Heartland Classics

Classic Wake on Table Rock Lake 2007

Sixty-five classic boaters from 9 states converged on Table Rock Lake in the Missouri Ozarks in 25 antique and classic boats on June 9, 10 and 11, 2007.  The event, sponsored by the Heartland Chapter, was again held at the Table Rock Marina/Rock Lane Resort on Indian Point Road.

For about 25 of the early arriving participants, the event began Thursday evening when they gathered for dinner at the Rock Lane Restaurant overlooking the lake.  While a few of the boaters were making a return visit to the Table Rock event, 22 were attending for the first time and 15 of the attendees were members of other ACBS chapters.

The theme for the weekend was “Classic Wake on Table Rock Lake” and we took advantage of great weather to produce classic wakes on the lake during several cruises.  Friday’s 20-mile cruise to the Kimberling City bridge and Big Buoy’s floating restaurant was hosted by Cruisemasters John and Carolynn Thompson in their 1963 Thompson ‘Big Thom’.

Dinner under the Rock Lane Pavillion Friday evening was hosted by Dick and Cara Moist; we were treated to superb beef brisket and brick oven baked bread. It was a great opportunity to greet old friends, make new acquaintances, discuss old boats, and enjoy more wonderful Ozark views. Dwight and Nancy Ford displayed their recently restored award-winning 1927 Pontiac Landau Sedan and the evening continued on with the live Ozark music of the Pavillion Pickers band. And, we can’t forget the anniversary cake in celebration of Bob and Millicent Van Dyke’s 56th wedding anniversary and Chick and Karon Wheat’s 43rd anniversary.

Saturday began with a breakfast buffet in the Rock Lane Restaurant, followed by a 22-mile, two-state cruise into Arkansas hosted by Cruisemasters Dick and Cara Moist in their 1954 Chris Craft 15′ utility ‘Chickadee’ along mile after mile of beautiful Missouri/Arkansas Ozark scenery. The return trip included a stop at Big Cedar’s Devils Pool restaurant for lunch. Lunch on the deck provided a wonderful view of the Big Cedar Resort and of Table Rock Lake.

Saturday evening began with a ride to the Thompson’s dock on Dwight and Nancy Ford’s 1969 Owens Ganada 37′ cruiser or on Nick and Gudrun Weinsaft’s 1969 Chris Craft 41′ cruiser for many participants. The Thompsons’ again provided us with a wonderful evening of great food and an opportunity to explore their home that is so exquisitely decorated throughout in an antique nautical theme. Our thanks to John and Carolynn for graciously opening their home for us to enjoy.

Sunday morning Cruismasters Larry and Jan Hinton, in their 1949 U-22 Chris Craft ‘Mischief’, led the return cruise to Big Cedar Lodge for a great breakfast on the deck while we reminisced about the weekend activities.

We want to thank all of the volunteers and participants so much for spending their weekend on Table Rock Lake with us. Our hope is that everyone had an opportunity to renew old acquaintances, make some new friends, and enjoy the beautiful blue water of Table Rock Lake in some wonderful antique and classic boats. And, of course, we hope that you will all join us next year! Recap by Don and Kathy Parker