Dock Crawl 2023

Episode 31: Molley and Chad return to the Dock Crawl at State Dock Marina on Lake Cumberland, for the second year in a row.  This episode will feature interviews and comments from friends and new friends who came out to enjoy a wonderful tradition.

In a previous episode, you met Donzi Dale and Sandy.  They have a houseboat on the lake and invited Molley and Chad to use their boat as a home base during the event.  A special shout out to Mandy and Travis to introducing them to the Dock Crawl in 2022.  Their friend Kelly Smith was the interviewer during the 2023 event.  She did a terrific job.

Recon Duty with Mr. Barry

Truth be told, Barry Sinclair is from a different row on the dock (Row 200), but was doing some recon to see how things were shaping up and what the competition looked like this year.  Kelly, Molley and Chad welcomed him to the microphone to get his take on the event.

Barry started coming down to State Dock on Lake Cumberland in 1977.  They started by staying in the cottages and then bought a houseboat about 22 years ago.  They originally kept it at Jamestown, but decided to move to State Dock roughly 11 years ago.  He drives down from Cincinnati, OH every weekend.

In addition to the houseboat, he has a dual console runabout he keeps in a slip.  Barry’s son also has a boat in a nearby slip.  Barry’s youngest son was 2 weeks old when he had his first lake experience.  It’s safe to say he grew up on the water.  Molley mentions both of their children grew up around the water.  Now they’re in the 20s. 

Barry used to be into watersports, but as he’s gotten older is more about boatin’ and floatin’.  That phrase might just make it onto a t-shirt.  Be sure to check out the Ship Store on the Lake Life website.  He has a new grandson who’s 5 and half months old.  The kiddo has already been floatin’ on the water.

They talk about how important getting down to the lake is for the family.  If their family plans any weddings during the summer, Barry will usually send a gift and maybe take them out some other time.  We’ve spoken often about how Lake Life is such a fun mindset and once you begin, other priorities tend to get reshuffled.  Barry and his family have spent many Thanksgivings and holidays on the lake.  It’s truly a special place.

Before they wrap up with Barry, they ask about his boats.  He owns a dual console Scout and his Stardust houseboat.  His son has a center console Robalo.  Barry is getting ready to go down to the Ft. Lauderdale boat show.  The group ends with a brief discussion of lake homes vs. houseboats. 

Molley and Chad mention they’re getting ready for a 10-day catamaran trip with some friends in the British Virgin Islands.  Bob comments he’s be fortunate to have travelled all over the world, but Lake Cumberland is one of his favorite places.

What Does Chad Like Best about the Dock Crawl?

For Chad, it’s the entire event.  There’s so much going on and people to meet. 

Brody, Clifford and Melody Stop by for a Chat

Brody is in the 500 row, while Clifford and Melody are in the 300 row at the State Dock.  Brody’s also checking on the competition.  Melody mentions they have a cruiser.  Now, with the grandchildren, the make it down to the lake about every 3^rd weekend.  Brody has a middle console boat, a houseboat and an F4. 

Clifford’s been coming down to the lake for 12-15 years.  Molley asks what they each like about coming down to the lake.  Brody likes taking the boat out on the water.  He got his Kentucky boating license about a month ago. 

Melody explains they originally started with runabouts.  Life happened and it made getting a slip seem much more convenient.  Besides, Clifford doesn’t what a pool, so the lake does just fine.  Both Molley and Chad and Melody and Clifford talk about experiences like building a home and putting down flooring, which can seriously test the bonds of a marriage. 

What Advice They Would Offer to Someone Considering the Dock Life?

Clifford quickly says, “Just do it!”  Brody says, “Just come hang out with them.”  It’ll definitely show you how much fun Dock Life can be.  Melody mentions that coming down to the lake on the weekends is their vacation, rather than waiting all year for a week somewhere. 

It’s a life-style.  Extended family will begin to figure out that time on the water is important to you.  It all works out, but sometimes you have to take time to enjoy your investment.

Clifford needs to go put on his costume for the competition.  So, we wish them luck and might see them next year. 

Tim and Christine Join Us to Talk about Their Dock Crawl Experience

Tim and Christine Cole are here for their first dock crawl.  Christine wishes there were even more rows.  Their slip is in the 300 row.  They had a Regal Cruiser, but now they have a houseboat and an Eliminator power boat. 

Tim and Christine have spent most of their lives on the water.  They’re from Richmond, Indiana.  They drive 4 and a half hours to get to Lake Cumberland.  Tim and Christine try to make it down almost every weekend.  They like to get to the lake on Thursdays and return home on Sundays. 

Tim explains that they met back in 1994 and used to go to Dale Hollow for roughly 6 years.  Christine has known Sandy since middle school, so they decided to start coming to Lake Cumberland, instead of driving so far.

Chad mentions that he’s been coming to the lake with Molley’s family for probably 30 years.  Molley grew up on the water and Chad married into a lake family.  Eventually, the decided to buy a lake home in the area and have never looked back. 

As the Dock Crawl party kicks in, the noise got pretty loud.  They made the decision to pack it up and call it a night, at least for the podcast!

That’s a wrap for this episode.  We’d like to thank our friends and all of our new friends for guest hosting with us.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. 

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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