A Weekend of Making Memories
Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
June 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2023
What made the 2023 Classics Cruisin’ Event one to remember?
Sixty people participated, with 25% of those coming to Table Rock Lake for the first time. They came from 9 states. Although most are Heartland Classics Chapter members, six other ACBS Chapters were also represented.
There were 26 boats, 38% were wood. They ranged in age from 1949 to a newly finished custom-built center console, although it was built on a 1958 Thompson hull.
As the name implies, this event is planned for using our boats for cruising! Phil Wolff and Mike Vannier came a day early to take advantage of beautiful Table Rock Lake. They were joined by three other boats for the 110 mile Thursday round trip to Holiday Island. Every day included cruising! Phil Wolff reported logging “266 miles of lake runs and never bored with the sights.”
And finally, the WEATHER was ideal every day: cool evenings, warm sunny days, and calm winds.
“Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.” ~ Corrie ten Boom
First Up - the 2023 Pre-Event
This year’s pre-event was planned by John Thompson assisted by Kerry Jensen. Sixteen ACBS members participated on Thursday in this cruise designed for those who love long cruises in a classic boat. Three of the passengers came from other Chapters (Blue Ridge, Iowa Great Lakes & Land O’ Lakes) especially for this adventure.
John & Carolynn Thompson hosted these early birds for pre-pre-event dinner at their lake home which is a nautical museum in itself.
John and Carolynn’s “Lily Pad” Skiff Craft was also the “tour boat” and “water taxi” during the event – always graciously hosting guest passengers.
“Lily Pad”, a 1984 Skiff Craft owned by John & Carolynn Thompson, led the way from Rock Lane Marina to Holiday Island, a 55-mile trek.
After docking at Holiday Island, two stretch limousines transported the crews to nearby Eureka Springs, Arkansas for lunch.
In Eureka Springs, the crew members were deposited at “Local Flavor” for a delicious lunch.
Forrest & Kally Bryant, always game for a cruise and often with guests in tow, are centered in this photo. Lucky to catch them in a photo since Forrest is usually at the other end of the camera.
Heartland Classics youngest Chapter Member, Callen, is pictured here at the helm of Lily Pad – letting Captain John sit back to enjoy the scenery.
The return trip to Rock Lane Resort followed the White River channel of Table Rock Lake. The Lake is part of a chain of lakes as the river flows toward the Mississippi River.
The MAIN Event – 2023
The usual Cruisin’ n Eatin’ began at a Thursday evening meet and greet as participants arrived at Rock Lane Resort. Friday morning’s breakfast was done in two shifts at the Floating Cafe, just a short cruise around the other side of Indian Point.
Next was a cruise to lunch up the James River Arm of the Lake to Cape Fair Marina and restaurant. This cruise took boaters through the Mark Twain National Forest between the river-cut cliffs.
Becky and Jerry Caddell fed us Saturday breakfast in the Rock Lane Pavillion before sending cruisers off south past the dam down the Long Creek Arm, crossing the line into Arkansas.
Back by 1:00 for a public showing of the boats and Ships Store Sales. Then a final meal together at the near-by Best Western featuring food from local restaurant Flat Creek.
Pictures this year may not include all boats or all people, but hopefully, most of the newest (to us).
Credit for the photos used in this recap is given to Kelly Lubker, Phil Wolff, John Thompson, Becky Caddell, Kerry Jensen, and Kathy Parker.
Meet Kelly Lubker and her dad Skip Bornmueller in their 1967 Larson All America, newly restored after finding her grandparents’ original boat in shambles.
The display included a picture book of the boat’s story from beginning ’til now.
Phil Wolff crossed the line in his 1968 Century Resorter FGL
Jim & Inna Donovan joined Heartland Classics & ACBS on the spot. Glad to have their Chris Craft XK22 in the fleet.
John Matthius came from South Dakota (Iowa Great Lakes and Land O’ Lakes Chapters) with an invitation to the 2024 ACBS International Show
Matt & Kay Poelke from the Blue Ridge Chapter visited from Georgia and didn’t miss a thing.
Dale & Janet Roth brought this custom-built center console boat built on a 1959 Thompson 15′ hull a project of the Mississippi Valley Ol’ Boys Club.
New members John & Sherri Gott just acquired this 1959 Yellow Jacket 16′ Trigger restored by Greg Carney
Natalie Rolph & Sean Michael, new members from Arkansas, brought TWO boats: an 1972 8′ Speedo and 1976 18′ Star Craft.
The Ships Store was busy thanks to Mark Engstrom and Jennie McGowin and super salesman Callen.
Mike Vannier came the farthest with a boat – the oldest boat. “Ain’t She Sweet” is a 1949 Century Sea Maid.
The traditional anniversary cake for a sweet ending to the 20th Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake.
So many memories! What are yours?
A huge THANK YOU to BECKY and JERRY CADDELL, the planners and hosts for the event.
All during the event, David Sheets was seen with his mini video camera. From his takes, fellow Heartland member David Kanally produced this YouTube Video for your enjoyment.
2023 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
THANKS David and David for the memories.
Classics Cruisin' Table Rock Lake is an Annual Event the weekend following Memorial Day
the Lake … Table Rock Lake’s clear, clean, deep waters offer 745 miles of shoreline and 43 thousand surface acres of water in two states, making it perfect for cruising in an antique or classic boat.
the People … Typically, 60 – 80 attendees arrive from eight or more states to share in the thrill of cruising, the chance to visit and learn (even brag) about boats and families.
the Boats … Boats of all sizes and ages are welcome. They will be used for Cruisin’ and also for a non-judged public show on Saturday afternoon.
Planning Ahead?
Classics Cruisin’ 2024 will be May 30th – June 2nd, 2024
It’s never too early to make your reservations … just sayin’.
Host Accommodations for Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake 2023 – tell them you are with Heartland Classics
Rock Lane Resort and Marina
Call for Reservations –
Hotel rooms or Condo rental 417-338-2211
Boat Slip Reservations 417-338-4433
Suggested options for additional boat slips when the Rock Lane dock is full, some require alternative lodging to reserve the boat slip. When you call, tell them you’re with Heartland Classics!
Indian Point Marina (417) 338-2891
3443 Indian Point Road
https://indianpointmarina.com/
3 slips available @ $20 per night, more may be available
These are covered slips on opposite side of peninsula from Rock Lane, about 1 mile by car, 5 minutes by boat. This is the site of Friday morning breakfast.
Your lodging still could be at Rock Lane Resort.
Artilla Cove 417-598-3288
1123 Jakes Creek Trail
https://artilla.net/
Requires Lodging on site to rent a boat slip.
6 nice units from $120-125 per night
5 boat slips $10 per night
You can see Rock Lane from this resort, very close by water. They would shuttle you down to the dock, a bit of a hill. Justin was very nice and accommodating.
There are also 3 or 4 other bigger units.
Indian Point Campground, Table Rock Lake
a Corps of Engineers Campground with full facilities
Adjoins a great boat ramp with available slips. Site of Friday morning breakfast venue. Just a few minutes to Rock Lane by land or water.
(417) 338-2121 OR
Reserve online for one of 74 sites
Traditional Cruisin’ n Eatin’, Eatin’ n Cruisin’.
Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake opens the summer season of classic boating. Beautiful Table Rock Lake is the perfect place to experience cruisin’ at its best, comradery with fellow guardians of the classics, and, of course, good eatin’ along the way.
Past Table Rock Events
2022 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2021 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2019 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2018 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2017 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2016 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2015 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2014 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
2013 Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
The Annual Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake
Classics Cruisin’ Table Rock Lake is held the weekend following Memorial Day on Table Rock Lake, located in the Ozarks of southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas. The popular annual event brings many members from all of the states that make up the Heartland Classics Chapter and more.