Fish Bait

We've discovered several nooks and crannies of Kentucky Lake this summer and I haven't found a part I don't love.  For this last vacation, we chose a section of the lake nestled on the Tennessee side.  (More than anything, it was due to finding a pet friendly cabin, so our little doggies could join us.)  It was a very quiet and peaceful part of Kentucky Lake and we're thankful we discovered our little cabin in the woods and this area.

We're fortunate to have a boat that can handle everything we like to do on the water, from fishing, to racing down the waterway, to tubing.  The cove and area we stayed was perfect for all three, especially since the traffic was almost non existent during the week.  We felt safe letting Noah take his hand at the driver's wheel, as there was no worry about oncoming traffic.  The calmness (and cleanliness) also made it ideal for tubing - Noah's favorite water activity.  I wonder if those in the area overheard the joyous shouts he made while zig-zagging across the lake!  And swimming was nice as well, especially once we discovered the sandy private beach. 

We were able to dock our boat at a marina just up the street from our cabin.  This made boating easy and gave us the convenience of going in and out of the water anytime we wanted.  Tim could sneak out in the morning for a fishing trip while watching the sunrise.  We could come in for lunch to cool off and nap in the afternoons - or drive the boat to a nearby resort for a quick bite.  If Noah wanted to tube awhile, we just loaded in the float, tossed our fishing gear on the nearby dock, and headed back out.  The best part of having the boat docked though was that when we wanted to swim, we weren't stuck in wet bathing suits the rest of the day.  Once we were finished, it just a hop, skip and jump back to the cabin to shower and rinse the lake off us.

This was especially helpful the day we decided to take the dogs for a swim.  Now most dogs love water and jump in paws first with joyful excitement.  Chihuahuas...not so much.  Already cold by nature, being wet just adds to their shaking!  Our oldest, Patch, loves boating; he just prefers to stay inside at all times.  As Suzie is still a puppy, we'd hope an early trip would teach her to love it.  Not the case.  They both shriveled up and scampered to the top of our heads, racing for the highest point of dry land.  Being so close to our dock and cabin, we wrapped them in a towel and took them back to the cabin for a quick bath and the safety of their kennels.

Of course, after Tim's scary experience later that day, while swimming in the lake, he probably wished I'd done the same for him.  Our first day out we began scoping the best spots for swimming.  Even though we have a ladder on the back, it's nicer when you can wash ashore and find a spot of private beach.  We noticed a long piece of shoreline that boats seemed to frequent and, finding it empty the next evening, decided it would be our swimming hole for that day. 

This section was actually a small island in the center of the lake.  It was a bit rocky to start with but my waterproof shoes got me to the mud before I tossed them aboard.  The water was cool, even though it registered in the 90s.  I guess when the temperatures are 110 in the shade, water feels good regardless!  With the radio in the background, we splashed around and enjoyed the afternoon.  After a short while, a pontoon approached and sadly interrupted our private retreat.  We chatted for a bit with our new neighbors and then waded out a little further, hoping for some solitude. 

Yelping, Tim let out an ouch, but I figured he was just trying to spook me.  Seconds later a louder "OUCH!" as his body literally jumped out of the lake.  This time, I paid attention, all the while swimming backwards to the shore.  I'm screaming, "What!" while he's explaining he just got bit by a fish, and we're both splashing our way back to the boat.  Noah's looking on like we've both gone nuts, and from the side, I see the pontoon group chuckling. 

Thoroughly freaked out, but in the safety of knee-high water, I decide I can now check on my dear husband.  He's rubbing his chest, somewhat laughing, somewhat disturbed, as he explains that a fish took a nibble on his nipple.  The first time was a taste test I guess and nothing more than an annoyance.  The fish must've  liked the sampling though, as upon his return, the second bite was more forceful. 

"I heard him chomp!" Tim exclaimed. 

At this point, Noah and I are rolling in laughter, as is the group beside us.  All at once the men stand displaying their floats strategically placed to cover their nipples.  The older man shouts, "Did you think we were wearing these because we couldn't swim!" 

Surprisingly, Tim did get back in the water after his encounter, though not without an arm or float protecting his chest (thanks for the tip pontoon guys!).  It was certainly one of the funniest moments of the trip, even if Tim might not agree.  While it was humorous to us, joy-filled for Tim it was not!  We've managed to continue to laughter even at home, as Tim's since been nicknamed "Fish Bait" to honor the memory.  I'm sure it doesn't help that Noah and I don't just call him that....we also tweak his chest and then quickly run away!

Even though he tries to return the ribbing, by reminding me of my squeal when I tried to un-fish my hook, or of Noah's somewhat girly scream when we circled the 50 pound dead catfish while he was still on the tube; it just doesn't compare to his fishy adventure!