It’s been the hottest summer in recent memory, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these warm days than at the lake - better yet - on or in the lake! If you’re eager to get out on the water but find yourselves without a boat like us, Captain Ron from Love is on Lake George Cruises is your guy.
Fun fact: Tom planned a birthday picnic for me on an island on Lake George back in June and we rode in style aboard their 1971 lake cruiser to get to our picnic spot - truly one of the best days of our year.
Anyway! Read on for our chat with (Captain) Ron Miller and find out how to book a cruise yourself!
Ron and Kathy Miller and their dog Roxy (Photo: Tom Stock)
What brought you to Lake George?
I grew up in a Navy family moving around the world and around the country. Kathy was born and raised in Glens Falls. We met at college in Indiana. She at St. Mary's and me at Notre Dame. We moved around the country raising our 3 children, and finally decided to settle in the Lake George region 10 years ago. We love sharing all the beauty of our region with others.
Rumor has it that you’re a former Navy fighter and test pilot…that’s who we’d want piloting our cruise! Although there are obvious differences, what are some similarities between piloting a fighter jet and a boat?
I was a Navy fighter pilot flying jets off aircraft carriers and then as an Experimental Test Pilot for McDonnell Douglas flying the F-15, F-18 and T-45 aircraft. One similarity with piloting a boat is the need to know and respect the weather! When I have a precise docking in tough conditions, I tell folks I used to land jets on aircraft carriers, if I embarrass myself with an ugly docking, I keep my mouth shut!
Ha! So, how did Love is on Lake George Cruises come to be?
Having bought the Lyman, then seeing a possible synergy with Kathy's business, Love is in New York, I thought it would be smart and fun to turn a personal liability, i.e. old wooden boat, into a business asset.
The boat itself is a 1971 Lyman, Soft-Top Sleeper with the original Crusader/Chrysler 318 engine, 225 hp. An original lake cruiser. You learn quick when your boat takes on water faster than the bilge pump can pump it overboard, you add another bilge pump! It is in great shape now, reliable and looking good. We believe she has been on Lake George her entire life.
(Photo: Tom Stock)
What do you love the most about taking folks on cruises?
We meet some really interesting people and we enjoy watching them fall in love with Lake George. And they come back! The most fun cruises are the surprise marriage proposals and special family occasions.
A special cruise that comes to mind was with a woman from Houston who returned to Lake George after 50+ years. She had an old photograph of herself (as a little girl) with her Dad and her dog on a rock on an island somewhere in the Narrows. She wanted to find that spot. We found it! It was very emotional for her and satisfying for me.
Amazing! So, what's one of your favorite routes for a cruise?
Through the Narrows, past the Mother Bunch and a visit to the hamlet of Hulett's Landing.
Tom is always talking about his dream to own a wooden boat - any words of wisdom?
Don't sign-on to wooden boat project without your eyes wide open! And as far as tips for boating in general, be sure to get on-the-water instruction in the vessel you are operating.
What’s next for the Cruises?
We had a bit of a game changer last season when The Sagamore Resort made us one of their limited Preferred Waterfront Vendors, all good. For 2020, we added a second boat to serve the water taxi market, as we get calls for simple A to B water transportation. Our 24 foot Key West Center Console is the right equipment! So far so good.
What’s the best way to get on the boats?
All of our cruises are by reservation, and we offer online booking here.
A phone call or email gets it all started, and Kathy takes over from there. We get the best outcome for our customers the more we know about the experience they’re hoping for before we get on the water. She helps with any special requests i.e. taking photos, ground transportation, or arranging for catered meals.
We cruise May through October!
Before we go, tell us a little more about Kathy’s business Love is in New York!
Well, Kathy has grown a very locally focused Lake George gifts and décor business into a successful regional, NYS certified women owned enterprise. With an online store and wholesale customers from Plattsburg to Old Forge to Saratoga and beyond she is very busy! Find out more at loveisinnewyork.com.
(Photo: Tom Stock)
