The sun rises pink and gold on the glassy Lake of the Ozarks. It's the quiet season on this huge expanse of water in central Missouri (50 miles south of Jefferson City), and prime time for a family houseboating adventure.

In the wooded cove where you docked last night, Mom and Dad pore over a lake map on the upper deck of a 56-foot luxury boat. Kids snooze in the cabin's five beds.

An expert at the Lake of the Ozarks Marina at Forever Resorts sent your family off yesterday after an easy navigation lesson. The kids soaked in the spray as Dad steered to Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The preserve shares the lake with hotels, golf courses and neon-signed restaurants, plus grand homes.

You might do some fishing during this peak crappie and bass season on the 92-mile-long lake. Then, grill on the deck.

Today's adventure includes a trip to see the eerie formations in Bridal Cave. You stop for a steak or catfish at Mariner's Pier 31 on the way back, just in time for a round of slapjack before calling it a day.

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