Episode 22:  Welcome to Season 3 of Lake Life with Molley and Chad!  In this season, we’re going to discuss various lakes and why people like specific lakes.  In today’s episode, we interview Anna and Todd about Barren River Lake, in Kentucky.  Todd grew up on this lake.

Barren River Lake

Molley begins with some interesting facts.  Barren River Lake is in western Kentucky.  It occupies parts of Allen, Barren and Monroe Counties.  It’s actually a man-made lake.  Todd adds that it reaches 10,000 acres at summer pool.  It was built for flood control.  The US Army Corp of Engineers can raise or lower the level of the lake in an attempt to reduce the amount of water that could cause flooding after a severe storm.  In mid-October, the water level begins to be reduced, after the spring and summer rains have moved on.  At winter pool, it’s the water level is approximately 26’ lower that during the summertime. 

Marinas on Barren River Lake

According to Todd, there are currently 3 marinas available to boaters and the general public.  Todd wasn’t sure if Walnut Creek Marina was still open.  His favorite marina is The Narrows.

Todd and Anna Discuss How They Started their Lake Life Journey

Todd grew up in the area, but Anna didn’t have this experience growing up.  Todd began getting into boating with friends and families when he was young.  The lake was full of some fun Sunday memories.  Todd and Anna got married in 2001. 

Todd’s dad gave them his boat, a 1988 Dyna-Trak Fish & Ski.  It was the first boat they owned as a couple.  Anna comments that this was a new experience for her.  Chad had a similar experience, because he didn’t grow up around boating, either.

Anna describes trying to learn to trailer the boat with Todd.  The process seemed a bit overwhelming.  Now, she lets Todd and his dad handle it.  In 2007, they decided to buy a pontoon, given some of the issues they had around trailering the boat.  They’ve been able to simply dock the boat to make things easier.

Anna and Todd typically put the boat in the water around May and it stays there until October.  Once in a while, things don’t work out.  That’s when Todd mentions how they’ve learned to depend on the guys at the Barren River Boat Shop.  Todd’s good at breaking things and they’re good at fixing them!

Scheduling Lake Time

For Anna and Todd, it’s usually weekends and sometimes a 3-day weekend.  If they can get down for an entire week, it’s usually an entirely different experience.  Chad comments how Tuesdays and Wednesdays are terrific because there’s hardly anyone else out on the water.  That’s Anna’s favorite time.

Favorite Locations

They like to go tubing in the Beaver Creek area.  Barren River Lake also has several no-ski areas.  Molley explains why these exist on Barren.  Certain areas aren’t maintained, so there may be hazards, such as tree stumps and other items beneath the water.  These can pose a danger, so it’s safer simply to designate them as no-ski zones.

Molley and Chad have had some experiences in these areas and tell a brief story about how they’ve lost anchors.  By the way, they’re looking for show sponsors, so if manufacture or sell anchors, here’s your chance!

Todd admits he’s donated 2 anchors to the bottom of Barren River Lake.

Family Activities on Barren

Interestingly, Todd comments that they don’t see a lot of skiers on the lake.  His son, Cole, likes to wakeboard, kneeboard and tube with friends. 

Anna says Todd is always the driver when it comes to pulling tubers.  She enjoys riding more.  Todd refers to her as “The Admiral” because they don’t drive.  As a Pro-Tip, they’ve learned to limit the number of tubing sessions in a given day.  They like early mornings and later in the afternoon, instead of going all day long

The Current Boat

Anna and Todd currently have a 22’ Barletta tri-toon.  They still have their other boats and a couple of jet skis.  They built a lake house, which makes it much easier to have the boats and spend more time with them.

Experiences on other Lakes in Kentucky

Anna comments that they don’t take their boats to other lakes.  However, she’s been to Lake Cumberland, Lake Herrington (Harrodsburg area) and Norris Lake (Tennessee).

Todd has been to most of the lakes in Kentucky, with the exception of some of the ones in eastern Kentucky.  He’s been to Dale Hollow, Barkley, Kentucky Lake, Nolin, Green River Lake, Rough River Lake.  Growing up in Glasgow, Barren River Lake is home and he still has plenty of family there.

Molley grew up on Barren River Lake.  She recounts how her family used to campo at Barren River State Park, near Walnut Creek.  This was there Labor Day Weekend lake.

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

Anna says they actually love their current boat.  Barren River Lake isn’t a huge lake, so having a really big boat would be impractical.  He does like the “surf-type” boats.  Cole might enjoy surfing behind it.  They really like the tri-toon life.  Anna’s partial to the big lounger seat.  Chad and Molley talk about their pontoon, which also has the big lounger seat.  It was the main reason they bought the pontoon.

What’s Something You Know Now, that You Wish You’d Known Earlier?

Todd mentions how much he loves being able to dock the boat, instead of having to trailer it each time.  It’s so much easier and less stressful.  Chad comments on his experiences on the ramp.  There’s always “that guy.”  In fact, they did an entire episode called, “Don’t Be That Guy!”

Advice to New Boaters

Anna explains that before they built their lake house, they used to have a slip at the State Dock.  They would either stay at the lodge, or rent a small cabin.  Her advice is to understand that lake life is a commitment.  There’s a lot to it.  Todd agrees.  It can take up the time he might spend on other activities, but they really enjoy being on the water.  This is something to consider if your kids are into summer sports.  It’s going to be a challenge to balance all of it.

Todd mentions that their lake life has been through some transitions over the years.  They used to spend a lot more time on the lake, but their son has gotten involved in sports.  This has pushed them to make their time more impactful.  However, one of the fun things is having Cole and his friends come to the lake with them. 

Anna recounts how they love being able to have guests down to the lake.  It’s fun to see people enjoy new experiences.  Then again, she really enjoys those times when it’s just the three of them. 

Molley adds that there’s a huge benefit to having the kids with them.  They usually don’t have a good cell signal out there, so they’re forced to do something else besides being glued to their phone screens.  It’s amazing how many great conversations suddenly occur.

Closing Comments about Barren River Lake

Todd admits this particular area is a well-kept secret.  It’s a smaller lake, but it’s almost twice the size of Nolin, Green River Lake and others.  Glasgow is close and offers restaurants and other attractions.  Bowling Green is fairly close.  It’s only a 1.5 hour road trip from Louisville. 

Anna recommends catching a sunset near the dam.  It’s worth it.

Their favorite boat launch is Port Oliver.  It’s fairly new and really wide.  His dad says it the best in Kentucky. 

Todd comments the lunches at The Narrows Marina are terrific.  Get there early!

That’s a wrap for this episode.  We’d like to thank our friends Anna and Todd 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!

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