Butterfly landed on lawn chair

Marval Resort is located on the Illinois River, approximately 12 miles from Tenkiller Lake.  This resort has lodging available, if you do not have an RV/camper.

Bill recently purchased a Porta-bote (google it), and this was only the second time he has taken it out.  He stores it on a rack under our 5th wheel and has a small 5 HP motor for it.  We used it on both on Tenkiller Lake as well as the Illinois River running through the campground.

The river offers great trout fishing, the type of fish we like to catch.  However, we learned striper is what most people are fishing for in the lower Illinois River.  We witnessed campers bringing in 35-45 pound striper.  They explained that they use the “live” trout as bait for the huge striper.   We were not equipped or rigged to catch striper.  We caught only a few small striper on this trip with the exception of one nice size caught, but had decided we were going to catch and release.

Karen’s only nice size catch which we  released

This 6-day trip was all about having one-on-one time with our 14-year old grandson.  We had spent a few days at this campground a few years earlier on our road trip to Cadott, Wisconsin for a Country Music Festival.   It was a place we felt Luke would enjoy with river floating, a swimming pool, basketball, gaga ball, putt-putt (9-hole course), planned activities for young people, and fishing.

Our grandson met several other kids his age and played outside most of the day.  Although, every day at approximately 2-3 pm, he would come inside the RV for our daily round of Monopoly.  Luke loves playing Monopoly and we often have all-day Monopoly marathons when he visits us at our home in Allen.   Luke thoroughly enjoyed driving Papa’s Porta-bote on the lake.

It was a great week, spending quality time with Luke and once again enjoying the beauty of camping in our RV.

Recommend you spending a few days at this resort whether it’s for fishing, spending time with your children, a stop-over on your way to another destination, or just a little rest and relaxation.  It’s a great park.

9-Hole Putt Putt

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  Psalm 34:1