Forty-plus years ago, when my husband Rob and I were engaged, his parents invited me, my parents, and my sister to join them on a week-long vacation to a little family fishing resort they'd be frequenting for years: Point View Resort on the Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Since we all lived in St. Louis, the four-hour trek was perfect. Rob and his parents always stayed in Cabin 2. My family managed to snag the cabin next door: Cabin 3.
The one-time invitation turned into a multi-year family tradition. The next year, after Rob and I were married, I moved to Cabin 2. With the infinite patience of a new husband, Rob taught me to fish. At first, we rented an aluminum johnboat from the resort, but a couple years later, we bought our own small bass boat. Rob endured my countless casting attempts that landed in the treetops or shoreline bushes. I got quite good at shaking the lures loose on my own without him noticing--at least some of the time. With our parents, we caught an amazing amount of crappie in the "wells" at The Fishing Hut dock during the day and off the back of that dock at night, along with blue gill, bass, and an occasional catfish, all thanks to the resort's ongoing effort to sink cedar trees in the 30 feet of water under the dock.
At Point View, we met many friends who, like us, returned year after year, including one who wore the same old smelly fishing shirt every day and loved to string fish inside the Fishing Hut Dock, just as described in The Clue in Cabin 2. The mention of two wives with the same name is a tribute to my mom, Arline, and Rob's mom, Arleen. They were mainstays at The Fishing Hut dock, especially in the early mornings with their cups of coffee. Our annual stay was in mid-June, so the days were usually pleasant in the morning, warm and humid in the afternoon, and beautiful in the evenings as we watched the sun set over the island across the lake, just like in The Clue in Cabin 2.
Sadly, after six years of enjoying these vacations, Rob's dad died at the age of 66, just six weeks after our summer trip to the lake, and just three months after our first child was born. We vacationed at Point View without him for another few summers, with all of us staying together in one of the larger cabins. But it wasn't the same. Eventually, we added two more children to our family and sold our boat as our vacations transitioned to mountains and ocean beaches in faraway states.
Fast forward about 30 years. We were now living in Phoenix near two of our children and their families. Our 40th anniversary was coming up in September 2021. We dreamed of a trip to Europe or a tropical island in the Caribbean. Then COVID hit. As the uncertain recovery began, I looked at Rob and said, "We spent our first anniversary at Point View. What would you think about going back?" The rest is history.
This coming fall will be our fifth year back at Point View. After the first year of staying in Cabin 9, we managed to get our favorite cabin--Cabin 2. It's been expanded and updated since our family trips in the 80's, but it's still Cabin 2. Just like in the book, it sits on the top of the steps above The Fishing Hut dock, a crossroads of sorts for resort guests heading down to fish. Sitting there on the deck with a cold beverage in hand brings back a flood of happy memories.
If you're ever looking for a great family resort on the Lake of the Ozarks, check out Point View Resort. You won't find fancy high-rise condos, a huge marina, or onsite restaurants, but you will find down-home cabins, friendly owners, repeat guests who may identify themselves by their cabin number, and plenty of fun things to do. Don't forget to watch the sunset over the island. (Yes, someone does own it.)
A few things have changed. The boat slips on The Fishing Hut dock aren't used for docking boats anymore but they're great for fishing. The giant tree that grew out at an angle from shore in front of Cabin 2, where Birdie whistles at a bird, has been cut down. But you will find kayaks and paddle boards, a playground with the original swinging horses, a fire pit, a large gazebo better described as a pavilion, two swimming beaches, a floating trampoline, a game room, and cabins that hold two to twelve guests. There's even a sign on the wall at The Fishing Hut dock honoring a long-time guest's fishing spot, just like in the book.
One piece of advice. If you're thinking about a vacation at Point View, call or reserve early. Reservations fill quickly with folks coming back year after year. Maybe, just maybe, we'll see you there.
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