Sandy and Denny Thayer really do live the spirit of
houseboating. They started houseboating in 1998. They were originally renters
on Lake Cumberland. Denny grew up on Lake Erie which was a very different type of
houseboating. They discovered Lake
Cumberland and it changed
everything. The Thayer's bought their first house boat in 2005 and in 2008 sold
it to their best friends behind them, Kevin and Terry Stewart. They then
purchased a 2000 Horizon. They love the versatility of houseboating. They
ideally wanted a property overlooking the lake and decided to check out
houseboating. It turned out to be perfect. They dock at Conley Bottom on Lake Cumberland
in the same slip where they bought their original boat. Everyone on the pier
get's along and does something together. The Thayer's live in Cincinnati and travel three and a half hours
to get to the lake every chance they get. They own a tax business so from April
15th to November they are found on the lake. They enjoy how houseboating gives
them a long season, it's not the traditional Memorial day to Labor day type of
activity. It accommodates twice the amount any other hobby.
They started many traditions which include getting together
on new Years, and other Holiday's. The Halloween/Burn
off/Clean-up weekend is a regular event where they dress up, gather garbage and
plastic and take it back to the marina. They also gather drift wood to make
huge bonfires. They start the season off with Derby Weekend which is in early
May. They all eat, and the women wear fancy hats to kick off the official houseboating
season. Last year they started a fourth of July parade at Conley Bottom where
they decorate the boats with flags and lights, there is a lead pontoon which is
has a marching band and loud music playing.
The friendships the Thayer's have developed is their
favorite part of houseboating. They love their friends and the ability to
entertain friends and family. "Lake Cumberland is really the jewel of the nation," says Sandy. "Gorgeous lake, 85
degree weather, there is no calmer lifestyle I can imagine" says Denny. The
Thayers have traveled all over, Hawaii, Virgin
Islands etc. and they think Lake
Cumberland is the best.
Everyone has a good demeanor there. They are relaxed, friendly and help each
other out since houseboating requires lots of that. Their kids and grandkids
come houseboating when school is out and love the time they are there with
them.. Their boat's name is "Good" They have this interesting tradition that if
someone changes their name of the boat they have a "God of Sea Ceremony" where
they raise thee new name and toast to the North, East, South, and West of the
sea. They symbolically bury the old name in the water to get rid of the evil
spirits.
Denny and Sandy
also are the only boat on the lake with an electric trager smoker grill. They
cook meat for usually three boats and the others bring a side dish. Their trademark
is smoked ribs, brisket, and pork loin.
Every time Denny and Sandy
return from houseboating, Denny is already packing and figuring out what he
needs to do at home before he can get back to the lake for the upcoming
weekend.