Episode 24:  Welcome to Lake Life with Molley and Chad! In today’s episode, our friends Jamie and Adam join us to discuss Nolin Lake in Kentucky.  It’s also called Nolin River Lake. 

Interesting Facts about Nolin Lake

Nolin Lake spans parts of Hart, Grayson and Edmonson County, near Mammoth Cave National Park.  It’s another man-made lake, like Barren River Lake. It covers roughly 5,700 acres. 

There are several popular campgrounds near the lake.  They are Dog Creek Campground, Wax Campground and Moutardier Campground.  There’s also Moutardier Resort and Marina.  The Nolin Lake State Park also features a primitive campground at Brier Creek (this may actually be a privately-owned campsite).

Fishing on Nolin

Noted for its blue-green water, Nolin River Lake is recognized as a top 5 Kentucky fishing lake for catfish, bass, crappie and walleye (or it could be white bass).

Getting Their Start with Lake Life

Adam started his lake life experience back in 1994-1995.  He bought his first fishing boat in 1996.  Jamie comments that they actually bought a 22’ Crownline runabout, before they settled on a specific lake.  They visited several lakes with the kids.  The past year, they switched to a tri-toon pontoon boat.

Chad comments about how pontoon boats have evolved over the years.  He was amazed at the prices some of them go for (i.e. $225,000).  Jamie and Adam add that boat prices have increased 30% over the past 3 years.  Molley says this could be the COVID-demand.  People wanted to get out, without being around a lot of people, so the interest in boats surged – resulting in a price surge.

Molley describes her experience with early pontoons and how the public has begun to change how they look at the comfort and features offered by this class of boats.  It’s a significantly easier ride, even if choppy water.

The Decision to Buy a Home at Nolin Lake

It was very convenient to drive to a lake that was close to home.  They already had friends at the lake.  Once they found a nice home for sale, they jumped on it.  When COVID hit, it was a terrific refuge.  Chad described how his family used their lake house all the time during the pandemic.

What’s a Lake Life Weekend Like?

Jamie notes that her anxiety starts on Thursday night because she just wants to get there.  Adam heads down Friday morning with the kids.  Jamie arrives after work.  Adam starts the weekend with typical chores (e.g. cutting grass, filling up the gas tank, etc.).  Afterwards, he and the girls might head out on the water for a while.  Adam’s excited about having the tri-toon this year, because he can simply tie it up to the dock, rather than having to mess with the trailer. 

When Jamie arrives, she might go out on the water, but usually decides to start dinner for the family. 

When they had their runabout, they each had their specific job when it came to trailering the boat.  Adam handled the truck and Jamie handled the boat.  Having well defined roles can save a ton of stress and frustration.  Chad and Molley explain why in Episode 1.  The pontoon is going to take a bit more finesse.  Adam and Jamie did some practice runs, when the lake wasn’t real crowded.

Molley and Chad have had their own “adventures” when it comes to trailering their tri-toon.  In Episode 8, they offer some great tips for ramp etiquette and trailer safety.  It takes good team work, practice and patience.  Although, Chad admits, he still has those moments. (You’ll understand if you listen to this episode).  You might also want to check out Episode 7, “Don’t Be THAT GUY!”

Jamie explains that they have a neighborhood ramp that does make launching and trailering the boat a little easier and much more convenient.  The boat ramp is always a tricky place.  Molley’s mom commented in Episode 14 that if people would just remember to show some common courtesy, things would go better for everyone.  At the ramp, it’s all about situational awareness.

Let’s get back to the typical weekend topic.  Jamie describes Saturday morning.  Adam usually starts breakfast and they hit the dock.  They’ve learned to involved the kids with lunch and snack prep.  Jamie’s primary job is to make sure everyone else has their stuff taken care of, that sunscreen is applied and that they don’t forget trash bags.  This is a Pro-Tip!

The girls like to go tubing.  Adam recommends doing this earlier in the day, in case there’s a lot of boats on the water.  If you can get out early, it’s a bit less crowded.

What other Lakes Have They Visited in Kentucky?

Adam has fished in most of them.  For pleasure boating, he’s been on Nolin, Cumberland, Green, and Dale Hollow.  Jamie grew up going to Green River Lake in Campbellsville.  She briefly discussed the difference between going in an RV verses having a home at the lake. Even their dogs get excited when they figure out everyone is heading to the lake for the weekend.

Back to the Saturday schedule.  Once the tubing is done, they’ll go find a cove with some friends and tie up for the day.  They’ll try to watch the sunset and then it’s time to head back to the lake house for dinner.  After dinner, they might decide to go visit with neighbors until it’s time to head to bed.

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

Adam points out that piloting your boat on the right-side, just like when you’re driving actually is a thing.  Jamie comments that Lake Life can be a lot of work, but it’s all worth it.  It’s a financial commitment, and there’s a risk of burnout if you’re going to do it every weekend.  But again, it’s worth it!

If You Won the Lottery, What Boat Would You Buy?

Jamie says she’d get a large Sea Ray or 28’ Crownline to cruise in.  She’d want an open bow.  But in reality, she’d be just as happy owing a tiki hut on an island serving margaritas.  Adam says he’d buy a place in Florida and a 390 MTI. 

What Advice Would You Offer to a New Boater?

Adam says you have to have patience.  Don’t worry about the boat.  Just enjoy the experienced.  Jamie comments about how much she enjoys spending quality time at the lake.  There are always great conversations.  It’s brought them closer over the years. 

Chad comments how no-signal on the cell phone often helps the kiddos to open up about what’s actually going on in their lives. 

Jamie also really values the sense of community at the lake.  Their little neighborhood is pretty close-knit.  Everyone keeps an eye on everyone – especially the when it comes to the kids.  It’s a safe environment and everyone keeps an eye out for each other.

Molley talks about how there’s a specific spot on the trip down when it really hits her that she’s at the lake.  The stress literally melts away.

Nolin Lake was built for flood control.  This means the US Army Corps of Engineers drops the water level during the winter.  Adam adds this begins on October 15th.  Once that happens, you really shouldn’t try to take larger craft out on the water.  The water level is increased, beginning on April 15th.

Jamie talks about how her kids love to use low water levels to do some treasure hunting.  It’s amazing how many anchors you can find and recover!

In closing, Jamie recommends patience and caution.  You need to be aware of your surroundings.  She talks about how a storm quickly rolled in and the winds really made for some tense moments.

Molley strongly recommends everyone having specific jobs to do.  If a crisis occurs or surprises happen, everyone knows what their responsibilities are.  It’s a good life lesson for the kids.

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

EPISODE SPONSOR INFORMATION:

We’d like to thank today’s sponsor and encourage you to contact them for your insurance needs.

The Alan Hall Agency

Website:  https://www.AlanHallAgency.com

Phone Number:  (502) 345-9440

 

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!

 

Don’t forget to subscribe!