www.iFourWinns.com

We're hoping to make a day of it on Mark Twain Lake this Sunday, July 3rd. The goal is to watch fireworks from our boat at night. I see there is a rodeo at Warren G. See South Spillway Recreation with fireworks to follow by the dam and was wondering if anyone has any experience watching fireworks from there boat at Mark Twain.

This will also be our first time on the lake and we're coming from Southeast Iowa. Any suggestions on preferred boat ramps or places on the lake we should boat. We will have kids and like to anchor/swim/tube.

_________________
Shawn
Washington, Iowa
1995 Four Winns 220 Horizon

5.8 EFI 58FAPHUE

Sorry I can't be of help. But I am interested in hearing how your trip goes. I have thought about trailering down to Mark Twain, but that's as far as I ever get. I trailer across the dam a couple of times a year heading down to LOTO. Another lake I would like to try is Rathbun. Honey Creek looks like a great place to stay with the family, but they are always booked. Leave it to a government run operation to be at maximum capacity and still not be able to turn a profit. Have a good trip!

_________________
2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

I will let you know. I'll try and post some pictures. Rathbun is nice but it has some big water and can get really rough on windy days. We went to Red Rock Lake near Pella today. It was really high...30' above normal pool. But it was nice. I'll let you know about Mark Twain when we get back.

_________________
Shawn
Washington, Iowa
1995 Four Winns 220 Horizon

5.8 EFI 58FAPHUE

Update about Mark Twain Lake.

It rained on us for about 2.5 hours, but this caused almost every boat to go home. We then had the entire lake to ourselves for about 2 hours of boarding and skiing and the water was smooth. Around 8:00pm everyone started loading up and heading to the dam area. When the fireworks started, I would guess there was at least 150-200 boats that I could see anchored around to watch the fireworks.

It was a great time and we will do it again. I enjoyed the lake very much. It reminded me of a smaller version of Table Rock Lake (which I will be at in 17 days!!!!)

_________________
Shawn
Washington, Iowa
1995 Four Winns 220 Horizon

5.8 EFI 58FAPHUE

Thanks for the update. Glad you had a good trip. I really need to try Mark Twain someday.

I was thinking about you last Sunday as I was watching the weather. I figured you got a little wet if you went. We ended up hitting the Mississippi that day. The storms just seemed to dissipate about one county over to the west. We got a brief sprinkling, but not wet by any means. Like you experienced, the threat of rain was just enough to keep most boaters off the water. Apparently they are afraid to get their boats wet.

Went out on the Mississippi again yesterday. It was extremely crowded, but great weather. I'm going to stay in today as we are headed down to LOTO next weekend. A few outings on the Big Muddy can demolish the cleanliness of the boat, both interior and exterior. Going to spend most of the day trying to get the boat looking half way cleaned up for the trip. Also have some trailer maintenance to get done before the trip. Sunday = Funday!

_________________
2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

I know what you mean with the rain. It was actually good because the next day the kids helped empty the boat, hang everything out to dry. It is amazing how much stuff you carry in your boat. I was able to clean and vacuum from front to back. The ski locker was empty, so I removed the carpet and cleaned it. The boat has never been in better shape.

My wife said "how can a 16 year old boat look so perfect?" I told her if we cleaned and wiped down our cars after every time we used them, they would look this good too.

Went to Coralville Lake for a night last Thursday. Nice lake during the week. We head for Table Rock Lake in Branson on the 23rd for a week. Can't wait!!!!

Have fun at LOTO.

_________________
Shawn
Washington, Iowa
1995 Four Winns 220 Horizon

5.8 EFI 58FAPHUE