Each year we try to get pictures of the lake, the boats, and people on the lake and the boats, having a great time.  What better than to have a full lake for the pictures?  We would normally try to get pictures of each model and feature our newest and best boat on the front cover of the brochure and website.  Since all of our boats are new and beautiful, we decided to take the entire fleet out for the photo shoot.  Our marina manager, Michael Teichera, envisioned a parade of 24 synchronized houseboats.  He tied each of the houseboats together with 18ft. between them. 

We have 8 each of 3 different models.  He lined them up by consecutive boat numbers.  Starting with the largest series, and ending with the smallest.  Finding 24 drivers was a job in itself.  He enlisted all of our employees, the owners, the owner's families, and a few past employees, and moorage customers to pilot the vessels.  We all pulled out of Shasta Marina, on the O'Brien Inlet and linked ourselves together with Michael's pre-measured and knotted ropes.  Michael was in the lead boat; all drivers had 2-way radios to communicate with the leader.  He led us to the Sacramento River Arm, and then to the Pit River Arm by way of a narrow passage called "The Gap". 

Our chase boat followed with the photographers (Erich and Nancy Ziller).  The chase boat driver was able to assist with positioning of the houseboats as we drove through the narrows.  The photographers were able to get on shore to take pictures from several different vantage points.   Michael piloted the 1,758ft. Long, 360 Ton caravan to the Pit River Bridge. He called out such exact commands that the houseboats were perfectly aligned and timed. When the last boat cleared the bridge, he maneuvered the fleet  to create a circle  of boats.  It was an awesome sight.  We had followers in other houseboats,  ski boats and people on land.  Cars and trucks were honking and waving from the highway on the bridge.  Each boat was disconnected from the other, one at a time, starting with the last boat.  As the boats came into position we all veered to the left and headed back to Shasta Marina for a celebration of gratitude for the full lake and all that comes with it.

The leader heading out of the marina

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