(WKYT) – People headed home after a long weekend on the lake as Memorial Day weekend came to a close.
Weather and high gas prices presented challenges this year, but people still found ways to make it enjoyable on Lake Cumberland.
Lee’s Ford Marina was quiet Monday, with most people leaving Sunday when they realized the weather was not going to improve.
Lake Cumberland is typically a popular place on Memorial Day weekend, seen as the kickoff to the summer boating season. But operating a boat has become more expensive. Filling up on dry land is cheaper than at the marina, where boaters pay about $6 a gallon.
People are finding ways to save money yet still enjoy the water.
“Yeah gas prices are huge for the lake. A lot of people come down and they just party on the boat. Instead of going out on the lake. They are getting a little of the lake experience, but not getting to go and cruise around,” said Jimmy Hamilton of Lee’s Ford Marina.
People filling up a pontoon in Somerset said fishing or operating a boat used to be a more affordable leisure activity. With current prices, they said, not so much now. But they are finding a way to get out on the water.
The next busy weekend on the lake will be around July 4th. People are hoping the temperatures rise and the gas prices go down.