To evaluate the expression \( x + 6y \) when \( y = 5 \) and \( x = 8 \), substitute the values into the expression:
\[ x + 6y = 8 + 6(5) \]
First, calculate \( 6(5) \):
\[ 6(5) = 30 \]
Now, substitute that back into the expression:
\[ x + 6y = 8 + 30 \]
Now, add the numbers together:
\[ 8 + 30 = 38 \]
Therefore, the value of the expression \( x + 6y \) when \( y = 5 \) and \( x = 8 \) is \( \boxed{38} \).