What a wonderful time at Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Everyone arrived at State Dock early this year. Last year one group got lost and did too much sight seeing on the way. Our entire group was ready on time and anxious to get started. It was quite a scorcher with temps in the mid 90's and high humidity, so it was great to get settled into the houseboat and get underway onto the lake.    We spent the nights moored in some wonderful coves. The scenery was great.  Kathy Weekly was the only one to bring fishing gear. No big catches but she made a good effort. Everyone else spent their time relaxing by floating, swimming, reading, or sunbathing. If not relaxing, others spent their time on the runabout water-skiing, tubing, or sightseeing.    We made a trip to 76 Falls which is one of the lake's popular hangout spots. The 76 is somewhat of a mystery (maybe 76 feet from the normal water datum?). It is a moderate size falls. One of the "coolest" things to do is to take a tube and paddle yourself under the falling water and get pounded by 10 degree colder water. With the lake water in the 80's, this was very exhilarating. Sandy Benniner and Alan Toomey climbed the crude trail to the top of the falls where they could look out over the cove. From there they jumped off the falls in front of an audience of hundreds of spectators.  Alan instructed Sandy on proper cliff jumping form, then demonstrated what poor form is (unintentionally). Sandy made her jump with perfect entry into  the water.   Every water skier had their opportunity to hone their skills or try his/her hand at wake boarding (kind of like surfing).  For those who couldn't do either, they were forced (not really) to endure a stint on the tube. Sandi Folkening had not tubed before but overcome her reluctance since she would be accompanied by Chris Johnson in an adjacent tube. She could be heard  screaming from the moment the rope become taught until all motion was stopped. She had a great time and later was requesting another ride. Sharon   Marshall and Les Skzrycki also performed dual tubing (two tubes at the same time). Les, being the veteran water sportsperson that he is, was showing the first timer Sharon how to be properly thrown out of the tube. I think Sharon was satisfied to just watch Les get flipped out and stayed tucked in her own tube.    Each evening was highlighted by a wonderful dinner. Chef Tom Grabowski lead the group by providing wonderful pasta, steak, and pork loin dinners. Everyone pitched in with the cooking by creating the side dishes and made each dinner special. We ate dinner out under the stars and amongst the nighttime fireflies most nights. One evening and throughout the night it decided to downpour. This is no loss on a houseboat. Dinner was still excellent and company was great. Afterwards a group shuffled out the cards while others watched some action packed video movies.    The houseboat left the final cove at diplomatic speed Thursday  morning on the way back to State Dock. We unloaded and checked out. Part of the group left immediately due to some upcoming weekend plans. The rest of us met again at the boat launch to take out the runabout and ready it for the trip back to Michigan. We said our good-byes to each other and to Lake Cumberland, taking away with us the memories of the trip (and some souvenirs). Ah, the end of a great vacation.