By Jeanni Ritchie
It wasn’t until I moved away from Central Louisiana that I realized I’d taken the lakes for granted.
We’d grown up spending summers in the RV at Indian Lake. I’d gone skiing and tubing with friends on Kincaid Lake. I joined my friend Susanna’s family on her dad’s sailboat in Buhlow Lake.
My love of water didn’t end when I became a mom. Picnics at Valentine Lake were a regular occurrence when my kids were little. We kept taking the RV out to Indian Creek for the summer. We had family kickball tournaments at Buhlow.
I couldn’t wait to get back to our lakes when I moved back home. And this year, Buhlow had a new offering- Cenla Water Rentals.
Owner Christie Hunter brings her recreation trailer filled with watercraft rentals for the family. They offer a single kayak, 2-person tandem kayak, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats. Life jackets are available as well.
I told Christie I’d love to bring my grandkids out for the pedal boats. You can seat 4-5 in each boat.
“Yeah, and you can bring your fishing gear and put it right here in the boat so y’all can fish on the water!” she exclaimed.
A horrified look came over my face.
“No?” she’d asked quizzically.
“Those kids whop me over the head with pool noodles when I’m driving all the time. Can you imagine them with metal hooks? No thank you!” I’d replied, laughing.
For those of you without feral grandsons, you might like that option though!
Christie’s wingwoman, Desmona, was helping her show me all the different options. When she told me her last name was Hunter, I mentioned I thought they might’ve been sisters.
“Oh no, don’t let her hear you say that!” she’d laughed. Turns out Ms. Desmona is her mother!
The Hunters will hook you up with whatever you need for your day on the water. Right now they are still at Buhlow every day but will move to weekends only once school starts back.
It’s a beautiful lake and one you shouldn’t take for granted! Go out and explore it via kayak or pedal boat! Or if you dare, on a paddle board. It’s Louisiana’s version of surfing!
Visit cenlawater.com for more information or check them out on FB!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
