The beginning of summer is upon us. New and old businesses
alike are all opening and ready for the crowds. Things will be different for me
this year.
I have decided to leave the lake at recreation business after
22 years. I started in 2004 with
Cisco's landing and operated that until 2015. I really enjoyed my years there
mentoring young people and meeting all kinds of nice visitors. It was also interesting to be part of the
Marina population of folks who lived on their boats. At Cisco’s Landing we ran a grill, fully
stocked marine store, fuel dock and all kinds of other stuff. We rented all
types of watercraft, including ski, pontoon, fishing and paddle boats in addition
to a fleet Wave Runners. Canoes, kayaks
and paddle boards were also available.
We tied that all together with various water skis, wake boards, and a
full array of towable toys. Visitors even
fed tons of carp while we were there. During that time, I also guided fishermen
and took people on tour out on the lake.
When I think back on it, I'm not sure how I did it all. After working 30+ years for Utah Wildlife Resources
As in Bear Lake fisheries biologist I wanted to know if I could be successful
at running my own business. I was but the
real reward for me was the Cisco Kids. The many employees I had over the years,
mostly girls, kept me feeling young and motivated. They gave me the opportunity
to mingle with a new generation of kids and learn what challenges they had. It really expanded this old Boomer's views. I just know it was very rewarding to provide
services to folks who visited Bear Lake State Park Marina.
In 2016, after Cisco's Landing
did not get its least renewed, I started Cisco Charters focusing on lake tours and
fishing. I couldn't give it up because I got so much pleasure out of telling
people about the lake and meeting new people, that I had to keep going. I had
to quit guiding a couple of years ago because my eyesight was bad and I just
didn't have enough help to run the boat and catch fish for the money they paid.
Last few years I have just doing tours by reservation.
With the new Marina expansion under construction now is a good
time to give it up. Next year they'll be rebuilding the road so traffic trying
to access the Marina will be a mess. These issues and the fact that I am old as
dirt (77) means I probably ought to quit.
I will keep my pontoon boat in the Marina so you may see me cruising
around the lake but it's going to be just for fun. It was truly a great time in
my life. I will miss it, but the
memories will still be there.
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