day of the year was closed out with 2 “DRIFT AWAY” cases.  We had a Sunny & Warm New Year’s Eve, with temperatures in the mid 60′s but winds were running WSW @ 15-20 with gusts to 40 mph.  The combination of “warm” / “cold” weather contrasts along with high winds usually results in a fair number of “DRIFT AWAY’S”, where Boat Lifts leak down and the vessel is not secured to the dock – - so it decides to leave home – -  ONCE AGAIN AS BEFORE -
“TIE OFF THY BOAT”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
THIS YAMA PWC DRIFTED ABOUT 1/4
MILE FROM HOME AFTER LIFT LEAK
DOWN –  AGAINST SHORE AND DOCK
CABLES – - MINOR DAMAGE

THIS REGAL DRIFTED OFF AFTER LIFT
LEAKED DOWN – - DRIFTED OVER A MILE
ACROSS THE LAKE FROM THE SUNRISE
BEACH SIDE TO HORSESHOE BEND AND CAME
TO REST AGAINST BREAKWATER


]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/gathering-up-the-flock/feed/ 0 MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year-to-all/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year-to-all/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:55:23 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year-to-all/ USCG SQUADRON ONE – VIETNAM – 1965 – 1972
]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year-to-all/feed/ 0 "Rollin on the River (again) American Queen http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/rollin-on-the-river-again-american-queen/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/rollin-on-the-river-again-american-queen/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:55:23 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/rollin-on-the-river-again-american-queen/ The “Queen” moored, Hannibal, Missouri August, 2007

The “QUEEN” is NOT dead – “Long live the Queen”
Thanks to Capt Richard R.. – Bitter End Blog, on 12/19 – I caught this -

The LA Times is reporting:  December 14, 2011
American Queen steamboat will be rollin’ on the river again
The American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, will return to the Mississippi River with cruises starting in April. The re-created riverboat that had ended service in 2008 returns under new management and with onboard entertainment and historians to keep it lively.
The complete LA Times post by Mary Forgione is here.
In August of 2007, Laura and I took grandson Ryan Dubinski on a day trip to Hannibal, MO, while touring Hannibal and doing the “Mark Twain” thing we were fortunate enough to find the “QUEEN” making a stop on the Hannibal waterfront.  She was an awesome sight to see up close and we would loved to have made a “cruise”.  She was taken out of service in 2008, but looks like she has been revived – -  Maybe we can still make that trip – -
Hannibal waterfront August 2007

Laura, Ryan and some sailor – -

]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/rollin-on-the-river-again-american-queen/feed/ 0 A PRIVILEGE ** and AN HONOR ** CRUISE (Part 1) http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/a-privilege-and-an-honor-cruise-part-1/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/a-privilege-and-an-honor-cruise-part-1/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:55:22 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/a-privilege-and-an-honor-cruise-part-1/
THE PRIVILEGE: – I was invited to come along on a “un-heralded” afternoon cruise this Saturday, which was part of the local 5th Annual Troop Appreciation Day – I had no idea it would also be such an HONOR:
M/V CELEBRATION


The troops that are serving or who have served in the last year, their spouses and children attending the TROOP APPRECIATION DAY, December 17, (see Lake Expo Break Bread with Heroes) were treated to an afternoon cruise aboard the M/V CELEBRATION (CELEBRATION CRUISES) Captain Mike Bouffiou, Owner, along with Captain Dave Anderson and members of the “Celebration“ Crew treated over 130  Appreciation Day attendees to a cruise that afternoon.  The “Celebration” shoved off at 1:30 p.m. under a sunny sky and light breeze for an hour and half cruise.  The troops and their families with numerous children enjoyed the relaxing trip.  Most of them were just arriving in the lake area to attend the Appreciation Day scheduled to start @ 5:00p.m. at Tan-Tar-A.  Many were not aware, that one of the persons on board for the cruise was MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT,  Colonel Don (Doc) Ballard , Kansas City, MO , Missouri’s only living Medal of Honor recipient. 

Ballard was born in Kansas City, Missouri and it was there that he enlisted in the United States Navy. Sent to Vietnam, Ballard served as a corpsman in the Quang Tri province with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines (Mike 3/4) of the 3rd Marine Division. On May 16, 1968, Ballard treated two Marines suffering from heat exhaustion, and when returning to his unit from the casualty evacuation helicopter pad he and his company were attacked by the North Vietnamese Army. While under fire, Ballard directed aid to other wounded U.S. Marines and when a grenade landed nearby, Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. Grabbing the grenade and rolling upon one of his wounded comrades to protect him he threw the devise seconds before it harmlessly exploded. He calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating his Marines. For his actions, he received the United States of America’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. In 1970, Ballard received the Navy Medal of Honor from President Richard M. Nixon and General Westmoreland . He then left the United States Navy and enlisted in Army officer candidate school. Westmoreland offered Ballard a direct commission; however Ballard turned it down for personal reasons. Ballard later joined the Kansas National Guard, and served as an ambulance platoon leader, company commander, and was tasked with creating the new ‘Medical Detachment 5′, a unit which performs medicals on Guard members in order to save the cost of contracting outside medical help, and of which he was the first member and commander. On April 5, 1998, Ballard was promoted to colonel by Major General James F. Reuger and served as Special Assistant to the Adjutant General until his retirement in 2000. Inducted into the National Guard Hall of Fame in November 2001, Ballard is the only living Kansas Guardsman to have received the Medal of Honor. He is also the subject of a memorial statue at the National Medical War Memorial in Kansas City, depicting Ballard during the action for which he received the Medal of Honor.

NOTE,  As a 21 year career Military retiree and Vietnam Vet, This was the first time I had ever met a “MEDAL OF HONOR” RECIPIENT, and though I only spoke with him briefly – - His first words to ME were – - “WELCOME HOME” - – -
]]> http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/a-privilege-and-an-honor-cruise-part-1/feed/ 0 BELIEVE – Thanks SANTA! http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/believe-thanks-santa/ http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/believe-thanks-santa/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:55:17 +0000 http://www.go2lakeoftheozarks.com/lake-of-the-ozarks-blog/believe-thanks-santa/

On a recent cold weather call – - Our 24 ft X USCG Justice Class TowBoat had a close encounter of the best kind – - It seems that Santa just happened to be making a pre-Christmas test flight near the state park in the Glaize Arm  - his sleigh appeared to be grossly overloaded and there was no doubt he would soon be making an unscheduled water landing – the look of panic in the struggling Reindeer eyes was easily read by our Towboat Captain.  He carefully maneuvered the TowBoat under the slowly descending sleigh and as the runners touched down on the deck of the TowBoat, the Reindeer were able to compose themselves and stay just off the water as the TowBoat supported the heavy sleigh.  Santa said not a word, but looked at our captain with a huge grin and twinkling eye – - He motioned to two panicked elves who were cowering in the back of the sleigh and directed them to offload some objects from the sleigh – - Twin VERADO 200′s were quickly dropped on the deck – - Santa gave the reins a slight tap – looked back and waved as the Reindeer quickly ascended with the now much lighter sleigh – BELIEVE! – MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

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