This Ex-Chicagoan Is Now Boating on the 2nd Day of Winter!!

[320Bob]

With all the misery due to Sandy and the latest winter storms I thought some happy boating pictures might be what some might enjoy these days. I moved to Arizona 2 months ago and have been boating on Bartlett Lake since that time. The lake and of course the weather has been fabulous. This past Sunday I was out in bright sunshine and 60 degree weather. I don't think too many folks in the forum boat on a mountain lake (1798 ft. elevation) like this with spectacular views of the mountains and desert landscape compared to Lake Michigan where I was in May and June. Bartlett Lake is a reservoir lake located in the Tonto National Forest created by the Bartlett Dam (Photo 13) which is pictured below on the Rio Verde river and is used to provide water by the Salt River Project who is also my electric company. I have a covered slip at the marina here with a a large deck that is pictured below where we can put chairs, a table and a propane grill to cook out (Photo 15). Harborside Marina back in Wilmington, IL was the only other marina where I've been that allowed grills by your slip. The one sad thing about my new marina is it only 50% to 60% filled like many across the country due to the economic downturn.

Photo 1 is my slip, Photo 2 is a shot taken from the parking lot overlooking the marina and Photo 3 is Bartlett Dam.
Photos 4-7 were taken cruising around the lake.
Photo 8 is the public beach/campground where most weekends there are 3-12 RVs parked.
Photos 9-13 are more shots crusing around the the lake.
Photos 14 is the channel into the marina and Photo 15 was taken from a slip mate's houseboat looking out across the lake.
Enjoy and Happy Holidays to all here!:smt038

 

[MrHappy]

Very jealous. At our marina they do not allow open flamed grilling. Electric only.

 

[HUMPH]

Great pictures Bob! We are heading out tomorrow for 4 days but the weather is a bit cool. Highs will max out in the low to mid 50's this weekend. Good thing we have the camper canvas, our Mr. Heater and a yacht club to keep warm in!

 

[MonacoMike]

Thanks for posting the great photos! I suspect I will not see you at the Chicago boat show...

Happy New year!

MM

 

[320Bob]

Thanks for posting the great photos! I suspect I will not see you at the Chicago boat show...

Happy New year!

MM

I'll actually be in Chicago next week for a company meeting but it's a week too soon to attend the show otherwise I might try to hook up with my snowbound buddies to attend the show!!! If they have a boat show here in Phoenix I'm sure it does not compare with the one in Chicago and would probably be mostly bass and wakeboarding boats.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Nice pictures all. We boat on Lake Pleasant when we're down there and your shots look a lot like that area. Thanks for sharing them.

 

[Pyrojodge]

Nice, thanks Bob... good looking boat to.

 

[320Bob]

Nice pictures all. We boat on Lake Pleasant when we're down there and your shots look a lot like that area. Thanks for sharing them.

If you trailer your boat come on over here for the day and I'll provide adult beverages for you and GW!!

 

[northern]

How long is the lake
Is the water level lower than normal
What is the fishing like
Can you over night along the shore

 

[320Bob]

How long is the lake
Is the water level lower than normal
What is the fishing like
Can you over night along the shore

The lake is 2,800 acres and I am guessing about 5 miles end to end but winds due to the course of the river bed.

The water level is down as you can see from the pictures but the depth in the main channel runs between 25-125 ft.

I don't fish but my slip neighbor caught 2 Crappie 15 feet from my boat and every time I have been out on the lake there are 5 to 10 boats out fishing so it must be pretty good.

The recreational area shown in Photo 8 is a campground where people overnight but I believe you have to pay a park fee.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Thanks for the invitation. We'll be down there for 2 weeks in January but we might be selling the boat. I have an offer on the table from a possible buyer. I'll take them for a ride on Lake Pleasant to seal the deal (I hope). I'll miss the boat, but we just don't use it much and I hate to see it just sit.

 

[320Bob]

Thanks for the invitation. We'll be down there for 2 weeks in January but we might be selling the boat. I have an offer on the table from a possible buyer. I'll take them for a ride on Lake Pleasant to seal the deal (I hope). I'll miss the boat, but we just don't use it much and I hate to see it just sit.

If you are boat less in Arizona give a PM and you're welcome aboard my boat.

 

[tdschafer]

Hi Bob,

Great pics. Thanks for the post. Good luck in Arizona!!!

 

[Gofirstclass]

Bob, thanks for the invite. I may just take you up on that. It's always nice to meet other SR owners.

 

[Escapade]

I dont know how you could leave this area... Lets see. Ice has now formed in the entire marina basin. It has been snowing for the last three days straight. The pool cover has now had so much snow on it that it let loose. Your hanging out boating, sitting out on the docks, and grilling. You made the right decision! The pics look great! I'll go back out, plow and salt one more time before morining. Keep up the good work!

 

[320Bob]

I dont know how you could leave this area... Lets see. Ice has now formed in the entire marina basin. It has been snowing for the last three days straight. The pool cover has now had so much snow on it that it let loose. Your hanging out boating, sitting out on the docks, and grilling. You made the right decision! The pics look great! I'll go back out, plow and salt one more time before morining. Keep up the good work!

Also remember, here is Arizona it is legal to shoot varmints...in Illinois they just get elected ever 2 or four years!!:huh:

 

[MonacoMike]

Also remember, here is Arizona it is legal to shoot varmints...in Illinois they just get elected ever 2 or four years!!:huh:

...Or go to prision.

MM