Our Trip to Lake Barkley

We started our Meinhart family trip on Thursday, August 5th at 8:00 AM. On the way down to Kentucky we stopped off at the Garden of the Gods (against the wishes of a couple family members, who then managed to explore the trails on their own….) then went on into Cave in Rock and took the Ferry across the Ohio River. The kids all did a really good job on the way down and we managed to wear Grandpa Gary out at the Garden of the Gods. We stopped in Marion and ate at McDonald’s (against Uncle Doug’s wishes), then drove on into Kentucky to our destination, The Holiday Hills Resorts on Lake Barkley.
We had two townhouses rented for 3 nights. Each townhouse had two floors. The first floor had a bed, bath and a kitchen, along with a small deck complete with a grill and picnic table. The second floor was equipped with four full/double beds, one twin bed and a bath. Each floor also had its own TV (with cable). When we got to our townhouses the kids had them all checked out in a matter of secondsJ. The kids played on the beach and playground while the adults unloaded the vans. That evening we had a light supper of ham/turkey and chicken salad sandwiches, and then headed down to the beach for some swimming.
Friday was our day on the lake. We rented a pontoon boat and took several trips out exploring. The morning shift consisted of everyone except the six littlest kids and the mothers of all of those kids. We took the kids to the pool and then to the beach. They seemed to enjoy the beach more than the pool. When the first crew came back to the dock, we put some hamburger, hotdogs, and brats on the grills and made some Mac and cheese. “We had enough food for an army” (Grandpa Gary) that afternoon, captain Scott took the second crew (the 6 kids, their moms, Captain Scott, Grandma, and Gary J.) out for a tour of Lake Barkley and some swimming. While we were gone exploring, the rest of the 1st crew took naps (minus Steve, Uncle Doug, Nate, & Zack….they played at the beach). We had a pasta/lasagna night that evening for supper.
Saturday we had a late breakfast that consisted of biscuits and gravy, sausage, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fruit! We then loaded up the vans and headed to the Kentucky Dam and the Land Between the Lakes to see some Elk and Buffalo (not too exciting). We stopped at a park nearby and had a picnic then made our way to the Kentucky Shores for some Go Kart racing! It was a BLAST. Everyone (even grandpa and grandma) got to do some racing! We also drove some golf carts around looking at some animals while Ken, Carrie and Doug did a little mini golf. We had reservation at the Catfish Kitchen at 7. While we waited, the kids fed the fish in the pond right next to the restaurant. The food was awesome!
Sunday morning we loaded up to head home. We stopped in Paducah at Gander Mountain and had our last meal with the whole family! Scott and I decided to do some shoe shopping with the kids. We then headed home.
We had a really great time on our trip……I am so proud the all the kids….. they behaved so well! I’m pretty sure Grandpa and Grandma had a great time as well! Thanks to all of my family for making this trip happen and we will have to do it again………..in a couple of years ;)
As soon as I can get the group picture from my sis-in-law, I will post it! Sorry!