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March 2012 3292 Thompson Bridge Road #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 Phone: (770) 287-1444 Fax: (770) 287-1445 E-mail [email protected] Vol. 18 Issue 3
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Also inside:Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 49Break from the lake . . . . . . . .Page 54 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 34Captain’s comments . . . . . . . .Page 20Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 55COE column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 51Cruising Wilsons . . . . . . . . . . .Page 22Dining guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45Fishing column . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6Glenn Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24 Lake Lanier Olympic Venue . . .Page 16 Lake levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 24Lanier map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 52Marinas information . . . . . . . .Page 40Outdoor activity calendar . . . .Page 43Power Squadron column . . . . . .Page 31Sailing calendar . . . . . . . . . . .Page 34Shore Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 46Steve Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 51US Coast Guard Auxiliary . . . . .Page 10UCR column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 47
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE
Lake Lanier property experts who live and work where they play!
www.livingonlakelanier.comForeclosure and Short Sale Experts
Teresa Smith [email protected]
Tom Peters 678-663-6522
With all the bad pressabout Mexican travelthese days, it was wonder-ful to discover that Playadel Carmen and Cancun
on the east coast of the country are still beautifuland quite safe for travelers. Page 48
Visiting the Mexican Riviera
The collegiate rowingcommunity’s equivalent toa college gridiron seasonopener is set to hit theLLOV March 24 in theJohn Hunter Regatta. The next day’s LanierSprints Regatta will likely attract some collegecrews hankering for a re-match. Page 16
Regattas hit Lanier in March
The public has an opportunity to comment onthe potential social, economic and environmentalimpact of the proposed Glades Reservoir plannedby Hall County 12 miles northeast ofGainesville. The reservoir, which has been in theplanning stages since about 2007, is proposed asa needed water supply for Hall County through2060. Page 50
Comments on Glade Reservoir
VISIT US ONLINE:
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Search: Lakeside on LanierBecome a Fan of Lakeside News!
FREEaatt aallmmoosstt 330000 llooccaattiioonnss aarroouunndd LLaakkee LLaanniieerr
Sailboats float quietly at Sunrise Cove Marina awaiting the owners who are sure to descend in a matter ofweeks. Spring arrives at 1:14 a.m. Tuesday, March 20.
For more info, see ourad on page 9.
2 LAKESIDE March 2012
is published byLanier Publishing, Inc.,
3292 Thompson Bridge Rd.#250, Gainesville, GA 30506
(770) 287-1444
Publisher/EditorAlan Hope
ProductionSusan Nish
Susan Daniel Creative, Inc.
Senior WriterPamela A. Keene
Contributing writersPhillip Sartain, Roy Crittenden,Tommy Wilkinson, Millie Adcox, Mike Rudderham, Glenn Burns,
Bob & Carolyn Wilson, Lisa Beers, Jane Harrison
Travel EditorBill Vanderford
Lakeside is published monthly byLanier Publishing, Inc. based inGainesville, GA, with distribution insome 300 locations around LakeLanier and other areas.Opinions expressed by contributingwriters are not necessarily those ofLakeside, its staff or its advertisers.Manuscripts and photographs sub-mitted will be considered for publi-cation. Lakeside cannot be held responsi-ble for such materials in case ofdamage or loss.
By Pamela A. KeeneGrab a prime camping location
at Old Federal Park or DuckettMill now. April 11 is opening dayfor the US Army Corps of Engi-neers’ seven campgrounds onLake Lanier, offering fully devel-oped sites with water and electrichookups to primitive tent sites.
Bald Ridge, Bolding Mill,Duckett Mill, Old Federal,Sawnee, Toto and Van Pugh offermore than 480 campsites. Mostare waterfront and all include apicnic table, a fire ring, grill andlantern pole. Every campgroundfeatures beaches, boat ramps andrestrooms. Some also have show-ers, playgrounds, accessible sitesand manned entry stations.
Fees start at $12 per night forprimitive sites and $32 per nightfor those with water and electrichookups.
Reservations may be made bycalling 1-877-444-6777 or visit-ing recreation.gov. Reservationscan be made from two to 180days in advance and include holi-days. While there are no addi-tional fees to make reservations,$10 will be charged for cancella-tion. Reservations can be made
by Visa, MasterCard, AmericanExpress and Discover cards.
Here are a few reminders:• Checkout time is 3 p.m.• Occupancy is limited to eightpeople per campsite. • No alcoholic beverages are per-mitted. • Pets are welcomed but must bekept on a leash. • Please observe quiet hours from10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.
Campgrounds will close theSunday after Labor Day for theseason.
The Corps of Engineers oper-ates seven campgrounds with 482campsites. This includes 430 siteswith water and electric hookups.Most sites are waterfront and allhave a picnic table fire ring, grilland lantern pole. All camp-grounds have beach areas, boatramps and restrooms. Most camp-grounds also have showers, play-grounds, accessible sites andmanned entry stations.
Enjoy a day at a Corps’ parkThe Corps of Engineers oper-
ates 32 day-use parks at LakeLanier for the 2012 recreationseason. Annual passes for theCorps of Engineers parks may be
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See Campgrounds, page 10
Corps’ campgrounds open April 11purchased at the Lanier ProjectManagement Office. The passesare good at all Corps of Engi-neers-operated day-use parksacross the country. Locally thisincludes Lake Sidney Lanier, Al-latoona, Carters Lake, West PointLake, Hartwell Lake, Richard B.Russell Lake and ThurmondLake.
An annual pass provides im-mediate access to the day-useparks without paying the nor-mally required $4 user fee. An-nual passes cost $30, allowing afull year of access to Corps-oper-ated day-use parks.
To purchase an annual pass,come to the Corps of Engineers
March 2012 LAKESIDE 3
Teresa SmithAtlanta Partners
Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.
Lake Lanier Specialist • Lake Lanier Resident Founding member of Lake Lanier Realtors Association
770-654-4173 • 678-318-5026
Please visit www.livingonlakelanier.comto view all of our listings! These are just a few!!!
4 bedroom, 2 bath log cabin on south lake. Fully
furnished! Deeded boat slip in community dock.
Lots with boat slip from $69,900-$99,000.
$228,900 Lake Cabins ID#12815
SOLD 4,
1 UNDER
CONTRACT,
ONLY 3 LOTS
LEFT!!
LAKE LOTS AVAILABLE in fantastic gated subdivisionof 18 homesites on Lake Lanier. Lot sizes range from 1.5acres to 2.46 acres. Gorgeous 24 slip community dock:FREE deeded slip in community dock w/purchase of a lot.Subdivision offers swimming pool/bath house and stone hottub overlooking the lake! Fabulous community pavilionwith gas grill. Owner financing available. FANTASTICopportunity to use dock now and build later! Prices start at$149,000. Please call information line for details and updat-ed pricing information. Watermark Cove ID#16885
INFO 24/7Call 678-835-9331Then enter the corresponding
5 digit ID#
POTENTIAL SHORT SALE! 3/2 w/kitchen interrace level too! Large detached garage, sun-room, rec rm & grandfathered road to lake!Single slip dock permit. Dolvin Lane ID#18295REDUCED TO $339,000
3 GORGEOUS LAKE LOTS in North Hallschool district. Single slip docks. Buy now andbuild later. Harbour View Ct ID#12875. Pricedfrom $139,900-$199,900. Please call for info.
4/3 better than new craftsman style lakehome, 3 fin flrs. Beautiful year round viewsand drought proof water, top quality thru-out. Let Lake Lanier entertain you. 24 x 28S/S dock w/party deck. Sunset views.Grant Ford Road ID#16675 $499,000
FURNISHED COTTAGE ON CHESTATEE BAY! Charming2/2 great for a weekend or a full time. Open floor plan w/vaultedceilings in great room & wood burning stove. New windows.Sunroom overlooking the lake as well as a fabulous deck forgrilling and entertaining! Great storage and workroom in the ter-race level. Grass to the water and single slip boat house. $249,900
BEST PRICE IN HARBOUR POINT! POTENTIAL SHORT SALE! Fabulous 4/4.5with gourmet kitchen. This home is professionally decorated and shows like a modelhome! Boat slip option is available for additional $35K. Enjoy fantastic lake views frommost every room. Enjoy your morning coffee on the screened porch overlooking the lake.Harbour Point Parkway ID#16825 $725,000
NEW FORECLOSURE IN CHESTATEE GOLF CLUB ONLAKE LANIER. Covered or uncovered dock slips available.Remarkable 4/5.5 on full basement, hardwood floors on main &tile flooring in all baths. Kitchen has oversized island w/granitecountertops, wet bar & opens to fireside keeping room. Mastersuite on main w/ his & hers vanities & closets. Outdoor livingareas include large front porch w/ fireplace. Sold 'as-is’. $469,900
UNDER
CONTRACT!
BRAND NEW LAKE LOT FORECLOSURE.One of Lanier's last true lake lots with double slipdock permit. 1.37 acres in quiet cove. Gentle walk tolake in elite, gated community! Club house, pool, andtennis! Build your dream home on this appealingsite! Cumberland on Lanier ID#12905 $111,100
UNDER
CONTRACT!
UNDER
CONTRACT!
UNDER
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SOLD! Thinking of Selling?We have buyers waiting to buy lake property!
Please call today for an appointment to discuss your lake home.
4 LAKESIDE March 2012
The Chambers Team631 Dawsonville Hwy • Gainesville, GA 30501
www.PattiChambers.com • Office 770-503-7070
THE PATTI CHAMBERS TEAMTHE PATTI CHAMBERS TEAM
CITY LAKE HOME near Chattahoochee Country
Club. Gentle lot & covered boat dock with party
deck. Great neighborhood & great curb appeal. Cul-
de-sac street. 4BR/2.5 BA. Call Beverly or Sally.
STUNNING CITY LAKE HOME built in 2008. Doubleslip covered dock, open floor plan, tall ceilings,hardwood floors, granite & stainless, plantationshutters, finished terrace level, walk in closets, 3car garage. New to the market. Appointment only.
$472,900 $299,000
$625,000 $575,000
NEW LISTING. MAGNIFICENT LAKE HOME ON "THEISLAND". Breathtaking views, convenient city loca-tion, custom designed, tall ceilings, granite coun-ters, large open rooms, 3 FP’s, 2 laundry rooms,community pool. Perfect for entertaining. Call Patti.
$575,000 $465,000
WE LIVE AND PLAY ON LAKE LANIER
LAKE ESTATE home w/great views, superb plan &great architectural detail w/barrel ceilings, yearround views. Huge DR, master on main, gourmetkitchen, finished terrace level, 3 FP’s, wine cellar.Near Chattahoochee Country Club/golf course.6BR/5.5 BA. Call Patti or Patsy.
$1,399,000 $1,099,000
GREATEST LAKE HOUSE! Never been on the mar-ket before. Builder’s personal home. Quality thru-out. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 fireplaces. Levelgrassed yards. Lots of privacy. Mt. Vernon/NorthHall. Call Patti.
BEATIFUL CRAFTSMAN STYLE Lake home in theCity. 1.14 acres, single slip covered dock w/hydro-hoist lift. 4BR/3BA, living room, dining room, beau-tiful kitchen, finished terrace level. This home haseverything! Priced Below Recent Appraisal. CallBeverly or Sally.
$995,000 $899,000
BEAUTIFUL DEEP WATER Lake Property w/wideopen views. Gentle slope. Situated in cul-de-sac.Completely fenced. Finished terrace level. Very niceboat dock w/hydrohoist and party deck, jet ski lifts.Call Patti.
$639,000 $550,000
ENJOY ONE LEVEL LIVING in this very special lakehome on 1.75 acres of complete privacy! 9' ceilings,exposed beams, 3 BR/3BAs on main, 2BRs/1BA onterrace level. 3 FPs, screened porch. Very gradual lot& always deep water. Covered boat dock. Call Patti.
$849,000
$465,000 $365,000
A VERY SPECIAL HOME overflowing with customfeatures. Everything on one level plus unfinishedpartial basement. Gentle walk to single sip coveredboat dock. Great Room w/fp & built-ins, updatedkitchen & baths, lots of HW floors. Back porch and2 decks. Professionally decorated and it shows.You must see inside! Call Patti.
$389,500 $349,900
THE LAKE PROPERTY YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED
OF MAY NOW BE AFFORDABLE ... CALL US!
GREAT HOME ON LANIER. Always deep water! Veryprivate in cul-de-sac and acres of corps property onsides. Gorgeous kitchen w/granite Awesome mas-ter bath. 2fps, tall ceilings & lots of windows. Singleslip dock w/party deck. Call Patti.
$515,000
UNDER
CONTRACT
WWW.PATTICHAMBERS.COM
Patti Chambers c 770.287.4879 • Bobby Chambers c 770.654.0533 • Sally Chambers Kirchner c 770.538.5626 Patsy Mercer c 770.540.6507 • Beverly O. Filson c 678.897.9578 • Office 770.538.4010
SOLD
AN EXTRAORDINARY PRIVATE 4.74 ACRES onLake Lanier. Deep water, This property is being soldas one tract yet there are 2 beautiful sites for homesand 2 docks in place. Over 1,000 feet on the water.Very Gentle terrain with fantastic views!
$900,000
UNIQUE LAKE PROPERTY. Beautiful 5 BR home + 3BR guest house w/gorgeous big water lake viewsfrom most every room! Guest house w/ 3 BR + 1.5BA, cypress flooring, handsome master suite o’look-ing lake. Has it's own septic tank, hvac, beautifulbarn doors open out for large groups/parties. Fullhook up for motor home, tool shop building w/ fin-ished upstairs, 2 irrigation systems from lake, 3septic tanks w/ $5,000 filter system. Very gentlebackyard, grassed to water's edge.
$1,500,000
CAN BE SOLD TOGETHER
OR SEPARATELY!
NEWLISTING!
March 2012 LAKESIDE 5
The Norton Agency 434 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
770.536.1250THE POWER TO PERFORM
IMPECCABLE CRAFTSMAN LAKE HOME WITH TWIN SLIP PERMIT! SOLD FULLY FUR-NISHED! Forsyth County, shows brand new. Vaulted T & G ceiling, stone FP, customkitchen, finished terrace level with gentle walk to dock! Chestatee Bay area. Excellent con-dition. 9925 JERNIGAN DR., GAINESVILLE (FORSYTH) FMLS#4218332
RESORT LIVING WITH PRIVATE DOCK IN CHESTATEE! Magnificent 5BR craftsman lakefront home. Level walk to s-slip partydock! Amazing quality and detail. Vaulted ceilings, tongue and groove, open plan with custom cabinetry. Screened porch w/FP.Finished terrace level with bar, fitness rm, guest suite. All the bells and whistles in a great lake home, and a minute from the golfcourse! New price. 130 HOLLY DRIVE, DAWSONVILLE FMLS#4225719
STUNNING LAKE ESTATE IN LUXURY GATED NEIGHBORHOOD WITH PRIVATE DEEP WATER TWIN SLIP DOCK! Amazing value with 6BR/6.5B with finished terrace level withcustom bar, game room, wine cellar, wine bar, 2nd master, PLUS gunite pool & spa overlooking the lake! 4174 CUMBERLAND DR., GAINESVILLE
REDUCED! $999,000
RENOVATIONS COMPLETE! IDEAL LAKE SETTING AND LOCATION ON SOUTH LAKE IN CUMMING! Huge privacy and beautifulyear round south lake views! 5BR/4.5BAs. Three finished levels. 32x32 party dock on deep water area of Young Deer Creek andPilgrim Mill Rd. 5BR/4.5BA. 3940 TAMIAMI TRAIL, CUMMING 30041 FMLS#4080051
$1,299,000
770-235-6907 • [email protected]
Don’t Miss Out on the Best Lake Market in Years!
PREMIER HARBOUR POINT MODEL HOME WITH LAKE VIEWS & BOAT SLIP OPTION!Three finished levels of luxury appointments for entertaining! Fabulous terrace level w/inlaw suite, fitness, billiards room. Big lot. Was $1.2M, REDUCED for quick sell.3314 HARBOUR POINT PRKY, GAINESVILLE FMLS#4043450
REDUCED! $739,000
NORTH HALL LAKE HOME! GREAT VIEWS, GENTLE TOPO ANDDEEP WATER DOCK! Fabulous 4BR/3.5B on finished terracelevel w/sunroom and screened porch. 3 car garage. Tons of priva-cy and parking! Single slip in place, but upgradable to twin slipdock. Close to I-985, Lakeview Academy and hospitals. 3342
WILKERSON, GAINESVILLE
$769,000
CHARMING COTTAGE with 4BR/3B and private s-slip dock!3545 MILL LANE
$299,000
PENDING!
PENDING!
$349,000
NOW ACCEPTING NEW LISTINGS. CALL ME TODAY!
Sheila Davis
www.LakeLaniersFinest.com
GREAT LAKE VIEWS AND DEEP WATER! GET-A-WAY TO THE LAKE IN THIS CHARMING2BR COTTAGE SO CLOSE TO THE WATER WITH TWIN SLIP DOCK PERMIT! Boathousein place, new paint in and out, and carpet. Basement for expansion! FMLS# 4267857
WIDE OPEN VIEWS AND GRASS TO WATER ON PEACEFUL NORTH END!! INCRED-IBLE!! Charming and well maintained 3BR cottage with twin slip aluminum partydock! 946 LIBERTY CHURCH, DAWSONVILLE FMLS# 4305845
$475,000
A LAKE HOUSE WITH ROOM FOR EVERY-ONE! GREAT SOUTH LOCATION and LAKEVIEWS! Three finished levels. Separate apart-ment. S-Slip DEEP water. Two kitchens &laundries, 3 screened porches. Orig price$719,000. 7BR/5B. 4709 VIRGINIA ST., OAKWOOD, 30566 FMLS# 4259974
$649,000
COZY AND UPDATED 3/2 COTTAGE IN NORTH HALL CLARKSBRIDGE AREA! GRASS TO WATER & PRIVATE SETTING. S-slip dock and screened porch! 3569 STANCIL RD,
GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS# 4254736
REDUCED! $299,000
$1,350,000 - REDUCED FROM $1,697,000
$599,000
CHARMING LAKEFRONT HOME IN ‘CHESTATEE’ WITH PRIVATES-SLIP DOCK! Great lake views and drought proof water.4BR/3.5B with open plan, upgraded great room, sunroom,Finished terrace level with BR/B and game room. Private set-ting close to golf and GA Outlets! 120 HOLLY DR,
DAWSNVILLE 30534 FMLS# 4297665
$299,000
PICTURESQUE INCREDIBLE DEEP WATER LOT WITH FANTASTIC YEAR ROUND VIEWS!ENJOY CABIN NOW, OR BUILD! Single slip dock. DEEP water. 9335 LONG HOLLOW,
GAINESVILLE, FORSYTH COUNTY 30506 FMLS# 4294965
$595,000
PENDING!
6 LAKESIDE March 2012
“the connection between boat buyers and sellers”
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Other listings on our website: www.boatsplusga.com
Consignment Program • Boat Locator Service Financing Available • Trades Considered
Phone: 770-965-4215 • Fax: 770-967-4561 • Email: [email protected]
1994 Wellcraft 243 PrimaVolvo Penta Duo-Prop & Trailer
Price $13,900
1980 Lazy Days Sportsman 50Flybridge & Twin Engines
Price $59,900
2003 Four Winns 268 VistaRoomy Loaded Trailerable 28’
Price $49,900
2002 Odyssey 25' Tri-Toon190 HP Mercruiser I/O
Price $18,900
1997 Glastron 185Bowrider w/4.3 V-6
Price $9,900
2005 Silverton 330Sport Bridge in Pristine Condition
Price $129,900
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Jerkbaits: Hot bass producers in the springIn February’s article on spring
fishing, I briefly mentioned jerk-baits. They are undoubtedlyamong the hottest bass catcherswhen the water is quite cool inearly spring. During the month ofMarch, you should have one roddevoted to this lure at all times. Infact, they can be so productivethat they are worth an entire arti-cle on their own. As you’ve prob-ably figured out by now, jerkbaitsare in the spotlight. Back in thelate ’50s, the original RapalaFloating Minnow took the bassfishing world by storm. The slen-der profile and subtle actionproved too much for bass to resistand fish camps would rent thislure to anglers for as much as $15per day. It’s stunning to imaginewhat that equates to in 2012 dol-lars. Needless to say, other luremanufacturers jumped on thisbandwagon and these minnowimitators became a tackle boxmainstay from coast to coast.While they fool fish 12 months ofthe year, they really shine duringthe pre-spawn period from Febru-ary to just before the full moon inApril. With floating, sinking,shallow, mid-depth, deep, sus-pending, and deep diving modelsavailable in a dizzying array of
colors, we’re not hurting when itcomes to choices. The typicalmodel has a slender body of fouror five inches in length sportingtwo or three sets of treble hooks.A narrow bill at the front providesaction and takes the plug to theproper depth on retrieve. Whilemost reaction type baits rely onthe reel to provide action, withjerkbaits the magic is imparted bythe rod. Short jerks of the rod tiplend an erratic action that mimicsa wounded or struggling baitfish.This looks like an easy meal topredators in the area. One couldalso state that just as important asmotion are the pauses. The ca-dence and timing between snapsof the rod tip can be the key toprovoking strikes. At no time isthis truer than in the late winterand early spring periods. Mostanglers give the bait a pause afterevery two to four jerks. You defi-
nitely want to experiment withthe cadence and timing betweenpauses to find the most productiveretrieve for conditions. In warmerwater, brisk action can trigger alot of strikes but as a rule ofthumb, longer pauses producebetter this time of year. As a baseline, try two quick twitches fol-lowed by a lengthy pause for theduration of the retrieve.
Detail is worth the priceIf the original Floating Min-
now by Rapala was revolutionary,then the invention of the suspend-ing jerkbait was true genius.Storm may have been the firstlure company to break the icewith this concept. Their Suspend-ing Thunderstick was immenselypopular in the Midwest. As manyanglers tried lead solder wirewrapped around hooks and otherschemes to make their favoritebaits suspend, Storm also intro-duced Suspendots and Suspen-strips which adhere to baitsallowing fishermen to customizetheir lures to achieve neutralbuoyancy without adversely af-fecting action on retrieve. Theseare still available today. The bigdeal with suspending jerkbaits isthat they allow for really longpauses with the lure hanging in
place sending a powerful “eatme” signal. Luckily, today’s bassfisherman does not have to righomemade solutions to makelures suspend. Nearly every man-ufacturer offers a suspendingjerkbait and most market a wholeline of these models. You’ll defi-nitely want to invest in a few ofthese for the late winter andspring transition period. DuringMarch and early April, reach fordeep diving models that suspend.Expect the deepest diving ver-sions to dig down eight to 10 feet.When looking for these, popularchoices include the X-Rap by Ra-pala, the Deep Suspending Rogueby Smithwick, and the Stayseealong with the Pointer DD byLucky Craft. Several manufactur-ers offer high end baits. Whilesome folks wonder if $15-plus isworth it for a fishing plug, whenit comes to those by Lucky Craft,the answer is yes. Attention to de-tail in construction is incredibleand finishes are the best in myopinion. And get this, in thePointer series, the bait is engi-neered with an internal brassweight which causes it to gentlywobble from side to side on eachpause. When you figure that thereis always some imparted action
from line movement in the wateror what not, this flashes the afore-mentioned “eat me” signal in abig way. If your fishing budgetdoes not incorporate plugs thatcost $15-plus, buy lesser expen-sive models and fish them withconfidence in the right places.Having a good basic lure alongwith confidence in what you’redoing will bridge any gap.
Faster is better after post-spawn
Deep diving jerkbaits are notthe only game in town during thespring. Their shallow runningbrothers can get big bites as well.This holds especially true duringwarm spells with abundant sun-shine and later in spring as thespawn approaches.
In our area, you’ll definitelywant to give the McStick bySPRO a try. Many anglers reportexcellent success with the Mc-Stick even in true cold water con-ditions. This minnow imitator isdesigned to suspend in lowerwater temperatures than mostbaits and adjust accordingly fortemperature changes. Don’t askme how it does this because Idon’t know. Whether fishingdeep diving jerkbaits or standard
TommyWilkinson
CastingLanier
See Fishing, page 7
March 2012 LAKESIDE 7
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versions, it always pays to cast well be-yond your target. In fact, this is true inmost situations other than vertical fishingand surface schooling madness. Thelonger cast will ensure that your bait is atthe optimum depth when it reaches the tar-get area or range. I recommend stickingwith suspending jerkbaits until spawningkicks in. During the spawn, I have histori-cally abandoned these lures in favor ofsoft plastics. I expect that some anglers douse jerkbaits with success during this pe-riod. In post-spawn conditions, the jerk-bait continues to be a great producer.Early in the post-spawn phase, fish are re-luctant to chase hard and grubs or in-linespinners are typically your most produc-tive tools. But before summer sets in, basswill become extremely aggressive andfeed heavily to restore weight. This iswhen non-suspending models come intoplay. Work these at a faster pace withshorter pauses. If you’re looking for a top-water bite that’s not happening early orlate in the day, this can be a great back upplan to put fish in the boat. (I know this isoff track but if your jerkbait is not gettingbit at this time of year, start swimming thegrub again). I just remembered a couple ofthings. While it pays to switch out factorytreble hooks for super sharp premiummodels on most plugs, avoid this practiceon suspending baits. Believe it or not, thedifference in hook weight can throw su-
perb engineering out of balance. Buy apremium lure. It will be equipped withpremium hooks and this whole subjectwill be a non-issue. If your lure isequipped with round split rings, switch tooval splits. Your line will never wear dueto lodging at the notch. Take a look atLucky Craft plugs and you’ll see thatthese are standard hardware.
Points point out bassAs always, matching a lure with the
right tackle is paramount to success. Jerk-baits are effectively fished with either bait-casting or spinning tackle. Choose whatyou’re most comfortable with. Rod selec-tion depends on the baits being fished. Theright rod will energize your lure in theright manner. For deep diving jerkbaits, amedium heavy action is a must. Thisbackbone is needed to impart action to thelure at depth. If you’re tossing smaller ver-sions to ply shallower depths a mediumaction rod will often be a fine choice. I re-ally like the way a Pointer Minnow workson a spinning outfit spooled with eight-pound test line. In our clear water, I maxout at 10-pound test on baitcasting rigs forthe deep divers. It’s worth noting thatlighter lines will facilitate greater runningdepths. Six and a half foot rods are a goodstandard. Seven foot models can be a bitawkward when trying to keep the tip low.The low tip method is part of good tech-
See Fishing, page 14
Lanier Fishing Report• FishingContinued from Page 6 Elevation: Approximately 1063 which equates to about eight feet below full pool. We are
getting a rise with each rain event.Surface temp: Just above 50 degrees with temps in the mid 50s in backwaters and shelterednorthwest exposures. Spring has come early. Clarity: Main lake areas are typically clear with some decent color up the creeks, especiallyafter rains. Bass fishing has been very good. Good numbers are being caught with a lot of big, big fishon angler’s lines. As of this writing, the early pre-spawn phase has been in full swing for aweek or so. While a decent deep water bite has been had off an on, a lot of bass are beingcaught in 15 to five feet of water. Most catches have been coming off points around creekmouths and off major points well up into the creek tributaries. Boat docks have also beengreat targets for bass fishermen. It’s no surprise that jerkbaits have been key producers on thepoints. The McStick by Spro has been getting a lot of mention. Pauses of at least three sec-onds between jerks have been the right cadence for most anglers. It’s probably a good ideato try both deep and shallow running jerkbaits at this time. Stable and warm weather will callfor shallow runners while cold spells will pull the fish back into a deeper zone. When jerk-baits have not been producing, soft plastics have bridged the gap. Rig your favorite finessestyle worm on a lead head made for this application and crawl it over rocky bottoms studdedwith stumps or brush piles. Living rubber skirted jigs tipped with plastic twin tail trailershave also been putting fish in the boat. If weather is stable and mild continue with shallowpatterns as we move toward spring.Striper fishing is also good. The predictable patterns of early spring are in full effect. Con-centrate your efforts up the creeks all over the lake and well up long finger type coves thatshow up in the north end of the reservoir. On most days, you can’t go wrong with small troutpresented on flat lines drifted about 100 feet behind the boat. Work your way slowly up thecreeks and use planer boards to get baits close in to the banks. While you’re keeping an eyeon this business, be sure to cast bucktails tipped with soft plastic trailers or lead heads riggedwith fluke type plastics up close to the shore. If you’re striking out in the shallower creekareas, as well may be the case in post cold front conditions, back off to the points and dropdown lines with live bait down to 30 feet or so over bottom depths of 35 to 60 feet. If you’reinto a total search mode, rig up with mid-depth umbrella rigs. Troll these around the creekmouths and off primary points well up into the creeks. Look for linesides to continue pushingup into creeks as they move into the annual false spawn. Crappie fishing has been very hot. Rig up two blue and white tube jigs in tandem on 1/16thounce lead heads. Tie one in about a foot or so up the line from the terminal jig. Cast thesearound boat docks and let them fall. Experiment on when to begin the retrieve as the strikezone can be quite specific. When the full moon approaches, expect these tasty panfish to in-vade the shallows wherever wood cover is present. You can’t go wrong with minnows fishedunder a bobber.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 9
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MORE INFO:770-945-9531www.sam.usace.army.mil/lanier
RoyCrittenden
USCGAuxiliary
A discussion of cell phones vs. VHF marine radios in emergenciesFew would disagree that if you
were on a recreational boat andan emergency situation raised itsugly head, and you wanted helpfrom anyone around, a VHF ma-rine radio would be the best bet,since a call for help on Channel16 would be heard by all boaterswho had their radio turned on. Ar-ticles upon articles have beenwritten on the subject, and stillmany boaters do not have a ma-rine radio on their boat. Frankly, Idon’t understand it, but it’s a factwe have to live with.
I read a recent article thatstated that a major national on-the-water towing service reportedthat 80 percent of their calls forassistance come in from cellphones. That was certainly aneye-opener for me. But think
about it for a minute. If therewere five people on a boat, allfive would probably have a cellphone. Even kids carry themaround now. Not only are theyeverywhere, but the cell phonecoverage is better than ever andphones are getting smarter everymonth, it seems, even comingwith GPS capability. I had a re-cent conversation with theTOW/BOAT operator on Lake
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Lanier and was told that approxi-mately seven of 10 calls nowcome in to them by cell phone.
I’m not giving up on the ideathat marine radios are better foremergencies, but I am convincedthat we can better carry out ourCoast Guard assigned mission ofpromoting recreational boatingsafety by paying attention tochanging times and technology.
As many of you know, wehave an Operations Center nearAqualand Marina equipped withradios and an antenna mounted ona tall tower and can reach out tothe most heavily populated boat-ing locations on the lake. We alsohave a telephone that we probablyhave not talked about enough. Aswe approach the 2012 boatingseason, we will be prepared to
take your calls for assistance viamarine radio on Channel 16 ortelephone. We will have a watch-stander on duty from noon until 8p.m., weekends and holidaysfrom mid-May through mid-Sep-tember. Our telephone number is770 967-2322. Please considerentering our phone number onyour cell phone and maybe post it
on your boat as well. We will bereminding you of our phone num-ber in our future monthly articles.
For additional information onthe activities of the Coast GuardAuxiliary such as safe boatingcourses, vessel safety checks ormembership contact:
Roy Crittenden is the PublicAffairs Officer for Flotilla 29.
MORE INFO: 770-393-4382 • [email protected] 29 Lake Lanier • http://a0700209.uscgaux.info
Safe boating course set for April 14Flotilla 29 of the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary, Lake Lanier,announces a one-day, seven-les-son “About Boating Safely”course. The course is scheduledfor Saturday, April 14. Thiscourse also serves as a PWC cer-tified course for children underthe age of 16. This course willbe given at the Coast GuardAuxiliary Operations Center,6595 Lights Ferry Rd., FloweryBranch, Ga., on the left just be-fore the entrance to AqualandMarina.
Classes run from 8:30 a.m.
until 4:30 p.m. and cost is $40.Discounts available for addi-tional family members.
Course contents include:• Know your boat• Before getting underway• Navigating the waterways• Operating your vessel safely• Boating’s legal requirements• Boating emergencies• Enjoying watersports• Georgia boating laws
Successful completion of thiscourse may result in a reductionin your boat’s insurance pre-mium.
MORE INFO: Dave Wall, Public Education Officer, Flotilla 29 • 770 904-6340 • [email protected]
• CampgroundsContinued from Page 2
Project Office at 1050 BufordDam Rd. in Buford seven days aweek between 8 a.m. and 4:30p.m. Or write a check payable toUSACE F&A OFFICER for $30and mail it to U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, Attention: AnnualPass, P.O. Box 567, Buford, GA
30515. Once your payment is re-ceived, you should receive yourAnnual Pass within seven to 10business days.
Visitors are reminded to makesafety a number one prioritywhile taking advantage of the var-ious recreational opportunities
that can be found at Lanier, andalways wear your lifejacket. It’san idea everyone can live with.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 11
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$799,000 Reduced!! Deep water w/SS cov-ered dock. Cali contemporary w/3 levels of lake luxury. Landscapepool w/ waterfalls and hot tub.Golf cart trail to dock. Motivatedseller.
Marsha Longwell 678-973-8285
$349,900 CREEKSIDE- 5 BR/ 4 BA cul-de-sac lot. 3 Car garage. Guestsuite on main level. Upgradedkitchen w/ granite. Lrge upperbedroom's. Huge covered back
porch. Full daylight bsmt. Wooded site. Must see.Vicki Treadwell 678-947-7445
$399,900 Executive home lodaded w/ up-grades & features 6 bedrooms &5 baths. Finished terrace level w/wet bar, game room, exerciseroom & more. Huge fenced rearyard. Quality built pride in ownership evident.
Vicki Treadwell 678-947-7445
$525,000 North end of Lake Lanier inForsyth County. Gentle lot to dockon ALWAYS deep water, viewsfrom all rooms, open for entertain-ing, granite kit, fin terrace lvl,quality built home.
Tracy Seaton 404-401-8257
$137,500 Great Home- Move in ready:Family room/fireplace and gaslogs, master bedrooms with largewalk-in closets. Master bath w/jetted tub/sep. shower. 3 BR/2BA, basement unfinished.
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Vicki Treadwell 678-947-7445
$849,900 Stunning lake home best locationnear GA 400. Single slip dock,deep water, 4 BR/5 BA, Fin.Basement, level lot, pretty view,easy walk to shore. Open floorplan, 3 car garage. A Must See!
Phil Baraona 678-910-5930
$1,150,000 Feels like Yellowstone Park inNorth Ga. Mountains. Lodge stylehm on 5 ac. Estate lot 1700 ft. ofEtowah River front. Multipledecks overlook the river. 5 cargarages, 2 bdrm guest house.
Michael Neubauer 678-947-7446
$74,500 Great home for first time buyer or
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Marsha Longwell 678-973-8285
$985,000 Luxury Lake Lanier home in PointeWest subdivision, 5BR/3.5BA, fin-ished terrace lvl, short walk to dblslip dock deep cove, gorgeousviews, master on main, 4 car garage,energy efficient. Pre-Foreclosure.
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Lanier businessman holds fundraiser for fallen heroes’ familiesBy Alan Hope
For many Americans the dateAugust 6, 2011 might not bring tomind anything of significance.
Not so for the Naval SpecialWarfare community. Thirty eightmembers of the military were lostafter their Chinook helicopter wasbrought down by enemy fire inAfghanistan. Among them were22 members of the NSW, includ-ing 17 Navy SEALs.
Fast forward to Feb. 18, 2012.Businessman Steve Pescitelli,owner of SS Airsoft in Buford,teamed up with NSW supportersto hold a fundraiser for survivorsof that tragedy.
A family from Mooresville,NC helped spearhead thefundraiser. “We were heartbro-ken,” said Suzanne Vogel. Herfamily – part of the NSW com-munity – had moved from Vir-ginia Beach, VA to Mooresvilleshortly before the attack. Her hus-band, Steve, had just retired after20 years of service and Suzannehas another family member in-volved with the SEALs.
Following the tragedy “Weweren’t there to do the things weneeded to do (to help out thosewho lost loved ones),” she said.
So she sat down with her twoyoungest children, Hunter andAlexandra, and “we were work-ing with art and just came up withideas about patriotism. And aboutwhat these men did. How theysacrificed so we can enjoy (livingin freedom).
The kids artwork led to stick-ers that referenced the SEALs.They pooled their money frompiggy banks and came up with$189, had stickers printed withtheir artwork, and headed out to anearby grocery store.
Ninety minutes later they wereout of stickers and had raisedfunds for the Navy SEAL Foun-dation.
“We gave the stickers away,from our hearts, and they gavefrom theirs,” Suzanne recalled.
The family had more stickersprinted and the effort grew, gain-ing regional and even nationalnews coverage. The family is fo-cusing their donations to help es-tablish a pediatric mental healthcenter in the Virginia Beach/Nor-folk area to help surviving chil-
dren. Hunter said he was happy with
how others have responded to thefamily project, adding his favoritepart so far was having NASCARdriver Josh Richards attach thestickers on his car. “We just wantothers to help out,” he said.
And that’s where Pescitellicomes into the picture. Pescitelliis known around Lake Lanier as
owner of Xtreme Heaters whichmakes heaters for boat enginecompartments.
“I just wanted to do somethingto say ‘Thank you’ to these guysfor all they do,” Pescitelli said.
He did just that by raising al-most $2,000 for the effort.
Hunter and Alexandra Vogel pose for a photo during the fundraiserheld at SS Airsoft in Buford last month.
PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE
March 2012 LAKESIDE 13
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By Jane HarrisonMark Williams’ grip on the oars helped
him navigate through some rough waters.His love of rowing helped sustain him ashe battled leukemia. About a month afterWilliams succumbed to the disease at age66, the Lake Lanier Rowing Club initiatedan ergatta in his honor.
About 20 participants stroked the ergsJan. 28 in the first commemorative eventto honor Williams, who helped organizethe club in the 1990s. Those attending in-cluded family members and friends whomWilliams inspired. Competitors stroked theequivalent of 2,000 meters as theirprogress was projected on screen. Theboathouse rocked with classic tunes andcheers of off-water coxswains urging theirfavorites on.
“It is really special that everybody cameout,” said his daughter, Kristy Basinger,winner of the women’s competition. “It’shard not to have him by my side. It’s suchan honor to name this after him.” Williamstraditionally raced in LLRC winter ergattasand encouraged family members to com-pete each year. Kristy’s husband, Ken, wonhis age group in the ergatta named for hislate father-in-law. The couple met throughWilliams’ involvement with LLRC.
Ergatta director Henry Kannapell de-scribed Williams as an “incredible erghammer” who inspired others to do theirbest. He was instrumental in bringing 1996Olympic rowing events to Lake Lanier.
After being chosen as LLRC Athlete of theMonth in April 2010, while in remissionfrom cancer, he told Lakeside News hisvolunteer work during the Olympics wasone of his most pivotal accomplishments.
Kristy Basinger’s 7 minute, 56 secondfinish scored just under 8-minute mark, ademonstration of strength for women row-ers. Winning men’s categories were: JustinHetherington, 7:41, age 30-39; KenBasinger, 7:41, 40-49; Tim Denny, 7:10,50-59; John Ferriss, 7:53, 60-69; JoelWise, 9:05, 70-79.
Proceeds from the ergatta go toward ascholarship fund the family established foryoung rowers. Spectators also donated toshow their support.
Mark Williams Ergatta honors namesake
Kristy Basinger, left, prepares to competein the women's race in the Jan. 28 ergattanamed for her late father, Mark Williams.
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
14 LAKESIDE March 2012
• FishingContinued from Page 7
nique when making a good jerk-bait presentation.
Now that we’ve covered thewhat, when, and how, let’s dis-cuss the where. Early in thismonth, concentrate your effortson points. Legendary professionalbass angler Rick Clunn has notedthat “points point out bass.”Those near creek mouths and upto half way into the backs of trib-utaries should get your attention.If you’ve been observant to lowwater observations of recentyears, key on areas with steepdrops along with lots of rocks andtree stumps or brush. These aretrue bass magnets in this transi-tion time. Move from one point toanother and cover the water me-thodically. When the willow treesshow greening color, be sure totarget boat docks as well. Theseare typical hang outs for bass thatare moving into the spawningmode. When the heavy post-
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spawn bite comes into play, re-verse your movements and areas.Back out to the creek mouthpoints and any reefs/shallow sub-merged humps in the area.
In closing, I hope you’ll makejerkbaits part of your strategy forspring success. It can certainlypay to keep one entire insert ofyour tackle bag devoted to thisproductive lure category. This
minnow thing that’s been workingso well for so long will certainlywork for you.
Until next month, take careand be safe on the water!
Tommy Wilkinson is a veteranof the fishing industry and residesin Jefferson, GA.
Triathrow, erg sprint draw fit crowdBy Jane Harrison
A new multisport event at-tracted a diverse crowd of highschool, college and masters ath-letes to Riverside Military Acad-emy Feb. 4. The first of its kindNorth Georgia Triathrow & ErgSprints offered athletes from dif-ferent disciplines a competitiveworkout and a chance to learnabout rowing.
“It definitely introduced morepeople to rowing,” said HollyShilling, crew member of theNorth Georgia Rowing Academy,which organized the event. About300 participants entered thetriathrow and erg sprint.
The triathrow presented aunique relay combination: a 5kilometer row on a stationaryrowing machine, 5K run on theRMA indoor track, and a 500yard swim in the RMA pool. Theerg sprint featured a separate con-test solely on the rowing ma-chines.
Local runner Wes Wessely en-tered both. “I came out to dosomething fun and different.Competition is fun. It makes theants jump around in the stom-ach!” said the Lanier RunningClub president as he prepared totake a seat at the ergometer in themasters erg sprint. He later ran aleg of the triathrow.
Jack Haire, co-director ofCrossfit Northeast Georgia,brought a dozen multi-sport ath-letes to compete. “I like it,” he
said of the row/run/swim format.He added that anything that getspeople out and active gets hisnod. Crossfit athletes “may havecrappy form (at the erg),” he said,“but we have fun.” Several Cross-fit participants walked away withawards.
NGRA Head Coach Jim Pick-ens said he was thrilled with theparticipation. “It’s a great turnout,better than expected,” he said.The collegiate turn-out for the ergsprint was exceptional, he said.The University of Georgia crewregistered 75 entries, indicative ofthe growth of collegiate rowing,he said. Crews from GeorgiaState, Clemson and North Geor-gia College also competed.
NGRA members recruited dis-tance runners and swimmers from
their schools to try the triathrow.Their goal was to lure some en-durance athletes over to theirsport. Shilling, from North HallHigh School, said she brought thefastest runner, Luis Gonzalez, oneof the top Georgia AAA highschool cross country runners.
Shilling said she didn’t thinkGonzalez would convert to row-ing, but that he “definitely knowsmore about it.”
Rowing Academy memberAmber Rewis said she may havesnared some new rowers. She re-cruited a swimmer and runnerfrom Mill Creek High Schoolwho got their first exposure torowing in the triathrow. “Theyliked it and thought it was cooland talked about maybe doing itnext year,” she said.
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Collegiate rowers compete in the North Georgia Erg Sprints at River-side Military Academy. The event, organized by the North GeorgiaRowing Academy, was held in conjunction with a triathrow.
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
March 2012 LAKESIDE 15
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LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE
CAUTIONZONE
N
LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE INFOHere's a profile and calendar for the two clubs operating at the LakeLanier Olympic Venue:
Lake Lanier Rowing ClubContact: John MartinierePhone: 770-287-0077Email: [email protected]: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506Website: www.LakeLanierRowing.orgClub offerings: Recreational and competitive rowing for ages 13to 80+. Beginner to elite offered through regularly scheduled prac-tices, classes, and camps hosting of local, regional, national and in-ternational rowing regattas.Calendar of events: (complete list on website)
Thru March - Collegiate Crew Spring TrainingMarch 3 - Youth Rowing Informative Meeting & BarbecueMarch 24 - John Hunter RegattaMarch 25 - Lanier Sprints Regatta
Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak ClubContact: Office Administrator Brenda Miller,LCKC President Doug SmithPhone: 770-287-7888Fax: 770-287-3444Email: [email protected]: www.lckc.orgAddress: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506Club offerings: Recreational and competitive canoe and kayakingfor ages 12 and up. Beginner to masters programs offered throughregularly scheduled practices, classes, and summer camps. Alsohosts local, regional, national and international competitions.Calendar of events: (complete list on website)
March 17 - Lula Bridge RaceMarch 19 - BBI Spring League Parents MeetingMarch 26-May 12 - BBI Spring SeasonApril 28 - BBI Spring Race
Venue seats about 2,000 with parking capacity of about 400 cars.The boathouse and tower are available to rent for meetings and spe-cial occasions.
Weekend regattas expected to fill Olympic watersBy Jane Harrison
The collegiate rowing community’s equivalent toa college gridiron season opener is set to hit theLake Lanier Olympic Venue March 24 in the JohnHunter Regatta. More than 1,500 youth and colle-giate rowers are expected to converge on theOlympic waters in one of the year’s biggest regattason the lake. Lanier continues on a row the next daywith a smaller regatta hosted by the home crew.
As many as 5,000 people could be on hand towatch, volunteer or participate in the double-regattaweekend. Rowers traditionally pack local hotels andrestaurants in the days leading up to the youth andcollegiate regatta. Travelers on two-lane ClarksBridge Road, which runs between the grand standsand the boathouse, can expect delays, especially onMarch 24. Hours of closure for motor boat ramps atClarks Bridge Park on the venue site were not avail-able at press time.
In late February, the Olympic venue was beingreadied for the throng with adjustments in dock con-figurations to accommodate rowers’ launches fromthe boathouse across the street and around the lakechannel from the race course. Lake Lanier RowingClub Vice-president John Ferriss, co-director of theMarch 25 Lanier Sprints Regatta, reported that at-tempts will be made to connect docks to the landingbehind the boathouse. About a month before the re-gatta, the water level appeared about eight feetbelow the concrete landing.
Ferriss said that if docks cannot be anchored tothe landing, crews would instead launch from docksset up behind the maintenance building. Such alaunch requires a longer trek on a slightly slopedgrass and mud shore. Athletes who compete in 8-seat boats carry racing shells measuring about 65feet long to the launch dock.
The John Hunter Regatta is expected to drawrowers from more than 50 colleges in about a dozenstates.
The next day’s Lanier Sprints Regatta will likelyattract some college crews hankering for a re-match,plus masters, scullers and pairs rowers whose eventsare not included in Saturday’s race line-up.
Organized by the Roswell-based Saint AndrewRowing Club and Georgia Tech Rowing Club, the
John Hunter Regatta is making its sixth run on LakeLanier. Competitors will race 2,000 meters fromstarting platforms north of the venue to the finishline at the Olympic tower. The action takes place onsix to possibly eight buoyed lanes, depending onlake level, installed by the Lake Lanier RowingClub on the course where Olympic rowers com-peted in 1996. The host clubs are bringing theirown volunteers to manage the competition andvenue.
Many crews are expected to practice Lanier theweek prior to the regatta. The venue will be offi-cially open for on-the-water practice from 2-6 p.m.March 23. Racing begins at 8 a.m. and is expectedto conclude around 6 p.m. March 24.
Regatta Director Paul Gaigelas predicts morethan 3,500 spectators will fill the stands at theOlympic Venue, where the plaza will transform intocollege central with school banners, tents and grills,and alma mater fight songs.
A somewhat calmer environment will settle infor the LLRC-organized Lanier Sprints. About 200entries are expected for the follow-up event, saidFerriss. Several college and junior crews usuallystay in town for the next day’s races, he said. Butthe main emphasis of Lanier Sprints is to “fill aneed in the Southeast region for a regatta” that in-cludes masters and small boat racing, he said.
MORE INFO: www.lakelanierrowingclub.org, www.johnhunterregatta.com, www.regattacentral.com
MORE INFO: www.lckc.org
Rowers in 8-seat boats compete in last year's JohnHunter Regatta at the Lanier Olympic Venue.
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
Lula Bridge Race to be spectator friendlyBy Jane Harrison
It will be easy for folks to keep an eye on theirfavorite paddlers March 17 at the Lula Bridge Race.Instead of racing out to the namesake bridge, com-petitors in the long distance contest will be strokinga loop course visible from the Lanier OlympicVenue grandstands.
The Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club opted to chartthe lap course due to lake levels that make passagea “little sketchy at some spots” north of the venue,said LCKC President Kevin Seitz. With the lakeabout eight feet below full pool near the end of Feb-ruary, the club eyed a course primarily in the deepchannel in front of the grandstands.
“You will be able to see most of the race” fromthe venue,” Seitz said. Participants in various crafts– from racing kayaks, recreational canoes and evensea kayaks – have a choice of distances, from theone-loop 4.3 kilometer race to the five-lap 25K en-durance contest.
It is the same course elite endurance paddlerswill traverse in the USA Canoe/Kayak MarathonTrials in May, Seitz said. The marathon tradition-ally requires a portage, but Lula Bridge racers havean option to “go around the portages and just pad-dle,” he said.
Seitz expects the March event to attract around40 to 50 paddlers, including many LCKC juniors,seniors and masters and several national competi-tors scoping out the USACK marathon course. Inaddition, recreational kayakers and canoists fromthe American Canoe Association are likely to testtheir endurance. Past competitors in the 25K haveincluded USA Canoe/Kayak marathon veteransReid Hyle, of Florida, Abel Hastings, from NorthCarolina, and LCKC’s own John DePalma.
The race starts at 10 a.m. across from theOlympic Venue tower.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 17
See LLOV, page 39
New youth coach aims to build LLRC programBy Jane Harrison
The LakeLanier RowingClub chose aproven leader ofyoung rowers tobuild its youthprogram when itselected BrianRansom as coach.The former Kansas State rowerpiloted his fledgling college crewthrough some uncharted watersafter their coach passed away. Hetook the helm and grew a pro-gram that placed among top fin-ishers in national regattas.
Ransom, 26, said he’s up forthe challenge of “basically start-ing over and building a (youthteam) from the ground up.” Theclub had been without a youthcoach for about a year since for-mer Coach Jim Pickens resigned.Many LLRC high school rowersfollowed him to the North Geor-gia Rowing Academy, whichformed last summer.
The new coach plans to kickoff the program with an informa-tional meeting and barbecue at11:30 a.m. March 3 at the LanierOlympic Venue. He hopes to at-tract potential rowers from 8th
through 12th grades from Halland surrounding counties.
Ransom uses the word “chal-lenge” frequently when he talksabout rowing. The physical chal-lenge of rowing lured him fromfootball, baseball, volleyball andsoccer – other sports he playedbefore he got into a boat.
“I wanted to pick a sportwhere I could challenge myself.Rowing is it,” he said. “Elite row-ers are considered the best-in-shape athletes in the world.There’s plenty of scientific data toback that up,” he said of the sportthat demands total body powerand endurance.
He said he started rowing inhigh school “after a little old mangrabbed me and told me I’d begood at it.” Born and raised inManhattan, Kansas, he beganpracticing with the communityrowing club on Tuttle CreekReservoir. He continued the sportwith the club team at KansasState, where he earned a Master’sdegree in biology. He plans toeventually enter medical school tobecome a doctor.
When the Kansas State Row-ing Association men’s crew coachdied, Ransom, the most experi-
enced rower on the team, inher-ited the coaching position. “It wasdefinitely stressful. The team wasrebuilding and needed leadership.I sucked it up” and took charge,he said.
He helped build the team fromfour members in 2007 to about 50today. He raised eyebrows in col-lege ranks when his men’s novice8 and varsity 4 crews placed inthe top half of finishers at lastyear’s American Collegiate Row-ing Association regatta on LakeLanier. A coaches’ poll had pre-dicted they would finish last.“They didn’t think we had anywater in Kansas,” Ransomquipped.
Ransom said he took theLLRC position “because I knew itwould be a challenge.” He wasone of several respondents to anLLRC job posting on a rowingwebsite. Club Vice-president JohnFerriss said the board was im-pressed with Ransom’s record atthe Kansas State and his experi-ence as a high school rower.
Prospective youth rowers areathletes who thrive on mental andphysical challenges, Ransom said.“It will challenge them more thanany other sport if they just give it
one shot,” he said.He plans to recruit youth row-
ers by visiting area middle andhigh schools, putting up posters,contacting media outlets, and get-ting on morning announcementsat schools. Asked whether his re-cruitment efforts would knockoars with the North Georgia Row-ing Academy, Ransom respondedhe expects to compete with themin regattas but not for athletes. “Ithink the population is largeenough where we won’t competefor rowers … I don’t foresee anyconflicts,” he said.
He hopes to sign up at least 20male and female athletes who willbegin practice this month. He saidthat before they launch on thewater, new rowers will learn tech-nique on boats held in place onthe docks and that he will keepindoor training on ergometers at aminimum. He plans practices thatinclude an element of fun withthe serious training that rowingrequires.
“We’ll keep it fun so it’s notmilitaristic,” he said. Cross train-ing with ultimate Frisbee, soccer,and scrimmages will infuse prac-tice with purposeful play. He alsoplans to offer the social aspect so
important to teenagers with teamdinners and outings.
Ransom said his long termgoal is to establish continuity forLLRC’s youth program and to“turn the club in Gainesville intoa scholarship powerhouse.”
Full college scholarships atschools with Title IX sports pro-grams are easily available for tallfemales with rowing experience,he said. Partial scholarships formen are also available.
The new coach said his pri-mary objective is to help getyoung rowers in the door and onthe water to learn the art of row-ing. What it takes, he said, is anopen mind and an ability to takeon a challenge.
LLOV BRIEFSGerman team
heading to LanierA canoe/kayak team from Ger-
many will head to the LakeLanier Olympic Venue March 5for a three-week training camp.Lake Lanier Canoe/Kayak Cluboffice manager Brenda Miller re-ported the German crew will bepracticing at the boat house andlake venue at the invitation of
Ransom
18 LAKESIDE March 2012
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It’s time to get ready for the boating seasonThe Superbowl is over, now
it’s time to think about gettingyour boat ready for the upcomingseason. If you did like I recom-mended in the fall winterizingcolumn you will have a list ofthings to check or repair beforelaunching or getting the boatingseason underway.
If you have a trailerable boatthat you covered and stored in thecarport, garage or backyard it’stime to inspect it. When you takeoff the cover, look for evidence ofcritters that might have made awinter home. If you find evi-dence, be sure to check yourwiring and replace if it’s dam-aged. After this is done get intothe technical part, engine, elec-tronics, and don’t forget to checkthe trailer.
If you leave your boat in thewater, check the bilges, make surefuel line and wiring is satisfac-tory. Follow your engine manualto get them ready, also don’t for-get the generator. Boats thatstayed in the water are probablyin need of a hauling and pressurewashing and bottom paint. Getyour yard appointment now andavoid the rush.
Now you need to clean up theinterior as well as clean and waxthe exterior. This is when you in-vite the people who enjoyed tripson your boat last year; the onesthat show up will be the ones toinvite on trips this year! The morepeople the quicker the cleaningand waxing will be.
If you have electronics to berepaired or installed now is thetime to do it. If you’re havingtrouble finding a certain instru-ment or equipment, rememberWest Marine’s spring catalog isout and you can probably find itthere. If your batteries are old, re-place them now, not in the heat ofthe summer. Last but not least besure to add Stabil, ValveTect, orStartron when you fill up.
Also remember the U. S. CoastGuard Auxiliary will inspect yourboat. They also offer boatingcourses, which if you satisfacto-rily complete you could get a 10percent discount on your insur-ance. It’s also a good idea tohave your crew take a boatingcourse. Contact: U.S. CoastGuard Auxiliary/Dave Wall, Pub-lic Education Officer, Flotilla 29.Phone: 770-904-6340 or [email protected].
More efficiencyYou’ve read all the stories
about the new hybrids ... it’s quiteexpensive to go in that direction.
Southeast England features thelargest wind farm in the worldwith 100 turbines supposedlygenerating enough electricity for200,000 homes. Will they disruptshipping lanes, thereby hurtingtrade?
The only good thing I’ve readabout them is that they will attractfish, much the same as the oil rigsin the Gulf of Mexico do. Theother question is, if they’re a bustand abandoned, who’s going toclean them up? Probably our taxdollars. Time will tell, stay tuned.
Fish for birdsIn the spring and fall of the
year off Clearwater BeachFlorida, the King Mackerel runstarts when the water temperaturereaches 69 degrees. Literally hun-dreds of boats go out to fish theschools of Kings. A friend ofmine and I decided to go duringthe middle of the week and avoidthe weekend rush. We startedfishing about five or six miles out,trolling spoons. We caught fiveor six pretty quick and continuedtrolling for more. I noticed an-other boat coming toward us andthey started trolling Bally-hooparallel to us about 200 feet away.Their bait didn’t have any weighton them so they were flippingaround on top. Mr. Pelican foundthis attractive and flew down andpicked up the Bally-hoo. Thehook lodged in his beak and afisherman started reeling him in.They stopped the boat and keptreeling.
I angled in and went for acloser look. The pelican was beat-ing them pretty good with hiswings. It was then we realizedthat both fishermen were inebri-ated and the pelican needed helpquick. I maneuvered close enoughto board the boat and threw abeach blanket over the bird.Grabbed his beak and snipped thehook, which then came out. Ipulled the blanket off and the pel-ican flew away. Last we saw, thedrunks were headed for shore.Later while cleaning our catch onmy dock, a pelican landed next tous and we couldn’t help but won-der if it could be the same bird.We threw him some carcasses ofKing Fish and he flew off happy.
Laura Decker in St. MaartenLaura has been celebrating her
accomplishment of being theyoungest person (16) to circum-navigate the world solo. She hasbeen celebrating with her parents,sister and friends. She said in herblog that in March she will fly tothe Netherlands for the Amster-
That doesn’t mean some changescould be made to your presentboat that could make it more effi-cient. How about LED lighting –both interior and exterior? Theyuse less power, last 10 timeslonger, and don’t create a lot ofheat. They are also offered in un-derwater flood lights. Contact:www.yachtlights.com or www.su-perbrightleds.com.
Solar power seems to be work-ing for powering accessories, butit’s not up to speed to replace theinternal combustion engine. Theynow have Bimini tops with solarcollectors in the cloth. Just re-cently, Atlantic Towers offered aHi-amp, Hi-line hardtop that canbe configured to an output ofmore than 1,000 KW. Prices startat about $13,000. Visit: www.at-lantictowers.com.
If you are a D.I.Y. type and areinterested in getting the story onhow to go solar, contact:www.whatsyourplan.com. Thisway you will better understandthe system and save the laborcost.
Owners of houseboats shouldlook into using solar power forelectrical accessories, as it’s easyto have a large hardtop to accom-modate solar collectors. For moreinformation log on to:www.boatingmag.com/hybrid.
Personally I’m for diesel elec-tric power. A generator keeps thebattery banks charged to run elec-tric propulsion motors. Solarpower could also assist in this ap-plication. It would be great inhouseboats.
Wind farmsMariners are starting to com-
ment on wind farms. Most say they’re an accident
waiting to happen. Some “in theknow” have convinced builders ofthese farms to construct them fivemiles wide with a one mile bufferon either side so that they wouldnot be a hazard to navigation. Ofcourse they want to build them asclose to shore as possible. I’msure someone on Cape Cod or theJersey Shore who has a large in-vestment in their house wants tolook out over the ocean to see thesunrise with a wind farm in it.
MikeRudderham
Captain’sComments
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dam Boat Show. When she re-turns to St. Maarten she will sailto the Panama Canal across thePacific again to New Zealandwhich will be her final destina-tion. She will still do some blogsbut not as many as before. If youwould like to congratulate her goto: www.lauradekker.com. I am
sure that we haven’t heard the lastof this talented young lady.
Be courteous, practice safeboating and I’ll see you on thewater.
Mike Rudderham is a veteranmarine surveyor with more than40 years experience in the marineindustry.
22 LAKESIDE March 2012
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A different side of life - slow down and enjoy itBob and Carolyn Wilson,
aboard Sea Island Girl, continueLakeside's long running series ofcruising adventures which beganin the mid-1990s. To date we'vehad the Johnston family, Jean andBill Bayman, and Mechelle andBill Cooksey all contribute to theseries. Bob and Carolyn boatedon Lake Lanier until leaving fortheir adventure in 2002.
It has been many a year since Iwas awakened by the crowing ofa rooster. They may be outlawedin the area where we live inSandy Springs, but they seem tohave become the morning alarmfor the “harbor rats” in the quaintlittle settlement of Hope Town onElbow Cay. Life here is much dif-ferent. It’s not fast paced, and youare expected to leave your anxi-eties and stress back home whenyou enter the harbor. If you didn’tknow this before you arrived,there is a sign to remind you –Slow Down, You’re EnteringHope Town.
The harbor is the “base camp”for 50 or so sail and powermoored boats and the setting isidyllic. A candy cane paintedlighthouse towers above the har-bor and the narrow streets on theeastern shore are lined with color-
marinas, a post office, one police-man, a small school and a mu-seum – and hundreds of rentalvillas and cottages. If it’s notfound in town, a $27 ferry ride toand from the mainland is neces-sary, something that many schoolchildren and those working else-where do every day. Businessesrely upon the occasional freightboats or the ferries to deliver theirmerchandise to the governmentdock.
During a recent visit, we wereinvited to witness firsthand, thelighting of the Elbow Reef Light-house, which is probably the mostrecognizable landmark on Abaco.The 89-foot edifice is one of onlythree hand-wound kerosene burn-ing lighthouses still operational inthe Bahamas, and perhaps theworld. The evening before ourvisit a film crew from NBC’sToday Show was taping a showsegment highlighting its historicalsignificance.
The views atop the lighthouseoverlooking the harbor, the At-lantic Ocean and the Sea ofAbaco are spectacular – wellworth climbing the 101– spiraledsteps to reach the top. The light-keepers, Jefferey Forbes and hiscousin Sam McPhee were our
hosts, and every two hours fromsunset to dawn, one of them mustmake the climb to rewind aweight mechanism which keepsthe Fresnel lens in its patternedflashing of light.
History shows there was muchdissension over the erection of theElbow Reef light knowing that itwould put an end to the nighttimeadventures of local ship wreckers,or “wrackers,” that would gatherthe spoils of the ships that oftenwent aground on the nearby reefs.With the light, the ships couldavoid the shallow waters, andwhat had become an economicboom for many Bahamians,
fully painted cottages of every de-scription. An often visited area ofthe Abacos, Hope Town is consid-ered by many to be the perfectdestination and it is here wheretourism abounds.
The lifestyle here is differentthan most. The only means of get-ting from one side of the harborto the other is by dinghy or skiff,and on land most everyone uses agolf cart. In the settlement, thenarrow paths can only accommo-date small delivery trucks, or bi-cycles. Visitors seem to enjoywalking, stopping to take picturesof the clap board cottages – repre-sentative of the once loyalist fish-ing village of the 1800s – or thebounty of colorful flowers and theboats moored in the harbor.
It takes a lot of planning andscheduling living here. There arefew conveniences available inHope Town – a grocery, two
MORE INFO: [email protected] orwww.cruisingwilson.blogspot.com
would, if the lighthouse wereerected, become a lost opportu-nity to gather the bounty of thecargo lost at sea.
It’s somewhat ironic, buttoday, a hundred years later,tourists are continually drawn toHope Town to tour the famouslighthouse. Life here has re-mained simple, yet the descen-dants of the former wracker’shave discovered a new form ofprosperity in real estate, lodgingand weddings.
Each year hundreds of second-home owners fly in to enjoy thepristine beaches along the At-lantic. The boat and golf cartrental business is brisk and therestaurants are teeming with visi-tors wanting to savor the freshestcatch of the day. There’s a bit ofsnobbery among those living inHope Town as witnessed by theliterary guild meetings, the arts inthe park, a micro-brewed coffeehouse, even a Ben and Jerry’s icecream shop, but the folks livinghere are proud to be “on da otherside” of things. It just takes get-ting a little used to for those of us
Bob & CarolynWilson
CruisingWilsons
The Elbow Reef Lighthouse.
See Wilsons, page 55
24 LAKESIDE March 2012
SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB
1 1067.69 1066.53 1064.50 1062.15 1059.41 1058.31 1059.84 1062.602 1067.67 1066.51 1064.37 1062.07 1059.24 1058.28 1059.86 1062.663 1067.66 1066.44 1064.33 1061.99 1059.15 1058.33 1059.84 1062.714 1067.63 1066.44 1064.28 1061.94 1058.99 1058.33 1059.80 1062.785 1067.57 1066.40 1064.25 1061.84 1058.99 1058.30 1059.81 1062.856 1067.51 1066.38 1064.30 1061.67 1058.95 1058.32 1059.82 1062.887 1067.46 1066.38 1064.23 1061.52 1058.79 1058.50 1059.88 1062.908 1067.40 1066.34 1064.14 1061.45 1058.63 1058.58 1059.94 1062.929 1067.43 1066.28 1064.02 1061.40 1058.44 1058.55 1060.01 1062.96
10 1067.41 1066.23 1063.98 1061.28 1058.25 1058.61 1060.05 1062.9811 1067.32 1066.18 1063.93 1061.14 1058.09 1058.65 1060.17 1062.9912 1067.16 1066.11 1063.88 1060.96 1058.06 1058.58 1060.27 1063.0313 1067.17 1066.10 1063.75 1060.78 1058.03 1058.54 1060.34 1063.0114 1067.09 1066.04 1063.63 1060.61 1057.91 1058.55 1060.38 1063.1015 1067.11 1065.95 1063.48 1060.56 1057.93 1058.54 1060.41 1063.0716 1067.11 1065.88 1063.28 1060.55 1058.15 1058.52 1060.45 1063.1317 1067.08 1065.82 1063.22 1060.35 1058.18 1058.53 1060.53 1063.1618 1067.01 1065.80 1063.17 1060.21 1058.19 1058.55 1060.67 1063.2419 1066.99 1065.73 1063.04 1060.14 1058.19 1028.51 1060.77 1063.2920 1066.95 1065.69 1062.86 1060.09 1058.19 1058.52 1060.90 1063.3321 1066.91 1065.62 1062.70 1060.00 1058.13 1058.58 1061.27 1063.3922 1066.91 1065.54 1062.63 1059.97 1058.13 1058.77 1061.46 1063.3923 1066.90 1065.51 1062.76 1059.95 1058.15 1059.02 1061.74 1063.4124 1066.82 1065.34 1062.75 1059.85 1058.08 1059.12 1061.92 1063.4525 1066.80 1065.22 1062.74 1059.80 1057.95 1059.19 1062.04 1063.4826 1066.76 1065.10 1062.56 1059.73 1057.92 1059.26 1062.0427 1066.71 1065.04 1062.50 1059.68 1057.93 1059.57 1062.2828 1066.66 1065.03 1062.36 1059.67 1058.02 1059.66 1062.3629 1066.61 1064.87 1062.27 1059.62 1058.24 1059.73 1062.4230 1066.60 1064.72 1062.18 1059.60 1058.29 1059.77 1062.4831 1066.61 1064.62 1059.52 1059.83 1062.54
AVG 1067.12 1065.80 1063.40 1060.65 1058.35 1058.78 1060.85MAX 1067.69 1066.53 1064.50 1062.15 1059.41 1059.83 1062.54MIN 1066.60 1064.62 1062.18 1059.52 1057.91 1058.28 1059.80
LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS
The winter that never showed upWe are going to end
the “winter that wasn’t”on March 20th at 1:14am. That is the time of thevernal equinox. Much ofthe world shivered in thekind of winter we enduredlast year, except the“lower 48.” The La Ninapattern was the same. Sowhat happened to our winter? We knowthat global wind patterns are drasticallychanged by La Nina. However, this winter,the cold polar jet stream remained well upin the Canada. All the cold arctic airspilled over to the other side of the world.We only had two outbreaks of cold arcticair this winter, compared to more than adozen last year.
There is a silver lining to all of this formuch of the country. Remember the severeMidwest and plains flooding last yearfrom all the snow melt? We will not seethat this year because there just wasn’tmuch snow across the country. Other thana few flurries and that little bit of sleet wehad in the middle of last month, we had nowinter precipitation to speak of. If you arewondering when the last time we had asnowless winter was, you’ll have to goback to 2007!
Now we move into spring. It is my leastfavorite time of the year. I know the flow-ers are pretty and temperatures are warm-ing. However, I also know how violent theweather was last spring. I am gearing upfor more strong and severe storms thismonth. This year, we have both branchesof the jet stream across the U.S. As I men-tioned, the colder northern branch has
been consistently run-ning across Canada. Thesouthern branch of thejet stream with thewarmer temperatures,has been riding fromsouthern Californiaacross the Southeast.This southern branch ofthe jet will add tremen-
dous energy and wind shear to our springstorms. I am expecting to see more rotat-ing super-cell thunderstorms, which canlead to long-tracked tornadoes.
With that being said, I would encourageyou to be prepared. The best way to beprepared is to stay informed. Here at WSBand Severe Weather Center 2, we have thebest storm forecasting and tracking equip-ment available. In addition, we are verygood at forecasting severe storm out-breaks. So, my best advice is to always getthe latest forecasts from us. With severestorms, there will be power outages. Thatis why I also encourage you to purchase aweather alert radio and always make sureyou have fresh batteries. Another way tostay informed is through social media. Wewill always have severe storm warnings onfacebook and Twitter. In addition, thereare many great severe weather apps foryour smart phone. In fact, the IMap-Weather Radio available for your Appledevices is an incredible leap in technology.You can download it on iTunes. It is aweather alert radio and radar display. WhatI like best about it is, should the power goout and you are in your safe room, you canget immediate warnings for your specific
GlennBurns
LanierOutlook
See Burns, page 42
26 LAKESIDE March 2012
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Brick ranch w/4 BR/ 3BA and finished bsmt,kit & rec room. Updatedin/out. Sunroom over-looks lake. Pricedapprox $200K belowrecent appraisal. Only$297,000. Call today.
FMLS#4295851. Tour @ www.dickrunstadler.com
180’ ON LANIER W/ DOUBLE SLIP DOCK2.35 beautiful acres.Loads of quality up-grades & extras. Finbsmt w/rec room w/FP.2BRs, bath, full kit &more. Lighted pond, outbldgs, motor home pkg& more. Only $309,000
FMLS#4303601. Tour @ www.dickrunstadler.com
NEW PRICE - COUNTRY ESTATE
Approx $281,000 belowappraisal. Great water &views. 5BR/3.5BA, bsmt,3 car attached gar. Superdock w/party deck +8000# hoist. New roof,paint & more. Low
Forsyth taxes. Vacant. Level lot & COE road. $519,000.FMLS#4303883. Tour @ www.dickrunstadler.com
DISTRESS SALE - NEW PRICE
DISTRESS
SALE!
SOLD!
March 2012 LAKESIDE 27
AMENITIES• Family Friendly
• Clubhouse with Fireplace & Deck Overlooking the Lake• Fuel Dock & Ship Store
• FREE Pumpouts for Sunrise Slip Holders**Some Restrictions Apply
• Nestled in a Protected Cove• Continental Breakfast on the 1st Sunday
of the Month - June thru Sept
770-536-85995725 Flat Creek Road • Gainesville, GA 30504
(Less than 5 miles from Exit 16 on I-985 and at lake mile marker 3MC)
The Best Kept Secret on Lake Lanier!Sunrise Cove Marina
A Westrec Marina
Visit our web-site atwww.sunrisecovemarina.com.
Sunrise Cove Marina
28 LAKESIDE March 2012
Where Every Day is a Holiday on Lake Lanier!
HOLIDAY MARINA
Home of the Westrec Advantage ProgramOur one of a kind program offering discounts on
fuel, Ship’s Store purchases, dining and much more!
Call to find out more about this exclusive program designed just for you!
6900 Holiday Road • Buford, GA 30518 • 770-945-7201
Lake Lanier’s First & Best Full Service Marina
March 2012 LAKESIDE 29
Announcing a New Covered Premium Dock!
Where Every Day is a Holiday on Lake Lanier!HOLIDAY MARINA
6900 Holiday Road • Buford, GA 30518 • 770-945-7201
R Dock – High roof 44x16 - $500/month or $5700/annually*
Convenient to marina entrance, pavilion, and bath houseCalm protected waters
Premium parking
******Space is limited*******Must be paid up front on an annual basis
A Westrec Marina
30 LAKESIDE March 2012
Good Old Boys Upholstery‘We Specialize in Marine Upholstery & Boat Covers’
FREE ESTIMATES
Pickup & Delivery Service
We Also UpholsterAutomobiles, Furniture & RV’s
770-896-8694853 Maple Street • Gainesville, GA 30501
Your One Stop Upholstery Shop!
Holiday Road &
Buford Dam Road
PAVED COVERED
TRAILERS RVs & PWCs
BOAT & RV STORAGE5 Launch Ramps Within 2 Miles On Duty 24/7 For Storage Needs
Electrical Outlets/Lights in Every Space 24-Hour Individual Key Pad Access
Two Convenient Locations 6005 Holiday Rd • 2140 Buford Dam Rd
Here Are a Few Reasons We Store 700 Boats!
• DVR Security Cameras
• Motion Sensored Fences
• Extra-wide Driveways for Parking (All Paved)
• Multiple Washdown Areas
• Onsite Mechanic 7 Days a Week
• 30-50 Amp Service
www.holidayroadboatstorage.com
770-831-3309
Mention This Ad & Get 1 Month FREE!**With Annual Contract
Serving Lanier ‘In the Spirit of Excellence’ Since 1956
2070 Old Dawsonville HighwayGainesville, GA 30501
www.martindocksinc.com770 536-0189
Fax: 770 536-4444 Toll-Free: 1-888-536-0189
Boat Lift, PWC Lift, Custom Lift Designs
for Watercraft of All Kinds
Exclusive Dealer for Boat Floater on
Lake Lanier and Hartwell
• Year-Round Maintenance & Repair Service
• Dockwatch - Year Long Maintenance Plan
• Repairs, Re-decks, Adjustments, Refloats, Additions
• Electrical Packages Available• Custom Built Boat Docks -
Aluminum & Steel• Residential, Commercial &
Community Docks• Cellofoam & Formex Floats• Ramps and Gangways • Shoreline Steps• Dock Accessories• Used Docks, Consignments
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Martin Docks, Inc.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 31
Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron welcomes new bridge to the helmThe Atlanta Sail and Power
Squadron held its annual Changeof Watch on Sunday, February 19at the Dunwoody Country Club inAtlanta. This yearly event honorsthe achievement of members fromthe prior year and ushers in thenew year with the installation ofnew officers.
This year’s Bridge Officers areCommander James Jordan, Exec-utive Officer Glenn LaBoda, Ad-ministrative Officer DouglasTownes, Secretary Barbara Tyson,Treasurer Sandy Robinson, andEducation Officer Patti Price.This year’s winner of the Nelle B.Moon Award is Margaret Sharrod.The Nelle B. Moon Member In-volvement Award recognizes onemember annually who has distin-guished themselves in service tothe squadron and participation insquadron activities. It is named inhonor of our first female com-mander who served in in that po-sition during the 1988 watch year.Congratulations to all of our newofficers, chairpersons, and execu-tive committee members, we lookforward to another outstandingyear of fun, education, andgrowth!
Have you ever wanted to reap
the full benefits of your GPS, butwasn’t sure how? Are you inter-ested in adding a GPS to yourvessel but not sure how youwould use it? ASPS has the semi-nar for you. On Saturday, March10 we’ll be hosting a GPS semi-nar at West Marine in Buford.The seminar runs from 9:30 until11 a.m. and is a great “starter” forgetting the most out of your GPSdevice. The seminar is beingtaught by Douglas Townes and isoffered to ASPS members and thegeneral public. This is a prerequi-site to an upcoming two-day classon more advanced GPS usage thatwill be offered on April 14 and21. Please visit us at atlantasboat-ingclub.com to register, or justshow up on the 10th and join us!
As we head into spring and thestart of another summer on thelake, it’s important to make surewe’re are ready for a fun and safeseason of boating. Our BoatSmartclass teaches the basics of boat-ing, such as boat handling (dock-ing and trailering), safetyequipment and procedures, navi-gation basics (the rules of theroad), and boat types and termi-nology. This class is great foradults and teens, you can enjoy
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learning as a family. The class isapproved by the State of GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources(GA DNR) and by the NationalAssociation of the State BoatingLaw Administrators (NASBLA).The location is at 1050 BufordDam Rd., Buford, Ga. The nextclass will be March 24 and runsfrom 8:30-5:30 p.m. Cost for yourtext is $35 and families mayshare. Visit our website atlantas-boatingclub.com for more detailsand how to sign up.
Another important aspect ofgetting ready for the boating sea-son is to make sure your vessel isready. One way you can do this isby having a free Vessel SafetyCheck performed. VSCs are cour-tesy examinations of your boat toverify the presence and conditionof certain safety equipment re-quired by state and federal regula-
MORE INFO: www.atlantasboatingclub.com; 770 734-6412
tions. The vessel examiner is atrained specialist who will alsomake recommendations and dis-cuss safety issues that will makeyou a safer boater. Visit our web-site at atlantasboatingclub.comtoday to contact us about schedul-ing your Vessel Safety Check.
Our next general membershipmeeting will be held on March15. Please visit our website fordetails and location, and to in-quire about joining us for a meet-ing. Meetings are a greatopportunity to hear exciting andinformative speakers on a widerange of boating and water relatedtopics, as well as an excellenttime to meet members and learnmore about ASPS.
March 25 kicks off our 2012on-the-water social season withour first raft-up of the year. Raft-ups are always fun, with greatfood and fellowship as we makememories together. These raft-upsare a very popular part of ouryearly activities, allowing us tospend time together on beautifulLake Lanier. Please visit atlantas-boatingclub.com for more detailsabout all of our classes and activi-
Outgoing Commander Lisa Hern-don, right, presents MargaretSharrod with the 2012 Nelle B.Moon Membership ParticipationAward.
ties, and make sure to contact usabout membership – don’t missout on another season of fun withASPS.
Atlanta Sail and PowerSquadron members have accessto advanced boating classes, so-cial events on and off the wateryear round, fun and informativemonthly membership meetings,and more.
32 LAKESIDE March 2012
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Mar. 2-4, 8-10 – “Lend Me A Tenor,” a hi-larious farce intended for mature audiences,presented by Habersham Community Theatre.Performances are: 7:30 p.m. (Mar. 2-3, 8-10); 2p.m. (Mar. 4). Tickets are $13 for adults and $8for full-time students. Info: 706-839-1315;www.habershamtheater.org.
Thru Mar. 4 – “The Color Red,” exhibitswork by Harry Shulbert at Sautee NacoocheeCommunity Association, 283 Ga. 255 N.Sautee Nacoochee. Info: 706-878-3300;www.snca.org.
Thru Mar. 4 – “Shelter Stars” AdoptionSpecial, held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondaysthrough Saturdays, for large dogs and cats atHumane Society of Northeast Georgia, 845West Ridge Rd., Gainesville. Adoption fee:$25. Info: 770-532-6617; www.hsnega.org.
Mar. 7 – Buzz Bernard Meet and Greet,hosted by the Northeast Georgia Writers from1-2:15 p.m. at Peach State Bank, 325 Washing-ton St., Gainesville. Bernard, author of fictionalthriller “Eyewall” will hold a signing and dis-cussion. Admission: $12. Info: 770-519-7279.
Thru Mar. 8 – “Lincoln: The Constitutionand the Civil War,” a traveling exhibit at theLibrary Technology Center at North GeorgiaCollege & State University in Dahlonega. Info:libguides.northgeorgia.edu/Lincoln.
Mar. 23-25 – “Alice in Wonderland,” per-formed by the Gainesville Ballet Co. at PearceAuditorium at Brenau University. Info:www.gainesvilleballet.org.
Mar. 30-31 - Forsyth County Master Gar-deners Plant Sale, Friday, 8-6 p.m.; Saturday,8-4 p.m. Annuals, perennials, trees & shrubs,for sale, along with presentations about nativeplants, kids gardening projects, organic &square foot gardening, & door prizes. Cum-ming Fairgrounds, Red Barn, Castleberry Rd.,Cumming, GA.
Mar. 31 – Easter Bone Hunt held 11 a.m. tonoon at Laurel Bark Park. Bring your dog(s) tohunt for treat-filled eggs. Admission: $5 perdog. Info: 770-535-8280.
Thru April 1 – Petticoats and Slide Rules,a historical exhibit that celebrates women’stechnological achievements, personal experi-
ences and equal rights struggles at GwinnettEnvironmental and Heritage Center, 2020Clean Water Dr., Buford. Free. Info:www.gwinnettehc.org.
Thru April 21 – Petticoats and Slide Rules,a historical exhibit that celebrates women’stechnological achievements, personal experi-ences and equal rights struggles at GwinnettEnvironmental and Heritage Center, 2020Clean Water Dr., Buford. Free. Info:www.gwinnettehc.org.
May 5-6 – Art in the Garden, features gar-den-theme art festival with jewelry, pottery, livemusic and kid’s activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., atDawson County Art Council Bowen Center,344 Ga. 9 N. Dawsonville. Free. Info: 706-216-2787; www.dawsonarts.org/festival.htm.
Thru May 6 – Wildlife Rescue exhibit atFernbank Museum of Natural History sharesstories of animal rescues. Through interactiveelements, visitors step into rescue efforts andlearn the innovative science involved. Admis-sion: $17.50 adults, $16.50 students and sen-iors, $15.50 ages 3-12, free to members andages 2 and younger. Info: 404-929-6300;www.fernbankmuseum.org.
Thru June 1 – “Abstracts” by FerdinandRosa displayed at Adam’s Restaurant and PianoBar, 15. E. Main St., Buford. Info: 678-745-0379; ferdinandrosa.carbonmade.com.
Cumming PlayhouseMar. 4 – Peppino D’Agostino and Carlos
Reyes in concertMar. 8-11 – Ozark JubileeMar. 13 – Sounds of Sawnee “Music of the
British Isles”Mar. 16-18 – SummerwindMar. 24 – Mountain Music and Medicine
ShowMar. 25 – Charlie’s Little Angels Beauty
PageantInfo: 770-781-9178; www.playhousecum-ming.com.
Elachee Nature Center1st Saturday Hikes – Monthly except January
and August, the first Saturday of the month,held 10-11:30 a.m. Learn about local nativeplants and animals. This monthly hike is a greatway to explore the Chicopee Woods with an ex-perienced guide. The program fee also includesadmission to the museum exhibitions.
Spring and Fall – Stars Over Elachee heldFridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays at dusk.Learn to use a telescope and star chart to viewstars, planets and constellations in the nightsky. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10,adults; $5, children through age 12; free, mem-bers. Call for dates and times.
Spring and Fall – Backyard ConservationWorkshops, Compost and Rainwater Collectioninstruct in recycling natural resources. Call fordates and times.Info: 770 535-1976, www.elachee.org.
Gainesville State CollegeMar. 1-3 – 2012 Big Band Show, presented
in the Ed Cabell Theatre, CE Building, at 7:30p.m. (Mar. 1-2) and 9:30 p.m. (Mar. 3), featur-ing the GSC Jazz Band, Jazz Combo andChorale directed by Dr. Andrew Santander andBruce Sellers and accompanied by Dr. JoannaKim Doyle.Info: 770-717-3639; www.gsc.edu
Georgia Mountain FairgroundsMar. 15 – Jeremy Camp, 7 p.m. Tickets
start at $20.Mar. 17 – Travis Tritt, $40, plus handling
feesMar. 24 – Randy Travis, $40, plus handling
feesInfo: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Interactive Neighborhood for KidsMar. 5-9 – Lion Craft Week, make fun lion
crafts and learn about “king of jungle.”Mar. 12-16 – St. Patrick’s Day Craft
Week, make “green” crafts to celebrateMar. 19-23 – Spring Is Here Craft Week,
make fun craftsMar. 26-30 – Doctor Craft Week, learn
about being a doctor while making medical artsand craftsInfo: Free, with admission unless otherwisenoted; www.inkfun.org; 770 536-1900
North Atlanta Trade CenterMar. 9-11 – The Woodworking ShowMar. 18 – Georgia Beauty Supply Trade
ShowMar. 24 – Universal Championship
WrestlingMar. 24-25 – Eastman’s Gun ShowMar. 31 – Atlanta BullyPalooza VI
Info: 770-279-9899, www.northatlantatrade-center.com.
Piedmont CollegeMar. 3 – Terry Kay, author, to speak at the
Friends of the Clarkesville Library luncheonheld in the Brookside Dining Room. Tickets:$25 (includes luncheon).
Thru Mar. 31 – Scott Stephens Art Show,an exhibition of print making, at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art, across of Pied-mont College in downtown Demorest.Reception held 6-7 p.m., Feb. 23. Info: 706-778-8500, ext. 1307.Info: www.piedmont.edu
Quinlan Visual Arts CenterMar. 1, 3 – Gala Preview (Mar. 1), 34th An-
nual Gala Live and Silent Art Auction (Mar.3).Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Mar. 14-Apr. 14 – Youth Art Month, spon-sored by the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville
Apr. 19-June 9 – “Across Many Waters,”displays work by watercolors by Bruce Bobick;sculpture by Betty Beasley; pastels & oil land-scapes by Ron Pircio; oil paintings by SandraLandergott and artist Oneyka Ibe. Opening re-ception, 5:30-7 p.m., April 19.Info: 770 536-2575, www.quinlanartcenter.org.
Lakeside Calendar March 2012
MORE INFO: www.lakesidenews.com
2012 SAILING EVENTS ON LAKE LANIERClub Event Day Date
MARCH 2012
SSC Nippert #1 Sat 03/03LLSC Laser Southerns Regatta Sat 03/03LLSC Laser Southerns Regatta Sun 03/04BF Winter Gale #1 Sat 03/10LLSC Atlanta Cup J24/J22 Sat 03/10LLSC Atlanta Cup J24/J22 Sun 03/11SSC Nippert #2 Sun 03/11UYC UYC Spring 4 Sun 03/11BF Around Alone Sat 03/17BF Winter Gale #2 Sun 03/18UYC Commodore's Cup Sat 03/24SSC Nippert #3 Sat 03/24SSC Nippert #4 Sun 03/25AISC Dogwood Regatta Fri 03/30AISC Dogwood Regatta Sat 03/31
APRIL 2012
AISC Dogwood Regatta Sun 04/01UYC UYC Makeup 1 Sat 04/14SSC Masters - Skippers over 50 Sat 04/14LLSC MC Rebel Rouser Regatta Sat 04/14LLSC MC Rebel Rouser Regatta Sun 04/15BF Winter Gale #3 Sun 04/15AISC AISC Summer 1 - #1 Wed 04/18BF Winter Gale #4 Sat 04/21SSC Nippert #5 Sun 04/22AISC AISC Summer 1 - #2 Wed 04/25BF Celtic Crossing Sat 04/28UYC UYC Makeup 2 Sat 04/28
MAY 2012
AISC AISC Summer 1 - #3 Wed 05/02 SSC Lormand Cup Sat 05/05LLSC Multihull Sat 05/05
LLSC Multihull Sun 05/06AISC AISC Summer 1 - #4 Wed 05/09AISC AISC Summer 1 - #5 Wed 05/16LLSC PHRF Championship Sat 05/19BF Women Skippers - Open Sun 05/20AISC AISC Summer 1 - #6 Wed 05/23AISC AISC Summer 1 - #7 Wed 05/30LLSC Junior Week #1 Tue-F 05/29-06/01
These races are open to non-club members interested inconnecting with the racing scene on Lake Lanier. Formore information, visit www.SailLanier.com and click onthe club that's hosting the race.
LARC - Lanier Auxiliary Racing CommitteeAISC - Atlanta Inland Sailing ClubBFSC - Barefoot Sailing ClubLLSC - Lake Lanier Sailing ClubUYC - University Yacht Club
Club Event Day Date Club Event Day Date
Sailing Club Events
March 2012 LAKESIDE 35
ATLANTA PARTNERS
Rodney Hellemn770-945-9524
www.rodneyhellemnsells.com • Email: [email protected]
“Keep Smiling!”
Visit www.rodneyhellemnsells.com for information and photos about these properties and more!
Priced below appraised value! Builder's personal deepwater lakefront home. Double slip dock in no wake cove.Trey, vaulted & coffered ceilings everywhere. Gourmetkitchen, marble & hardwoods thru out. Terrace level enter-tainment game room & 12 seat theater room. Pack yourbags and wake up in Paradise every day!
Priced at $1,499,000 $1,099,000
WOODLAKE DR - SOUTH END OF LAKE LANIER NEAR 985 - REDUCED $400,000
Beautiful, deep water lake home with a very gentle walk to your covered boathouse,with vinyl decking. Home features all the upgrades, including high-end trim, wet bar,trey ceilings, granite countertops with subzero, big sunroom and screened porch, withhot tub and views to the lake. Nicely-landscaped. Great south-end location, close to theMall of GA and I-985.
SOUTH END OF LANIER - DEEP WATER
Priced at $675,000
Four sides brick on nearly 2 acres, nearMall of Ga & I-985. The main level & fin-ished terrace have two separate entrancesfrom the exterior. The main level and theterrace cannot access each other from theinside. Upper level has 3bed/2ba. Lowerlevel has 2beds/1ba. Gunite pool has beenout of service.
NEARLY 2 ACRES, FOUR SIDED BRICK RANCHIN SUGAR HILL
Priced to Sell $164,500 $125,000
Thinking of buying or selling? Give me a call!I need your rental property or lake property listing!
All new listings come with a FREE appraisal from a certified appraiser with Lake Lanier knowledge.
UNDER CONTRACT
36 LAKESIDE March 2012
GeorgiaRealty
Lake Lanier & Surrounding Area
WE NEED MORE LAKE HOMES! INTEREST RATES ARE DOWN - WE HAVE BUYERS! CALL US!
Considering buying on the lake,but have lots of questions?CALL US FOR ANSWERS!
770-889-0169No Obligation
ONE OF THE BEST DEALS ON THE LAKE! Great Location off Pilgrim Mill Rd - Beautifully RemodeledOpen Ranch with Hardwood Floors + HUGE Finished Daylight Basement w/Stone FP & Full Size Bar +Apt/Office w/Separate Entrance over Garage. Open GR w/2-Sided FP & Wet-Bar, DR, LakesideGathering Rm., Huge Owner Ste. w/Sitting Rm, Screened Porch, Deck w/Hot-Tub, Covered Patio offTerrace Level, Updated Kitchen w/Island & Granite, 2-Car Garage + LOTS OF EXTRA PARKING! SLIP-DOCK IN WATER ALWAYS! Let's Make a Deal!!!
SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!
$449,900
EXCELLENT LOCATION ON LAKE LANIER! Watch the Sunrise from this Charming Home that was Built for Lake Living- with Lots of Decking + Screened Porch. 2BR on Main + 2BR Up- Gathering Room Open to Kitchen + Partially Fin.Bsmt. Cvrd Slip-Dock! You Will Love this Young Deer Area Location on Lake + Great Homes Around and Across Lake!Perfect Full Time or Weekend Get-Away!
$399,000
GRASS-TO-WATER LOT ON LAKE LANIER!
IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED TREASURE ON BEAUTIFUL LOT-Time to Enjoy Every Moment...Huge Vltd Great Roomw/Stone Fireplace & Hardwood Flrs Open to Totally Remodeled Gourmet Kitch w/Granite, Island, Cherry Cabinets &Stainless Appl - Lovely Owner Ste on Main w/Fireplace, Guest Suite Up w/2 Rooms+Private Bath, DR & LR/Office, PartFinished Terrace Level + Workshop-Cvrd Slip-Dock.
$750,000
NEW LISTING ON SOUTH LAKE LANIER W/PEACEFUL VIEWS YEAR-ROUND!
IT'S TIME TO ENJOY LIFE-Summer is Just Around theCorner-Quality Built & Filled with Charm + "Cabin" StyleFinished Room on Terrace Level, Wrap-Around Porch &Screened Porch-Slip-Dock in Great Water.
$336,000
TOO LATE - IT'S GONE!
RARE OPPORTUNITY! CHARMING COTTAGE W/GORGEOUS WATER in Upscale Lake N'hood! Enjoy as Cottage or Expand-Flowers & Gardens Welcome you to RelaxedLiving - Lakeside Gathering Room w/Brick FP & Hardwood Flrs.,Bedrooms w/Pine Flrs, Open Kitch, Dining Rm., Peaceful Screened Porch to Enjoy Morning Coffee, Fin.Terrace Level w/2nd Kitchen-Patio & Fenced Area-Sunset Cove & Lakeside Restaurants a Short Boat Ride Away! If you are Looking for a "Lake Lot", You Won't FindAnything Better than This One!
$375,000
WOW! EXCELLENT DEEP WATER & VIEWS ON LAKE LANIER!!!
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38 LAKESIDE March 2012
Call Tom direct: 678 300 3800Office: 770 781-9621 • www.atlantadock.com • Email: [email protected] • Fax: 770 886-7373
• Galvanized docks• Aluminum docks • Boat/PWC lifts• Dock accessories
Custom manufactured and installed boat docksModern and traditional designs
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thoughtful design + engineered quality
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March 2012 LAKESIDE 39
• LLOVContinued from Page 17
LCKC Head Coach ClaudiuCiur. The former Romaniannational canoeist has coordi-nated numerous internationaltraining opportunities forLCKC members and Euro-pean paddlers.
Miller reported that ath-letes from the Rice CreekClub in Minnesota will alsobe coming to train withLCKC for two weeks thismonth.
Canadian Olympic Trials set for Lanier
CanoeKayak Canada con-firmed last month that it willhold its Sprint Olympic Trialsat the Lake Lanier OlympicVenue May 4-6. Elite Cana-dian athletes will compete onthe waters of the 1996Olympic Games to winOlympic berths for theircountry at the 2012 OlympicGames in London. LanierCanoe & Kayak Club officemanager Brenda Miller saidmembers are “really excited”about the Canadian trialscoming to their home venue.
LLRC Athlete of the Month
Denny masters the erg, strives to improve rowingBy Jane Harrison
When Tim Denny puts his longarms and legs into motion on theergometer, he’s a force to reckonwith. The 6’5” college professorturned in the fastest time in thepremiere Mark Williams Ergattaput on by the Lake Lanier Row-ing Club last month. His physicalattributes and mental attitudecombine to make rowing a naturalfit for him. For his recent achieve-ment, Lake Lanier Rowing Clubvice-president John Ferriss choseDenny as athlete of the month.Age: 59City of residence: Athens, Ga.Family: Wife, Susan Hodges;adult children, Riva and Ethan.Career: A University of Georgiaprofessor in the Department ofPlant Pathology, Denny is an ap-plied microbiologist who studiesbacteria that cause plant diseases.Why do you row? I enjoy gettingout on the water, very close to thewater, while being physically ac-tive and mentally engaged. Youhave to use both your body andyour mind to row well, and I stillhave lots to learn about the sport.I enjoy both the group dynamicsof being in boats with 2, 4 or 8rowers and also the time I can
spend alone in a single. Rowing isalso fantastic exercise – it is lowimpact and works all parts of yourbody, unlike almost any othersport. What attracted you to rowing? Ihave always enjoyed being in oron the water, starting as a kidwith competitive swimming andsailing small boats with family. Istarted windsurfing in the late’90s but it turned out to be a soli-tary and expensive sport and afterabout six years I was looking foran activity with a group of peo-ple. I was introduced to the LLRCby my daughter when shecoached and rowed with the clubone summer during college. Also,you can row a lot more frequentlythan you can sail around here, and
Tim Denny with daughter Riva.
it is better exercise.When did you start rowing withLLRC? I took a Learn to Rowclass at LLRC in the fall of 2005and immediately joined the club.However, after a few years I de-veloped carpel tunnel symptomsand had to stop rowing or ergingfor a few years until surgerysolved the problem. I have beenback full time for the last year.How often do you train on theerg? On the water? Living inAthens means it is time-consum-ing and expensive to get on thewater, so I usually only train inGainesville once a week duringclub practice Saturday mornings.This last year I have tried to erg athome two or three times perweek. If I am really training foran erg race then I will erg 4-5times per week. Unlike a lot ofclub members, I don’t find ergingparticularly boring provided I canplug into my iPod.To what do you attribute yourerg strength at the MarkWilliams Ergatta? It helps that Iam 6’ 5” tall, since I have longerreach and greater leverage thanshorter people. I am also quiteflexible and stronger than average– a combination of good genes
and lots of physical activity overthe years. I also probably trainmore on the erg than most of theother competitors. (I would notfare as well if I was racing thesame men on the water!)What do you consider yourrowing accomplishments? Mybest result was winning the 2009Atlanta Erg Sprint race for myage division while tying the eventrecord (6:48). The training andrace took everything I could give,and I don’t expect to ever matchthis effort.What are your rowing goals?My primary goal is to continueimproving as a rower. There is al-ways more to learn about styleand conditioning. I am slowlyworking on becoming goodenough in a single to race and becompetitive. My long term goal isto continue rowing for the rest ofmy life – it is the perfect sport togrow old in.Comments from Ferriss: “Timtrains on the erg a lot and rows onthe water when he’s here. Hepicked up rowing late in life,starting with Learn to Row andstayed with it. He’s tall and fit.He’s learning to row a single andhas embraced rowing as an adult.”
40 LAKESIDE March 2012
Lake Lanier Marinas InfoAQUALAND MARINAHours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week fortenants, 8 a.m. to sunset forvisitorsPhone: 770-967-6811Website: www.aqualandmarina.comLocation: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery BranchTypes of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers,& all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips,totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docksStore: YesStore/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a weekTypes of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.79On-site eatery: Dockside Grill Take-out menu: Sandwiches Restaurant description: CasualMenu: Famous “Docker Burger,” sandwiches, salads &seafood grilled & fried.Phone: 770-363-2318Security: 24/7, gatedAdditional amenities: Self service work yard with deepdraft well & marine travel lift, houseboat launchingramp, pump-out station, bathhouses with showers, laun-dry facilities, wet slips with private gated parking. Salesof new boats by Coast to Coast Yacht Sales, brokerageservices by Marine Max, rental boats & cabins by LanierAqua Rentals.
AQUAMARINA LAZY DAYS Hours of operation: Office/Dock,9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a weekPhone: 770-945-1991Website: www.lazydaysmarina.comLocation: 6700 Holiday Rd, BufordTypes of slips available: Wet docks for 75-150 foot cov-ered & 100-foot open slips; 554 dry stack; New 125' x24' & 150 x 26' HB slips now available.Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethonol and ValvTect diesel ma-rine fuelPrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12)) $4.69 premium; $4.39dieselSecurity: Holiday Marina security patrols marinaFull Maintenance, Repair and Service: Marine Max,770-614-6968Additional amenities: Free pump/porti-potti station formembers. Wet slips: private gated access, golf cart valetservice, free dockside pumpout. New gas dock easy ac-cess for houseboats. New courtesy docks for dry stackcustomers. Boat sales: Marine Max.
BALD RIDGE MARINAHours of operation: Office, Mon-Fri, 9a.m.-5 p.m., marina has 24/7 access.Phone: 770-887-5309Website: www.baldridgemarina.com Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., CummingTypes of slips available: Covered & uncovered.Store: Sandwich shop; some boating suppliesStore hours: SeasonalTypes of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; dieselPrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.59; $4.09 dieselOn-site eatery: Sandwich Market - SeasonalMenu: Grilled & cold sandwiches, pita wrap.Restaurant description: CasualPhone: 770-889-2185Security: 24/7 security, gatedAdditional amenities: Full-service department, parts de-partment, boat body work, yacht repair & Marine MaxStovall sales dock.
GAINESVILLE MARINA Hours of operation: Office,8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a weekPhone: 770-536-2171Website: www.gainesvillemarina.comLocation: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy., GainesvilleTypes of slips available: 600 slips, dry stack covered upto 25', wet covered & uncovered up to 80'.Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanolPrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.49 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5p.m., 7 days a week; Pay-at-the-Pump, 9 a.m.- ‘til dark, 7days a week)On-site eatery: Skogies (Seasonal Wed. thru Sun.)Menu: Barbecue, seafood and American fare. Phone: 678-450-1310 Security: 7 days a weekAdditional amenities: Parts department, land serviceshop, recreational room, bath house, pumpout station.Sales of new, used and brokerage boats. Bennington Pon-toon Boats, Four Winns Deck/Sport Boats and YamahaOutboards.
HABERSHAM MARINA Hours of operation:Office/Store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7days a weekPhone: 770-887-5432Website: www.habershammarina.comLocation: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., CummingTypes of slips available: 650 slips for dry storage up to27’Store: YesTypes of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanolPrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.39 (Dock open 9 a.m.-4p.m., Mon.-Sat./Closed on Sun.)Security: Yes Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing andbottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities areavailable.
HIDEAWAY BAY MARINAHours of operation: Office: 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m., 7 days; Marina: 24/7Phone: 770-967-5500Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.comLocation: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery BranchTypes of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150)Showroom: Atlanta MarineStore/Gas Dock hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 7 days aweek)Types of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanolPrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.29On-site eatery: Fish TalesSecurity: 24/7 manned securityAdditional amenities: Restaurant-Seasonal, completeboat/motor repair, new bathhouse w/ locked showers andAC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage.
HOLIDAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock,8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a weekPhone: 770-945-7201Website: www.holidaylakelanier.comLocation: 6900 Holiday Rd., BufordTypes of slips available: 22-100' Uncovered including 80,90, and 100' Breakwater Slips; 26-85' Covered Slips to-talling 1238 SlipsStore: Yes; Convenience items and basic boating sup-plies.Types of fuel: Premium, unleaded & diesel, non-ethanol
Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12): $4.99 premium; $4.89 un-leaded; $4.49 diesel (5 percent discount with Westrec ad-vantage membership) On-site eatery: Castaways Seafood Bar & GrillMenu: Seafood, burgers, sandwiches & salads Phone: 678-765-8300Security: 24/7Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service,pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US
LANIER HARBOR MARINAHours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,7 days; Gas dock: 24 hours.Phone: 770-945-2884Website: www.lanierharbor.comLocation: 2066 Pinetree Dr., BufordTypes of slips available: 40’x16’ & 50’x18’, withpower, water, satellite hook-upStore: Yes Store hours: 24/7 gas dock & store Types of fuel: 89 octane, 93 octanePrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.59 mid-grade, $4.69premium, with 10 cents off a gallon, both mid-grade andpremium, for Boat US members.Security: 24/7Additional amenities: 24/7 towing service
PORT ROYALE MARINA Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7days a weekPhone: 770-887-5715Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royaleLocation: 9200 Lan Mar Rd., GainesvilleTypes of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 8'; covered,24' to 50' totaling 514 slips & dry stack storage (464) forup to 39' & 115 covered bay sheds to store boats on trail-ers.Store: Service Store & Ship StoreStore/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a weekTypes of fuel: 90-octanePrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.49On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and GrillSecurity: Night securityAdditional amenities: Climate controlled bath housewith showers, 24/7 self-service pump out, rental boats,Courtesy dock for dry stack, two ship stores, full-servicecenter, largest floating gas dock in Ga., 16 gas pumps.
SUNRISE COVE MARINAHours of operation:Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,Wed.-Mon., closed Tues.Phone: 770-536-8599Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.comLocation: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., GainesvilleTypes of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat BreakwaterDock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry StorageSpaces (boats on trailer).Store: YesStore/Dock hours: 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon., closedTues.Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanolPrice of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.79 with 5 percent off withWestrec Advantage Membership Security: 24/7Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundryfacility and pump-out open 24/7.
42 LAKESIDE March 2012
OUTDOORS ON LAKE LANIER
Trillium Trek attracting trail runners to Chicopee Woods
PHOTO COURTESY ELACHEE NATURE SCIENCE CENTER
Racers in the March 24 Trillium Trek Trail Race may spy toadshadetrilliums in bloom along the race course.
PHOTO COURTESY ELACHEE NATURE SCIENCE CENTER
Runners in Chicopee Woods take on the trails in last year's TrilliumTrek race.
By Jane HarrisonMore than a decade ago a trail
race in Chicopee Woods becamenearly legendary to runners whotrekked single track trails on thehilly, forested terrain aroundElachee Nature Science Center inGainesville.
Held only two years, in 1999and 2000, the challenging racehad runners begging the formerGainesville Road Runners to hostit again. Known as the “Why didthe Chicken Cross the Road15K,” it disappeared as the clubleadership changed and fewwanted to assume responsibilityfor putting on such a logisticallychallenging event again.
A similar race, with some dis-tance options, has re-emerged inthe March 24 Trillium Trek TrailRun at Chicopee Woods. Orga-nized by Elachee Nature ScienceCenter, the event features a half-marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer contest, plus shorterruns for kids.
“It’s a run through the woodsin the springtime” said race or-ganizer Cynthia Taylor, ElacheeNatural Resource Manager. Butlest trekkers be lulled by thoughtsof early blooming toadshade tril-liums and chirping robins, sheadded this bit of insight: “It’s asingle track, narrow, dirt trail thatmeanders across creeks and
climbs hills.” In other words, itcan be a tough run.
Unlike the Trillium Trek EcoAdventure put on by Elachee inprevious years, the new renditiondeletes the team aspect, naviga-tional skill and botanical knowl-edge. “We expect betterparticipation this year” with a for-mat that focuses on trail running,Taylor said. As of late February,the number of entries had alreadyreached about half of the 100-150projected turn-out. Taylor said ap-plicants were about equally splitbetween the three distances.
The 5K and 10K traverseElachee hiking trails, which are alittle gentler than the half-marathon, which covers both hik-ing and mountain bike trails. Allthree routes cross the 140-footlong suspension bridge over Wal-nut Creek and the longer runsalso rim Chicopee Lake.
The trek is part of the TrailRunner Trophy series, a points-based series of 139 races in theU.S. and Canada. Taylor saidsome trophy series contendershad already registered by the endof last month. She expects thetrek’s listing in the current TrailRunner magazine calendar couldbring more series entries.
Elachee is organizing the raceto raise funds for its programsand to “get people out on the
trails,” Taylor said.Local ultra-marathon runner
Gary Dover knows ChicopeeWoods as few others do from log-ging literally thousands of milesthere. The mountain bike sectionsare “rocky, riveting, tight, twistytrails that I enjoy running on,”said Dover, whose longest ultrarace has been the Pinhoti-100Mile Trail Race across ridges inthe Talladega National Forest inAlabama.
The Chicopee trails “help pre-pare me for ultras,” Dover said.Although mountain bikers havegiven descriptive names to someparts – Granny’s Climb, Old ZigZag, Bent Gear Island – Doverand his running partner DougCassiday have a trail lexicon oftheir own. “Those names are notvery printable,” Dover quipped.
He said that a large, old brokenreplica of a champagne bottle thatrunners in the defunct chickenrace once gawked at still crownsthe top of “Champain Hill.” Com-petitors in the Trillium Trek halfmarathon may feel they deserve atoast when they reach that sum-mit.
Dover finds a special appeal intrail running. “If the trails wereoutside my front door, I’d runthem every day. It’s much easieron the body (than running roads).It takes some adapting for trailslike Chicopee, but once you’readapted it’s much easier,” he said.
Dover said he “will definitely”consider running the TrilliumTrek and that he does not antici-pate it being an easier task thanhis ultra runs. “Oh my gosh,they’re all hard. You just have aharder effort for a shorter time,”he said.
Race organizer Taylor saidElachee volunteers are workingthe trails to ease passage for run-ners. She expects 20 volunteerswill join the race committee onrace day. The bike trails will beclosed during the trek.
“We’re excited. We’re commit-ted and we’ve worked very hard,”Taylor said. One thing they didnot have to work on is spring’sseemingly early debut this year.“The wildflowers will be earlyand on full display,” she said.After the trek runners might wantto head back out and get a morerelaxed look at the toad shade tril-lium and about four other vari-eties of the native plant for whichthe race is named.
Trillium Trek Trail RunDate: March 24Events/Time: Half-marathon, 10K, 5K 9:30 a.m.; Kids’ Fun Run8:30 a.m.Where: Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr.,Gainesville.Cost: $25, kids $5Awards: First place finishers in all categories get hand carved al-abaster pendants. Second and third place finishers receive woodenplaques with laser engraving.Race information: Routes will be marked with arrows and directedby volunteers. Strollers and dogs are not permitted. There will befive water stops. Half-marathon runners are advised to carry addi-tional water for longer stretches, especially the first leg. Refresh-ments, raffle prizes, and naturalist-led activities are planned. Seewww.elachee.org/trilliumtrek for course maps and additional infor-mation. Registration: www.active.com. Contact Elachee at (770)535-1976.
• BurnsContinued from Page 24
area, see animated radar of yourarea, and best of all, you canwatch live streaming video ofour storm coverage on WSB-TV. Last year in Alabama, so-cial media and the severe stormapp proved to be life-savingtechnology, as power was outfor more than 250,000 people.Without it, there could havebeen a great many more injuries
and deaths. So, while our spring flowers
begin to emerge, please take thetime to make a family prepared-ness plan and get something tokeep you informed. Every se-vere storm expert I have con-sulted agrees it could be anotherbrutal spring.
Glenn Burns is chief meteor-ologist for WSB-TV in Atlanta.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 43
Outdoor Activity CalendarMarch 2012
See Lake Lanier Olympic Venue Calendarfor canoe/kayak and rowing activities
Aqua ActivitiesNorth Georgia
Super SprintTriathlon, Daw-sonville. First racein five-event se-ries of triathonsfor adults andchildren. All swims are in pools. Distancesfor ages 14 and older: 250 yard swim, 10mile bike, 2.25 mile run; children’s dis-tances vary by age group. 8 a.m. May 20,Veterans Memorial Park, 186 RecreationRd. $50 adults, $45 children; $5 discountbefore May 15. www.fivestarntp.com,(770) 596-7154.
Iron Girl Atlanta Women’s Triathlon,Buford. 1/3 mi. swim, 19 mile bike, 3 mi.run, 7 a.m. May 20, Lake Lanier IslandsResort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy.$127; $12 discount USAT members.www.irongirl.com.
Beast of the East Half SteelmanTriathlon, Hayesville, N.C. /Hiawassee.Swim 1.2 mi, bike 53 miles, run 13 miles,7:30 a.m. May 20, Clay County RecreationPark, Myers Chapel Rd. Individuals $115by Feb. 20, $145 Feb. 20-May 10; $155after or day of race. Relays $150/$180/$195. www.thebeastoftheeast.net.,www.active.com
Summer Sizzler Triathlon,Gainesville. 500 yard swim, 15 mile bike,5K run, 7 a.m. June 10, Lake LanierOlympic Venue, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd.Individuals $72 by May 27, $92 after; re-lays $125/$145. USAT member discount.Additional on-line and mail in registrationfees. www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
My First/Next Triathlon, Buford.Triathlon festival with two events eachday. 1/4 mi. swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run.Next Triathlon 7:45 a.m., First Triathlon 8a.m. June 9 & 10, Lake Lanier Islands Re-sort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy. $69-$79. www.firsttri.com, www.active.com.(800) 343-4466.
Brenau Masters Swim Team,Gainesville. Practice and competitive pro-gram for masters swimmers of all levels,high school age and older. Mondays,Wednesdays, Fridays 6-7 a.m., BrenauUniversity Natatorium, Washington/PriorSt. $60 month. (770) 532-6279, [email protected]: Triathlons fill up quickly. Early reg-istration is encouraged.
Grounded pursuits:ISI Cycling, Gainesville. Group bicycle
rides all speeds and levels, 7:30 a.m. Sat-urdays; fast pace ride 7:30 a.m. Sundays,Corinth Baptist Church, ThompsonBridge/Mt. Vernon Rd; 30-60 mile rides allspeeds and levels, 1 p.m. Kroger shoppingcenter, 3630 Thompson Bridge Rd. Free.www.isicycling.com.
Planetarium Show “No Place LikeHome,” Dahlonega. Program explores pos-
sibilities of other earth worlds. Doors open7:30 p.m., show begins 8 p.m. Fridays (ex-cept March 16) through April 20, GeorgeE. Coleman, Sr. Planetarium, North Geor-gia College & State University, Room 234Health & Natural Sciences Building, Sun-set Dr. No late seating. Off-site observa-tory open after show, weather permitting.Free. (706) 864-1471,www.northgeorgia.edu/planetarium.
Triathlon Club, Gainesville. Call oremail for information about group bikerides, swim clinics, runs. (770) 532-2453,www.gobaxters.com.
Appalachian Trail Celebration, Back-packing Clinic, Dawsonville. Tales of trailadventures, demonstrations, workshops onAT hiking, March 2-4, Amicalola FallsState Park, 418 Amicalola Falls State ParkRoad. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org,(706) 265-1969.
First Saturday Hike,Gainesville. Look for firstsigns of spring in naturalist-led hike in Chicopee Woods,10-11:30 a.m. March 3,Elachee Nature ScienceCenter, 2125 Elachee Dr.Adults $5, 2-12, $3,younger than 2 and Elachee members free.www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
CASA Superhero 5K/1K Run/Walk,Cumming. 8 a.m. March 3, Fowler Park,4110 Carolene Way. $25 5K, $101K.www.active.com, www.forsythcounty-casa.org, (404) 590-3278.
Trail Crew Work Day, Gainesville.Bring water, lunch and gloves for trailmaintenance work, tools provided, ages 18and older, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 3,Elachee Nature Science Center, 2123Elachee Drive. Call to register.www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
8-50 mile bike rides, Gainesville. Easyto strenuous loop rides with Chicken CityCyclists, 10 a.m. March 3 & 10, DewberryChurch, Clarks Bridge Rd. Free. (770)534-7075, [email protected].
Challenged Child 5K, 1-MileRun/Walk, Gainesville. 1-mile 2 p.m., 5K2:30 p.m. March 4, Riverside MilitaryAcademy, 2001 Riverside Dr. $25 by Feb.18, $30 after. www.runningintheusa.com,(770) 535-8372.
Mountain Biking Basics Series, Helen.Four part skill building and ride series withWoody’s Mountain Bikes; bikes and hel-mets provided, 1-3 pm. Sundays March 4-25, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61Tsalaki Trl. $100, plus $5 parking.www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.
SORBA, Oakwood. Southern Off-RoadBicycle Association Gainesville chaptermeeting, 6:30 p.m. March 5, El SombreroMexican Restaurant, 3640 Mundy MillRd. www.gainesvillesorba.org.
Lanier Running Club, Gainesville.Club meeting, 7 p.m. March 5, Johnny’sPizza, 204 Carrington Park Dr.www.lanierrunningclub.org.
Full Moon Hike, Tallulah Falls. Strenu-ous guided night hike in gorge to suspen-sion bridge over Hurricane Falls.7:30-9:30 p.m. March 8; 8:30-10:30
March 9, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5, plus $5 parking.Register in advance.www.gastateparks.org, (706) 754-7981.
Chicken City Cyclists, Gainesville.Club meeting, 6 p.m March 8, PasqualesItalian Restaurant, 1011 Riverside Dr.(770) 534-7075, [email protected].
Adopt a Stream Workshop,Gainesville. Stream monitoring training.Trainees younger than 18 must be accom-panied by adult. 6-10 p.m. March 9, 9a.m.-4 p.m. March 10, Elachee Nature Sci-ence Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $5 in ad-vance. Registration required.www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
Wildlife Show, Winder. Demonstrationwith native and exotic animals, 6-7 p.m.March 10, Campground 1 Amphitheatre,Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $3,plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org,(678) 963-8891.
Traditional, Novice Off-RoadDuathlons, Winder. Traditional duathlonrun 3.8 miles, mountain bike 10 miles, run2.1 miles; novice run 3.8 miles, mountainbike 10 miles. 9 a.m. March 10, Fort YargoState Parks, 210 S. Broad St. Individuals$45, $50 race day; relays $65 perteam/$70. www.active.com.
Precious Feet 5K, 8 a.m., March 10 atthe Old Train Depot, 5302 Railroad Ave.,Flowery Branch. Proceeds go to help un-born babies and crisis pregnancies. Regis-tration at 7 a.m. and race at 8 a.m. Pricesvary on race option. Early sign-up throughMarch 5 at Depot. Registration closesMarch 8. Info/registration:www.active.com.
Basic Land Navigation, Helen. Lessonon navigation with map and compass, dis-cussion of GPS vs. compass, 10 a.m.-1p.m. March 10, Smithgall Woods StatePark, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $15, plus $5 parking.www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.
Hiking & History, Dahlonega. Ap-palachian Trail veteran Charles Aikenshares trail history, experiences. 5:30-7:30p.m. March 15, Dahlonega Gold Museum& Historic Site, 1 Public Square. $3.50-$6.www.gastateparks.org, (706) 864-2257.
Fun at the Fort, Winder. Candlemak-ing, bread baking and other traditional ex-periences at the historic fort. 7-9 p.m.March 16, 23, 30, Apr. 6, Fort Yargo StatePark, 210 S. Broad St. $3, plus $5 park-ing.www.gastateparks.org, (770) 387-3747.
Spring on Springer Trail Fest,Dahlonega. Hiking/backpacking work-shops, speakers, films, music, shuttles toAppalachian Trail southern terminus atSpringer Mountain, 5K trail run, equip-ment vendors. March 16-18, DahlonegaSquare & Hancock Park. www.dahlonega-trailfest.org.
Spring on Springer 5K, Dahlonega.Trail run 9 a.m. March 17, Lake ZwernerTrail, Ga. 52, 1 mile north of DahlonegaSquare. $20, $15 students.www.dahlonegatrailfest.org.
Fallen Heroes of Georgia 5K/ 10K/1K,
Buford. 8 a.m. March 17, Lake Lanier Is-lands Resort, 7000 Lake Lanier IslandsPkwy. 1K $15, 5K $25, 10K $30. www.ac-tive.com, (678) 794-6135.
Flies & Fly Water, Helen. Fly-fishinghow to session on fly tying, stream read-ing, casting and more. 9:30 a.m.-noonMarch 17. Smithgall Woods State Park, 61Tsalaki Trail. Register in advance. $5; freeto kids under age 12. $5 parking.www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.
Crow Calling 5K, Cleveland. 5K, 1-mile, 3 p.m./3:45 March 18. Mossy CreekMethodist Church, 2154 Post Rd. $15 inadvance, $20 race day www.georgiarun-ner.com, (678) 997-5840.
Bark in the Park, Gainesville. Doggames and contests 2-4 p.m. March 24,Rock Creek Park Amphitheatre, Acad-emy/Northside Dr. Spectators free, $5 perdog contest. www.gainesville.org/recre-ation, (770) 531-2680.
Endangered Plants of Georgia,Gainesville. Lecture by Jennifer Ceskafrom the UGA State Botanical Garden.Noon March 22, Elachee Nature ScienceCenter, 2125 Elachee Dr. $5; membersfree. www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
Spring Wine Highway Weekend,North Georgia. Wine tastings at NorthGeorgia wineries. 2-5 p.m. March 23; 11a.m.-5 p.m. March 24; 12:30-5 p.m. March25. $25. www.georgiawine.com.
Trillium Trek Trail Run, Gainesville.5K, 10K, half-marathon on single tracktrails in Chicopee Woods; kids’ fun run. 9a.m. March 24, Elachee Nature ScienceCenter, 2125 Elachee Dr. $25, kids $5.www.elachee.org/trilliumtrek, (770) 535-1976.
Fort Yargo Colonial Market Faire,Winder. 18th century living history eventwith arts & crafts, kettlecorn & frontierfrybread. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 30-Apr. 1.Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $2-$5, plus $5 parking.www.gastateparks.org, (770) 387-3747.
Backyard Conservation Workshop,Gainesville. Learn about composting, raingardens, capturing rain water. 10 a.m.-noon March 31, Elachee Nature ScienceCenter, 2125 Elachee Dr. Free. Call to pre-register. www.elachee.org. (770) 535-1976.
Stars over Elachee at Chicopee Lake,Gainesville. Learn how to use a telescope,view the night sky. 7:30-9:30 p.m. March31. Bring pencil and flashlight. For ages 8and up. Register in advance. Elachee Na-ture Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr.Adults $10, ages 8-12 $5.www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
Easter Fun, Helen. Create an Easterbasket, hunt eggs. 10 a.m.-noon, April 6,Unicoi State Park, 1788 Hwy. 356. $5parking. (706) 878-2201, Ext. 305.
Wild about Wildflowers, Helen.Guided wildflower identification hikes. 1-3 p.m. each Sat. in April, Unicoi StatePark, 1788 Hwy. 356. Register in ad-vance. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201, Ext.305.
MORE INFO: Additions/corrections, email [email protected]
- Compiled by Jane Harrison
44 LAKESIDE March 2012
Lakeview DiningBig Creek Tavern - Lunch, dinner andbreakfast at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Open yeararound. Featuring the “Best” Angus Beef, astep up from old-fashioned American food.Billiards, video games, beer, wine, liquor.Buford. B-3, 678-482-1662.Bullfrogs Bar & Grille - Located at LegacyLodge & Conference Center at Lake LanierIslands Resort. Open for lunch and dinnerdaily. Dine poolside or indoors. Selections in-clude salads, sandwiches, entrees, dessertsand a variety of drink options from full-serv-ice bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Bu-ford. B-3, 770-945-8787.Castaways - Holiday Marina. Offering rawand steamed seafood, salads, sandwiches,baskets and entrees, such as seared tunasashimi, Gulf Coast oysters and Cajun black-ened Mahi Mahi. Seasonal seafood: crawfish,stone crabs and soft-shell crabs. Full bar serv-ice. Mon-Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 11a.m.to 9 p.m. C-3 678-765-8300.Dockside Grill - Offering full lake views ofLanier in a casual outdoor setting. New thisyear: covered deck and furniture. Featuringthe famous Docker burger, sandwiches in-cluding grouper, tuna and mahi and expandedseafood and salad offerings. Aqualand Ma-rina, Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-363-2318.Fish Tales Lakeside Grille - Casual lakesidedining featuring grouper fingers, signaturesalads and much more. Full service indoorand outdoor bar with live music. Expandedpatio and new TVs. Open for lunch and din-ner everyday during spring & summer, week-ends fall & winter. Hideaway Bay Marina.C-3, 770-967-3775.Pelican Pete’s - Picturesque dining right onthe water at Port Royale in an open-airthatched-roof building. Selection of sand-wiches, burgers, fish and more. Sun-Thu 11a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. B-2, 770 887-5715 ext. 5. Pier 29 - Located on Lake Lanier at lakemarker 29 opposite Browns Bridge. Newlyrenovated family friendly restaurant with aseparate bar and dining patio with live music.Open for lunch and dinner, seven days aweek. Offering fish, shrimp, steak, burgers,wings, and hand-spun milkshakes. EveryMonday, buy 10 wings get 10 free. Docksidedelivery available at restaurant’s courtesydock as well as delivery to Port Royal Marina.www.pier29onlanier.com, 770-781-2242.(Former Lantern Inn location.)Sandwich Market - Offers sandwiches, pitawraps, gyros & lahvosh. Baldridge Marina,Cumming. Seasonal. 770-889-2185.Skogies - Specializing in seafood and Amer-ican fare. Open 7 days a week. GainesvilleMarina, C-1, 678-450-1310. Sunset Cove Beach Club - An open-aireatery on a quiet stretch of beach near Chat-tahoochee Rapids at Lake Lanier Islands Re-sort. Open for lunch and dinner. Views of thelake during the day or dine under the stars inthe glow of firelight from the fireplace. Comeby car or boat. Also at Sunset Cove, Dog andDraft features 12 beers on draft, plus hotdogs, brats and sausage in pretzel buns. Fireand Ice kiosk offers smoked barbecue and
burgers. On the waterpark side, Gianni’sItalian Bistro serves pizza, subs and pasta.By water, Sunset Cove is between buoys7SC and 5SC. www.lakelanierislands.com.Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787.Windows Restaurant - Located at LegacyLodge & Conference Center at Lake LanierIslands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier.Provides breakfast buffet, and menu optionsdaily and special dining events every Satur-day night throughout the season. Guests mayarrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, www.lake-lanierislands.com. 770-945-8787.
AmericanAustin’s Steak and Seafood - Specialties in-clude seafood, premium aged steaks andchops, baby-back ribs, chicken and pasta.Open daily, lunch and dinner. Full bar. Cum-ming. A-3, 770-844-0902.Collegiate - Old-fashioned hamburgers, hotdogs and milk shakes served in 1940s setting.Gainesville. C-2, 678-989-2280.CooCoos Nest - Open for lunch, dinner andSunday Brunch offering wings, salads com-plimented by fresh meats hand cut daily fromFergusons Meat Market. Also featuringsteaks, chops and seafood. House favoritesinclude beer battered fries, hooch beans (abattered and fried green bean), Cuban sand-wich and the Quesadilla Burger. Live enter-tainment weekly. Located at GA 400, Exit16, Pilgrim Mill Rd. at Freedom Pkwy.Cumming. A-3, 678-456-8932; www.coocoonest.com.Foster House - Lunch and dinner servedfamily-style featuring casual dining at lunchand fine dining in evening. Lunch served 11-2:30, Mon.-Fri. Dinner served 5-8:30 p.m.,Thurs.; 5-9:30 p.m. Fri./Sat. Cumming. A-3,770-887-9905.Norman’s Landing - Specializing in freshseafood, hand-cut steaks, Canadian baby-back ribs with Kansas City barbecue sauce.Cumming. Casual. A-3, 770-886-0100.Two Dog Café – Classic small town dinerwith an emphasis on fresh food and fast serv-ice for lunch and dinner. Located at 317Spring St. Gainesville. C-2, 770-287-8384.Wild Wing Café – Offers casual dining, livemusic, special Monday Trivia Night and 2Fer Tuesday nights (buy a dozen, get a dozenwings free). Located at 311 Jesse JewellPkwy., Gainesville. C-2, 770-536-9177.Yahoola Creek Grill – Features Southern-inspired, made-from-scratch cooking fromour outdoor deck, cozy dining room and loft.Full beer and wine list. Lunch and dinner,Wed.-Sat. Open for brunch and supper onSunday. Closed Mon./Tues. Located on S.Chestatee St., Dahlonega. 706-482-2200;www.yahoolacreekgrill.com.
Continental/Fine DiningAdam’s - Offering American Mediterraneancuisine including Rack of Lamb, Calf’s LiverAnglaise, Mediterranean Chicken Penne,Oysters Rockefeller, and Seafood PastillaRolls. Full bar. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5-10:30p.m. 15 East Main St., Buford, B-3. 678 754-0379.Aqua Terra Bistro - European fusion cui-sine served daily. Open for lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; noon-2:30 p.m., Sat.;
dinner hours are 5-10 p.m., Mon.-Sun. Lo-cated on Buford’s historic Main Street. Noreservations. B-3, 770-271-3000.Blue Bicycle – a bistro touting “great food ina place not to feel rushed.” Open for lunchThurs./Fri.; open for dinner Tues.-Sat. Reser-vations are suggested. Located at 671 Lump-kin Campground Road, behind the OutletMall on 400. Dawsonville. 706-265-2153.Corkscrew Café - Fine dining featuring var-ied menu choices, open lunch and dinner.Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Tues.-Thurs.;11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./Sat.; noon-9 p.m.,Sun. Reservations suggested. Located on 51West Main St., Dahlonega. 706-867-8551.Dominick’s Italian Restaurant - Featurescuisine from the north of Italy, with veal,chicken and seafood dishes. Favorites includechicken saltimbocca and garlic bread appe-tizer. Half-price bottles of wine on Mondaynights, half-price appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m.on Tuesdays and endless pasta and salad onWednesdays. Dominick’s is open Mondaythru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunchand dinner from 5 until 9:30 p.m. Located atthe corner of Buford Hwy. and Hamilton MillRd in the Buford Village Shopping Center.770-614-0019, Buford. B-3.Firesalt Tavern - Fine-dining restaurant in acasual atmosphere and a café-to-go. Café fea-tures gourmet coffee, to-go items and fullbreakfast and lunch. Restaurant features finesteaks, shrimp and grits, fresh seafood in-cluding scallops and salmon. Open Mon-Sun.Café to go is open for breakfast and lunch;tavern is open for lunch and dinner. Cornerof Buford Hwy. and Hamilton Mill Rd in theBuford Village Shopping Center. 770-932-6284, Buford. B-3.Luna’s - Continental cuisine, romantic at-mosphere. Gainesville. C-2, 770-531-0848.Oar House in Dahlonega - Specialties: hand-cut steaks, seafood dishes and homemade
desserts. Located Hwy 52E, 4 miles east ofDahlonega. Reservations suggested. 706-864-9983.Poor Richard’s - Specializing in Prime Rib,steaks, ribs and fresh seafood. Casual dining,dinner only. Full-service bar. Gainesville. C-1, 770-532-0499.Scott’s on the Square - Upscale casual am-bience with specialty sandwiches for lunchand gourmet entrees for dinner. Gainesvillesquare. C-2. 770-536-1111.
Barbecue/Country/Home CookingJohnny’s BBQ - Real Pit BBQ pork, chicken& ribs. Brunswick stew. Minutes from Clark’sBridge rowing venue. Gainesville. Casual. D-1, 770-536-2100Old McDonald’s BBQ - Real Pit BBQ,Brunswick stew, ribs. Minutes from LakeLanier. Casual. Buford. B-3, 770-945-3431.
DeliCommon Grounds Coffee Shoppe - Lightbreakfast, lunch and dinner and desserts fol-lowed by fresh roasted coffee. FloweryBranch. C-3, 770-967-4080.
ItalianPiazza - Features traditional Italian dishes,homemade raviolis, pizza, chicken, veal andseafood specialities. Open seven days aweek: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./Sat. Located on 24 East MainSt., Dahlonega. 706-867-9881.
MexicanLa Cazuela - An Atlanta area landmarkthat’s expanded to two locations aroundLanier. Features fajitas, selection of combi-nation platters and more. Cumming, 678-947-0718, Buford, 770-614-6871.
OrientalLittle Tokyo - Japanese dining - hibachi grill,sushi. Dine in, take out. Open Tues. - Fri.10:30 am - 10:30 pm; Sat-Sun 12 pm-10 pm;Closed Mon. Buford. B-4, 770-945-3350.
Lakeside’s Dining Guide
March 2012 LAKESIDE 45
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46 LAKESIDE March 2012
By Pamela A. Keene
If you’re a boater in trouble,the best sight you’ll eversee on Lake Lanier is the
bright-red TowBoatUS assistancevessel headed your way. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days aweek, 365 days a year, CaptainRobert Estrada and his crew offive other TowBoatUS captainsare on call to boaters out of gas,stranded on an underwater ob-struction or with mechanicalproblems.
Robert goes about his job qui-etly and calmly as owner of oneof the busiest TowBoatUS fresh-water ports in the nation, butlooks can be deceiving. The 50-year-old is passionate about hiswork, and he’s gained a nationalreputation worthy of the kudos hereceives from the company yearafter year.
As a kid growing up in SandySprings, Robert said he alwaysliked helping people. His fatherfrequently took him boating andfishing on Lake Lanier and Al-abama’s Lake Martin, so a love ofthe water and the outdoors alsocame naturally. After studyingpsychology from Daytona BeachCommunity College (“Being nearthe beach wasn’t bad, either,” hesaid), he continued to move hiscareer forward in the restaurantbusiness, heading back to Atlanta.
“It seems like I worked inrestaurants forever, and I did justabout every job there was.”
His gig at S&W Seafood inSandy Springs was just down thestreet from Timothy John’s,where another avid water-loverworked. Soon Estrada andBarkley Geib became good
friends.Headed to the water
In 1993, Barkley purchasedLanier Harbor Marina andquickly – “the next day,” Geibsaid – Estrada went to work withhim. “We both spent much ofFebruary 1993 learning how topark boats,” Geib said. “Neitherof us knew how to drive tractorsuntil then.”
That same year, Geib started atowing service and put Estrada incharge. “We had dry storage, lotsof new boat owners, and some-times they needed help out on thewater,” Robert said. “It was just anatural thing that grew into aneven bigger business.”
After only a few months, theLanier Harbor Towing Service af-filiated with TowBoatUS and of-fered services lake wide. Estradamanaged the towing business andserved as general manager ofLanier Harbor Marina for the firstseven years of operation. Whenthe towing business became full-time in 1999, Robert traded hisgeneral manager duties for opera-tions with boat towing.
Lanier Harbor continued toserve as home. One of the ma-rina’s distinguishing features is its24-hour gas dock; Lanier’s Tow-BoatUS operates the same waywith 24-hour monitoring of VHFChannel 16 and company phone.
Within a few years, Lanier’sTowBoatUS “port” (the industrylingo for location) was winningawards and earning nationalrecognition.
Lake Lanier is among the topthree most-visited Corps of ArmyEngineer projects in the nation,generally topping eight million
visitors annually. With this manyvisitors, it stands to reason thatLanier would be a busy place forboat service businesses of allkinds.Awards and national credibility
Estrada and the Lanier opera-tion won its first national Dis-patchers’ Choice Award in 1998.Since then, the port has been rec-ognized as tops in the country for12 of the past 13 years. In 2011,he was named Tower of the Year(tow-er, as in towing boats), be-cause of the professionalism ofhim and his staff at Lanier. WhenRobert received the recognition atthe BoatUS Towing Services An-nual Conference that year in LongBeach, Calif., the company’sthen-vice president of towingservices Jerry Cardarelli braggedon the Lanier operation.
“Capt. Estrada deserves to berecognized for his stellar serviceto boaters, as well as his top-flight internal operations,” Car-darelli said. “We are very proudof his operation and for the pro-fessionalism of his staff.”
Estrada is quick to give creditto his captains – Ed Gaito, RickDieumegarde, husband and wifeMike and Carol Stacey, and ScottSears, who worked side by sidewith him at Lanier Harbor, suc-ceeding Estrada as general man-ager before joining the leadershipteam at West Marine in Buford.They operate three tow boats, onebased at Lanier Harbor, one atAqualand and the third at his cap-tain’s home on Six-Mile Creek.
TowBoatUS Lake Lanier hastowed and salvaged more than
Shore LinesFrom the fascinating to the remarkable, Lake Lanier harbors
many personalities and places along its shores. Lakeside pres-ents “Shore Lines” – stories about people who live, work andplay around the lake and the places that make the area special.
Robert Estrada at work.
THIS GUY REALLY KNOWS LAKE LANIER
On call, all the time: Estrada and company are there to help
Ashley and Emma take in a pontoon boat ride.
10,000 boats since 1993, handlingeverything from eight-foot PWCsto 125-foot mega-houseboats. TheLanier operation is part of a na-tionwide network of more than300 ports that maintain a fleet of600 TowBoatUS and Vessel As-sist towboats. It has continuallybeen ranked one of the top five inBoatUS membership sales amongthe fleet.
Estrada has been featured onthe Nuts & Bolts Boating SeriesDVDs with his vast knowledge ofboating safety and what to dowhen things go wrong on a boat.He serves on the board of theBoatUS Tower Council. He’s thecurrent president of the EasternInland Marine Assistance Associ-ation of C-Port, an organizationhe helped found. And he’s calledupon by other TowBoatUS portsto consult, do clinics and help getthem established.
Much like an auto club, Boa-tUS Towing Services offers “un-limited” towing plans for LakeLanier boaters starting at just $58a year, which includes BoatUSmembership and discounts atWest Marine. Members also re-ceive a 10-cent per gallon dis-count for fuel purchased at LanierHarbor. For another $14, inlandtrailer boaters also take advantageof the Trailer Assist program fortrailer roadside assistance mostauto clubs won’t pay for.
Geib and Estrada have spear-headed a special unlimited fresh-water towing program that’sbeing adopted by TowBoatUSacross the country.
“Where else can you pay $58 a
year and trailer your boat to an-other state’s fresh-water lake orriver and still get free towingwhen you’re a member?” he said.“In fact, if you’re a TowBoatUSmember and there’s no port whereyou’re boating, TowBoatUS willreimburse you for towing if youneed it.”
On the home frontAlthough he and his captains
are on call around the clock,Estrada does have a life outside oftowing boats. He and his wifeAshley, who manages the booksfor the business, have an almost4-year-old daughter Emma.
“She’s been boating with ussince she was 2 months old,” hesaid. “She just loves the water.”
For fun, the family goes pon-tooning to a favorite spot with awhite-sand beach away from thehectic pace of the main channel.“We just get out there, swim andenjoy the lake,” he said. “We goas often as we can, but in ourbusiest months Ashley knowsshe’s a summer widow.”
Currently, Ashley’s a full-timestudent at Gainesville State Col-lege, majoring in education. “Hercalling is teaching and she’sgoing to be really good at it.”
The couple met at Lanier Har-bor about eight years ago.
Estrada is full-out for fishing,both fresh- and salt-water. He’seven gotten his father hooked.
When he goes on vacation,he’ll often contact a local Tow-BoatUS owner and hitch a ridefor a day or so. He said he reallyjust enjoys being out on the water,
See Shore Lines, page 47
March 2012 LAKESIDE 47
• Shore LinesContinued from Page 46
PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON
Is there an upside to proposed reservoir? Are you concerned about
water levels in Lake Lanier orhaving enough water in theChattahoochee above the lakefor recreation on the river and atstate parks? If so, take a veryhard look at the proposed 850-acre impoundment in HallCounty known as Glades Reser-voir.
With a $350 million pricetag, it’s not the bargain thatlocal boosters, developers andhigh-paid consultants seem tothink it is. Nor is it good forlocal streams – 18 miles ofwhich would be destroyed if thisboondoggle is built. Impor-tantly, 1.2 billion gallons ofwater currently flowing intoLanier every year would evapo-rate from Glades Reservoir,which means that much lesswater will flow into Lanier inthe future.
To address the tremendouscontroversy surrounding anyproposal to dam a tributary toLanier, the focus of a decades-long interstate dispute, the USArmy Corps of Engineerswisely decided Hall Countymust prepare an environmentalimpact statement (EIS) beforethe federal agency could make apermit decision. This means thatthe county must evaluate the di-rect, indirect, and cumulative ef-fects of the proposed GladesReservoir on water quantity andquality, aquatic resources, andsocioeconomics. The countyalso must identify a reasonablerange of alternatives and ade-quate mitigation to address un-avoidable adverse impacts.
The Federal Register recentlypublished a 60-day notice re-questing public input into thescope of the EIS. As the noticeexplains, Flat Creek would bedammed immediately upstreamof Lanier and its reservoir filledby pumping more than 100 mil-lion gallons of water per day di-rectly from the Chattahoocheeabove Belton Bridge. This vol-ume of water is more than thecity of Atlanta takes from amuch larger section of the Chat-tahoochee downstream.
Water from Glades Reservoirwould then get piped either toCedar Creek Reservoir – thesame reservoir at the center of aprolonged legal dispute betweenthe city of Gainesville and thecounty over access to the storedwater – or back to the originalwithdrawal site at the river, asneeded during low flows. In ourassessment, this amounts to no
more than a costly shell game.A review of Glades’ history
over the past decade reveals itsorigin as an amenity lake forhigh-priced subdivisions. A sin-gle landowner with title to theland, and favorable zoning se-cured years ago, stands to bene-fit from developmentsurrounding the reservoir.
Some government leaders aretouting Glades Reservoir as anintegral part of the solution toGeorgia’s water crisis. In thepast decade, the Chattahoocheehas suffered from recurrent ex-treme droughts, making itground zero for the Tri-stateWater War over allocation of theApalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint basin. These events havefueled Georgia's misguidedstrategy to circumvent federalcontrol over the Chattahoocheeby building dams on its tributar-ies.
Along with the 180-plusmember organizations of theGeorgia Water Coalition, UpperChattahoochee Riverkeeper isconcerned that proponents ofGlades and other new reservoirshave largely ignored faster, lessexpensive water supply solu-tions, including maximizing theuse of existing reservoirs, suchas Lanier, and more aggressivewater conservation and effi-ciency measures, like fixingleaking pipes and retrofitting oldplumbing. All of these measurescan be achieved much soonerthan Glades Reservoir and at afraction of its cost.
Bottom line: Glades reservoiris bad for Lake Lanier, bad forthe Chattahoochee River andbad for local taxpayers, howevergood it may be for its promoters.
To make comments to theCorps of Engineers, go towww.gladesreservoir.com/sub-mit-comments.
Sally Bethea is executive di-rector for the Upper Chatta-hoochee Riverkeeperorganization.
learning from others and sharinghis knowledge.
He’s also an American historybuff, particularly when it comesto North Georgia and the areaaround Lanier.Partnerships and a dream job
Estrada has a dream job, butit’s non-stop. He gets to be out-doors on the water, but he and hiscaptains are on call every day ofthe year. Night tows are not un-usual; being called in to assist
with situations on the lake canhappen any time.
Tow BoatUS works in concertwith various agencies on the lake,including the Georgia Departmentof Natural Resources, HallCounty and Forsyth County sher-iffs, the US Coast Guard Auxil-iary and the Atlanta Sail andPower Squadron. The Lanier staffwas a vital part of the all-agencysafety drill that took place lastsummer at Van Pugh Park.
“Our job is to help boaters onthe water,” Estrada said. “We han-dle probably 700 or so incidentseach year, mostly in April throughSeptember. But we’re here allyear long, every day and night,waiting for the calls. After beingon this lake for nearly 20 years, Iknow every inch of shoreline,every cove and every low spot,”Robert said. “Yes, it’s constant,and I wouldn’t have it any otherway.”
SallyBethea
UpperChattahoocheeRiverkeepers
MORE INFO/TO JOIN:404-352-9828www.chattahoochee.org
Prospective Eagle Scout hammers the docksBy Jane Harrison
A crew of teenagers with ham-mers and hoses crouched on thedocks outside the Lanier OlympicVenue boathouse on a chilly Feb-ruary morning with their handsimmersed in 50-degree water.
“This is about what I ex-pected,” said their leader, JoshPruner, who helped pry rottenrubber bumpers from the edge ofdocks where Olympians onceboarded their boats.
For his Eagle Scout ServiceProject, Pruner chose to installrubber bumpers made from oldCity of Gainesville fire hoses onthe 17-year-old docks at theOlympic Venue. He said he cameup with the idea after former LakeLanier Rowing Club Coach JimPickens spoke to Troop #16 aboutpotential projects at the venue.
Pruner’s Boy Scout ingenuity– and some Gainesville firefighterresourcefulness – kicked in whenhe learned that funding was slimfor dock improvements. Scout-master Robert Bruner suggestedPruner contact the City ofGainesville Fire Departmentabout potentially recycling oldfire hoses to use as boat bumperson the docks.
“We had a bunch of out of dateand out of service hoses,” saidGainesville Division Chief ScottStowers. The department hadstored the surplus of 30-year ratedhoses which had exceeded theirusage span in storage buildings atvarious stations. Stowers said hepicked out hoses that best suitedthe project and gathered them atone location for Pruner to pickup. The 1,000 feet of hoses“barely fit in the small Dodgepickup” that Pruner and a friendloaded for delivery to the docks,Stowers said.
It was not Pruner’s first trip tothe docks. His scout troop, whichis sponsored by Gainesville FirstUnited Methodist Church, hadmanned 8-person boats in an in-
troduction to rowing course at theOlympic Venue. He then walkedthe docks, which he described as“beaten up and falling apart”from years of weathering sincetheir initial installment before the1996 Olympics. “They had notbeen re-done since theOlympics,” he said.
“They need new bumpers toprotect the expensive boats,”Pruner observed. A scratch is hardenough to fathom on an eight-per-son racing shell that costs around$30,000. A hard knock against adock can crack a hull.
Most rowers “are usuallypretty careful,” said LLRC vicepresident John Ferriss. But cush-ioning on the edge of the dock“can make a difference withnovice crews,” he said. The oldbumpers, some of which were bitsof fire hose, were coming off anddid not offer protection they oncedid, he said.
LLRC rower Joe Kelenfy, whowas polishing his single shell boatwhile the teenagers peeled thedock edges, agreed about the im-portance of bumpers. The boatsare made of costly materials, suchas Kevlar and carbon fiber, he
said. A protective layer helpscushion the boat from the dockedge and nails in rough water, hesaid. It can save a boat from apunishing and expensive blow tothe hull, he said.
Before Pruner began work lastmonth, he had to employ somescouting methods. He was pre-pared … with life jackets, gloves,galvanized nails and 15 hammers,in case he loses some in the water.To get to the dock directly behindthe boathouse, which is not con-nected to shore because of thelow lake level, he rigged amakeshift ferry out of a piece ofplastic dock and rope.
He and a crew of scouts andfriends from the Lanier Canoe &Kayak Club ferried across to thedock and got to work. Theyseemed undeterred by the slimyedges and cold water and the factthat the deteriorated bumperswere rather stubborn.
Pruner said he plans to refur-bish bumpers on five docks. Hehopes to have two or three com-pleted by March 24, when morethan 1,000 rowers are expected tocompete in the John Hunter Re-gatta.
Josh Pruner, standing, and friends work to replace rubber bumperson a dock at the Lanier Olympic Venue.
48 LAKESIDE March 2012
Visiting the safe and beautiful Mexican RivieraWith all the bad press about
Mexican travel these days, it waswonderful to discover that Playadel Carmen and Cancun on theeast coast of the country are stillbeautiful and quite safe for travel-ers. I wandered the area withoutfear and saw nothing that worriedme except for a few over 10 footcrocodiles in the lagoon at Can-cun.
Though I had many wonderfulexperiences during my stays be-tween the Real Royal Playa delCarmen and the Real Royal Can-cun, the highlight of my trip wasspending an evening sipping greattequila and simply discussing lifewith Real Resorts owner, Fer-nando García Zalvidea. I discov-ered that we shared many of thesame views on life, family, and alove of the outdoors. Despite hisMexican heritage and invest-ments, he revealed that his chil-dren were in school here inGeorgia not far from Lake Lanier.
Fernando explained why hisReal Royal Hotels are so success-ful, and the reasons are based onimitation mixed with plain com-mon sense. In his own words, hismotto is: “Do everything withlove. Love to God, to your family,to your property, to your co-work-ers, and to your guests.” Seeinghow many people return and howloyal his employees are provesthat his ideas work.
Before he built his hotels, hetraveled the world, stayed at someof the best hotels, and took noteson the unique aspects of each one.Fernando and his staff thencopied and even improved onthese attributes in the constructionand operation of his new hotels,
and it has succeeded beyond ex-pectations. It is said that you canjudge any business by the qualityand character of the owner, and inthis case, that statement is ab-solutely correct.
The Real Royal Playa del Car-men is a gorgeous, modern struc-ture that is built perpendicular tothe ocean beach with beautifulgardens, swimming pools, andplay areas between the two mas-sive wings. Though the 507 lux-ury suites don’t all have a directocean view, one can be on thebeach via the scenic walkways inminutes and always hear andsmell the sea from each terrace orbalcony.
The hotel is all inclusive and isreserved for adults only with aminimum age of 16 years, whichhas made it the ideal place forweddings, honeymoons, or ro-mantic getaways. Each suite has adouble spa tub and utilizes Fer-nando’s unique “Magic Box” for24 hour complimentary roomservice.
Gourmet dining in a number ofdiverse restaurants is the best Ihave experienced in any all-inclu-
sive hotel throughout the world.The chefs are excellent, the wine,beer, and liquors are top-notch,and the service throughout theproperty is fantastic.
Beyond the confines of thehotel, the shopping and entertain-ment in the local village of Playadel Carmen is both safe and quitemultifarious. One nearby attrac-tion that you surely don’t want tomiss is the Mayan ruins at Tulum,(which means fence or wall in theold language). These ruins sit ona high cliff overlooking the seaand were first written about bySpanish explorers in 1518. Theentire complex is one of the mostphotographed historic places inall of Mexico.
The Real Royal Cancun offersthe same high-caliber service asthe Real Royal Playa del Carmenwith a completely different viewin a more urban surrounding.Though it only has 288 suites,each one has an unobstructedvista of the Caribbean Ocean withwide terraces and mahogany fur-niture. This luxurious hotel alsoboasts of the only seaside spa inCancun and has “His and Hers”sinks. This is also an “adultsonly” property that has becomefamous for elegant beach andMayan-style weddings.
Restaurants at the Real RoyalCancun are also excellent andvaried, but nearby are many othereateries and night spots as well.Ladies find shopping in the hotelor around Cancun to be fulfilling,and the area offers great golfing,watersports, and fishing.
In addition to the two “adultsonly” hotels, it would not be likeFernando if he didn’t provide op-portunities for younger families.Therefore, across from the Real
BillVanderford
TravelEditor
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
Tourists look out to sea from theMayan ruins at Tulum.
Sunrise at Playa del Carmen.
MORE INFO:770-289-1543
Looking across thecourtyard at night atthe Royal Playa delCarmen, above.
Exercising in a pool atPlaya del Carmen.
PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD
Artistic Mexican figures in thecourtyard at Playa del Carmen.
Celebrating the Mayan cultureat Royal Cancun, right.
Royal Playa del Carmen is theGran Porto Real Playa del Car-men, and adjacent to the RealRoyal Cancun is the Gran CaribeReal Cancun. These propertieswere designed specifically forfamily fun and include member-ships into the Oki Fun Worldkid’s club for the younger crowdand the T-Zone program andlounge for teenagers. These chap-eroned offerings are loved byeveryone ... especially parentswho want some time alone.
Having visited many danger-ous places in the world, I have akeen eye for anything suspicious.I roamed the areas around all ofthese hotels while shopping, tour-ing, and fishing on my own, but
found nothing menacing exceptfor the aforementioned crocodilesthat I saw from a distance in theCancun lagoon. I believe this partof the Mexican Riviera is breath-takingly beautiful, quite afford-able, probably safer than SouthBeach in Miami, and a place Iwould love to revisit with my kidsand my grandkids!
For more information: RealResorts, 800-760-0944; [email protected]; orwww.RealResorts.com.
Bill Vanderford has won nu-merous awards for his writingand photography, and has beeninducted into the National Fresh-water Fishing Hall of Fame as aLegendary Guide.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 49
50 LAKESIDE March 2012
MORE INFO: www.georgiawomenflyfishing.com
Public comment sought on Glades ReservoirBy Jane Harrison
The public has an opportunityto comment on the potential so-cial, economic and environmentalimpact of the proposed GladesReservoir planned by Hall County12 miles northeast of Gainesville.The reservoir, which has been inthe planning stages since about2007, is proposed as a neededwater supply for Hall Countythrough 2060. If it becomes oper-ational, the water system is pro-jected for an output of 80 milliongallons a day.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engi-neers Savannah District openedthe public comment period Feb.17 to accept input on the projectthat would construct an 850-acrereservoir on Flat Creek near theUS 23/365 intersection with StateRoute 52. Those desiring to com-ment may do so via internet atwww.gladesreservoir.com, bymail, or in a public scoping meet-ing set for March 20 atGainesville State College. Dead-line to submit comments is April17.
A description of the projectappears on the website and willbe presented at the March 20scoping session during which ex-perts involved in various phasesof the project will set up informa-tional displays, according to BillyBirdwell, public affairs officerwith the Corps Savannah District.
A record of public commentssubmitted by late February wasnot available at press time. Bird-
well said the Corps could not ac-cess comments already filed, norcould it provide a count of com-ments received at that time.
Public comment is beingsought for input into the Environ-mental Impact Statement, whichis required to evaluate how theproposed reservoir might affectsocial, economic and environ-mental factors. The Corps of En-gineers is responsible forevaluating and issuing permitsthat involve construction that maydeposit dredged or fill materialinto U.S. waters.
The proposed reservoir hasbeen presented by the HallCounty Commission as a neces-sary water supply alternative toLake Lanier, a federal reservoirsubject to withdrawal limitationsimposed by federal mandates andat the center of decades-old waterwars between Georgia, Floridaand Alabama.
The Chattahoochee River,which originates in Georgia,flows into Lanier and is releasedfrom Buford Dam en route to theFlint and Apalachicola river sys-tems that hydrate eastern Al-abama and the Florida panhandle.
Hall County has already spentmore than $10 million in propertyacquisition, engineering costs andconstruction fees on the GladesReservoir project, which may re-quire years to complete the envi-ronmental permitting phase andadditional years to complete con-struction.
In January, the county com-mission approved a $10,000 permonth fee to its most recent con-sultant, Joe Tanner & Associates.This amount undercut previousconsulting fees by several thou-sand dollars a month.
The actual cost of the systemhas been projected to reach ashigh as $300 million if the countywere to go through with earlyplans to pipe Glades Reservoirwater to Forsyth County, as wasonce planned.
Hall County Public Informa-tion Officer Nikki Young reportedthose plans are off the table. Ef-forts to contact Hall County Com-mission Chairman Tom Oliverand District 3 CommissionerScott Gibbs, in whose district theproject lies, were unsuccessful atpress time. An updated cost esti-mate for the entire project was notavailable.
The proposed reservoir has at-tracted the attention of environ-mental groups, the Georgia WaterCoalition and Upper Chatta-hoochee Riverkeeper, and isbeing watched by the Lake LanierAssociation.
The Georgia Water Coalitionlisted it among its “Dirty Dozen”water concerns in 2011. Citing ahigh price tag and concern that itwould “siphon massive quantitiesof water from the ChattahoocheeRiver immediately above LakeLanier,” the coalition derides thereservoir as unnecessary expensewith potential negative impact on
Lanier.Upper Chattahoochee River-
keeper Executive Director SallyBethea said the environmental or-ganization plans to “be activelyinvolved in the entire permittingreview process.” The group willbe studying the potential impactto Flat Creek, a tributary toLanier, and will be evaluatinghow it could ultimately affect thelake.
“From what I’ve learned thusfar, there is no need or justifica-tion” for the project, she said. Sheadded that she expects the permit-ting phase to “take a long time.”The environmental group haspushed for alternatives, such asconservation, to building reser-voirs.
The Lake Lanier Associationhas not taken a position, accord-ing to Executive Director JoannaCloud. In a written statement,Cloud said the organization whichadvocates for a full lake had noqualms with the original proposalto pump six million gallons per
Cast a line for charity on St. Patrick’s DayBy Pamela A. Keene
Now there’s another reason tocelebrate the wearing of thegreen. The Georgia Women Fly-fishers Club hosts its annualfundraiser and St. Paddy’s Dayparty on Saturday, March 17, atSweetwater Brewing Company.
Bid on silent auction items –fishing-related and not – andenjoy fishing raffles, music, beertastings and more. The eventtakes place from 7 to 10 p.m. inAtlanta at 195 Ottley Dr. NE.Tickets in advance are $25 in ad-vance and $30 at the door.
Funds raised will be used tosupport the club’s October event,Casting for Confidence, an invita-tion-only activity for 12 breast-cancer survivors to enjoy a day offishing, relaxing and getting toknow club members. The 2012Casting for Confidence event isscheduled for October 13 at FrogHollow in Dahlonega.
“Our day is spent learningabout casting, entomology, gearand fly tying with a few hours ofactual fishing time on the beauti-ful Chestatee River,” said MissieMedley with the GWFF Club.“We feed them, suit them up andtake them down to the river wherethey will be met by their ownguide who will assist themthroughout the day with theirfishing needs. We end our daywith a photo session, light snacks,gifts, raffles and thanks for agreat day of fishing and friend-ship.”
Meetings are held the secondMonday of each month, exceptJuly, at 7 p.m. at the DelkwoodGrill, 2769 Delk Rd. SE, Mari-etta. Different speakers eachmonth share their knowledge andlove of fly fishing. Some meet-ings also offer an education seg-ment, and all meetings includefishing reports, food and fun.
GWFF is a non-profit mem-bership organization. Over thelong term, the organization seeksto improve and grow the sport offly fishing in Georgia. Membersencourage, advocate and work to-ward conserving and improvingthe state’s rivers and streams, andincreasing its legal fish species.
Tickets are $25 in advance;$30 at the door. Purchase ticketsfrom GWFF members, at GWFFmeetings or by mailing a checkfor a ticket(s) made out to GWFF(for Annual Fundraiser tickets) toCirce Tsui at 3762 Midvale Rd.,Tucker, GA 30084. Requestsmust be postmarked no later thanMarch 5. Include an e-mail ad-dress for receipt verification.Tickets will be held at the doorthe night of the event.
GWFF members Eunice Lovell and Becky Strain discuss knot-tying.
day from the proposed reservoir;however, questions arose whenthe proposed amount increased to80 million gallons per day.
The organization is concernedabout “how the water in Gladeswould be managed, especiallyduring droughts since it would bea private operation outside thecontrol of the Corps of Engi-neers.” She added there are alsoconcerns about potential waterloss to Lanier during droughtwhen water would be pumpedinto Glades to maintain a fullreservoir. “That could be waterthat does not flow into Lanierduring critical times when Lanieris under stress to meet its ownneeds and is called upon to meetdownstream water requirements,”she said.
LLA advocates increasing thefull pool of Lanier to 1073 feetabove sea level, which it statescould create an additional storageof “26 billion gallons that wouldbe available for all authorizedpurposes of Lanier,” Cloud said.
Glade Reservoir Information & Input
Info and public comment: www.gladesreservoir.comMail comments: US Army Corps of Engineers, attn: RegulatoryDivision, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401Public comment period: Through April 17.Public scoping meeting: 4-8 p.m. March 20, Gainesville State Col-lege, 3820 Mundy Mill Rd. Additional public scoping meetings arescheduled 4-8 p.m. March 21 at Lexington Auburn University Con-vention Center, 1577 South College St., Auburn, Ala., and 4-8 p.m.March 22 at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve,108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, Fla.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 51
See COE, page 54
SteveJohnson
BoatingSafety
Covering the basics of anchoring Competent and safe operation
of a vessel encompasses manymarine skills and this month’ssubject in “The Basics” should beconsidered one of the most im-portant to understand and employ.The capability to properly stopthe momentum of your boat takespriority over everything else. Thenautical term “underway” is gen-erally defined in the navigationRules of the Road as any vessel,even if stopped and drifting, thatis not secured to its mooring,dock, aground, or at anchor. Theoverall task of controlling a vesselin the water is incomplete withoutthe mariner’s ability to anchorwith precision. It is crucial inemergencies to be able to effec-tively and securely halt the move-ment in adequate water depths,especially when your boat be-comes disabled or possibly whenthe need arises to render assis-tance to another mariner.
Anchoring dynamics dependon the size, type of vessel, and thenormal operating area which in-cludes actual water depth, bottomcharacteristic, tides, currents, andweather conditions. Recreationalboats normally have three differ-ent types of ground tackle; Plow,Fluke, or Mushroom design.Check the type you have and seeif it matches the bottom charac-teristic where you routinely oper-ate your boat. That specificinformation can be found in boatmanufacturing references, safetyclasses, and training seminars.
The ultimate goal is to safelydrop the anchor in the intendedlocation without fouling and es-pecially holding your boat’s posi-tion. This is where precisenavigation comes into play. Ma-rine charts give the bottom com-position and for those that havethe latest in marine technology;the new down scan structuresonar’s will even provide you apicture perfect view below thekeel, in real time.
Gravity is best used to advan-tage when the anchor is posi-tioned to drop over the desiredlocation with a direct up anddown aspect. If your vessel has aheavy anchor operated by a wind-lass, slow down to bare steerage-way and pay out the hook to thewater’s edge before letting go.This will ensure a straight descentto the bottom without the addedstress on all the systems. Whatholds your vessel to the bottom isnot the weight of the anchor, butthe catenary and the scope in theline, sometimes described as thecurve. Holding your intended po-sition will also require obtaining
Lanier and all that follows nets a delicate balanceBalance is the byword for
managing the Apalachicola-Chat-tahoochee-Flint River Basin thatruns for nearly 300 miles andserves Alabama, Florida andGeorgia. The federal portion ofthe ACF system includes LakeLanier at its headwaters, thenWest Point Lake near LaGrange;Walter F. George Lake at Eufaula,AL; George W. Andrews Lockand Dam close to Dothan, AL;and Lake Seminole at the conflu-ence of the Apalachicola and Flintrivers.
Managed by the US ArmyCorps of Engineers, the Corpsmakes every effort to managethese federal reservoirs in bal-ance.
That means that we strive tokeep them in balance as far aswater levels and operationalzones. In the spring months wework to refill the reservoirs totheir summer pool levels. How-ever, climate and hydrologic con-ditions don’t always allow that to
happen in harmony.Because each reservoir has a
different size drainage basin (thearea within which flows reach thelake) and rain doesn’t always fallconsistently throughout the basin,it's possible to see great differ-ences between the reservoir lev-els. While Lake Lanier has thelargest storage capacity, it drawsits water from the smallestdrainage basin in the system.Lanier stores more than 65 per-cent of the water, but its basincomprises only six percent of thetotal basin collection area.
Our goal is to bring each lakeup to its summer pool level, but
MORE INFO: [email protected]
unfortunately, rain fall may notallow that to happen. Because ofwhere rain falls and the size ofthe drainage basin, the impound-ments (lakes created by damsalong the system) on the lowerend of the system may fill morerapidly than those farther up thesystem, such as Lanier.
The Corps continually exam-ines long-range predictions forrainfall and does everything it canto conserve water throughout thesystem while still meeting theneeds below each reservoir.
We are very aware that folkswould love to see us halt all re-leases from Lake Lanier until thelake is full. However, there areneeds downstream, such as watersupply and releases for endan-gered species that must be met asrequired by federal law. TheCorps can’t meet those needs by
E. PatrickRobbins
US ArmyCorps ofEngineers
MORE INFO: 770-945-9531www.sam.usace.army.mil/lanier
accurate navigation fixes by pilot-ing methods or set your GPS, tak-ing into account the swing of thevessel as it moves to turn bowinto the wind. Utilizing thesetechniques of anchoring willprove very valuable as your safetydepends on your ability to handlethe gear and to know when youare not holding the bottom anddragging.
Large military and commercialships always have their bow an-chors at the ready when enteringand departing port. It is added in-surance that if the vessel losespower or suffers a casualty, it canbe stopped or slowed reducing thedamage that would result. Someclasses of seagoing and inlandwaterway vessels also have sternanchors for different types of mis-sions.
The subject of anchoring isvast and the best introduction tothe history, equipment, and tech-niques can be found athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An-chor. Inspecting your anchoringgear and ground tackle should al-ways be part of your pre-under-way checklist. As with anythingrelated to boating, preparationand knowledge is the vital key tosuccess and safety. Anchorsaway!
Steve Johnson, US CoastGuard (ret). is with CPO John-son, Inc.
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General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........770 945-9531 Water Release Schedules................770 945-1466 Recreation/Water level Info .............770 945-1467 DNR, Law Enforcement Division .....800 241-4113Lake Lanier Association Inc. ...........770 503-7757
Boating Safety Courses US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 29 ......770 891-6362 Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron.......770 734-6412
Marinas1. Aqualand...................................770 967-6811 2. Bald Ridge ................................770 887-5309 3. Gainesville ................................770 536-2171 4. Habersham ...............................770 887-5432 5. Holiday .....................................770 945-7201 6. Port Royale...............................770 887-5715 7. Lanier Harbor............................770 945-2884 8. Aquamarina Lazy Days .............770 945-1991 9. Hideaway Bay ...........................770 967-5500
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March 2012 LAKESIDE 53
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3.5 Acres & 1100 ft of Pristine Peninsula Shorelinew/unobstructed big water views & gentle grassy walkto S/S boathouse with possible double slip upgrade.Build your dream cottage or castle. OverlooksChattahoochee Country Club. Two small homescurrently on property. 5BR/2BA.
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54 LAKESIDE March 2012
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BEFORE
AFTER
Phillip Sartain is taking abreak this month. Enjoy one of his‘Best of’ columns during his ab-sence.
As a male living in a house fullof females, I’ve always had to ex-plain my wardrobe selection tothe Wardrobe Committee. My ex-planations are never satisfactory.Just when I was on the verge ofgiving up and letting the girlspick out frou-frou clothing forme, I hit Man Clothing pay-dirt.Or so I thought.
The funny thing is that I was-n’t even on a wardrobe mission atthe time. Like any other guy, Idon’t “shop.” I make a “pur-chase.”
In other words, when I want tobuy something to wear, I walkstraight to one rack in one store inone mall and pick up one item,and I pay for it and then I leave,fully intending to wear said itemuntil the day I die.
This time, I was just taking ashortcut through a departmentstore when something caught myeye. I dragged a salesman over tothe rack. “Is this what I think itis?”
He cocked an eyebrow and
gave me a conspiratorial nod yes. “It’s a Man of Action shirt,
isn’t it?” I whispered, afraid I’dbreak the spell. All my life, I’veknown that I was a man of action,but I’d never had the right shirt toprove it.
“How’d they get all thosepockets on that thing? There mustbe two dozen.”
“To be exact,” he cleared histhroat, “there are thirty-sevenpockets, buttons, tabs, and pullsall designed by a crack team ofclothing engineers with a view to-ward holding every Man Gadgetknown to gadgetkind. It’s theSwiss Army Knife of shirts.”
“It’s heroic,” I admired. “It’s indestructible,” he added.
“It will never wear out and youcan wear it with everything. Nomore wasted effort trying to prove
your shopping meddle. And youknow what that means, don’tyou?”
Of course I knew what itmeant. The less time I had tospend making and explainingwardrobe purchases, the morequality time I would have withmy remote control. It all made mea little dizzy.
Flush with clothing victorywhen I got home, I celebrated byslipping on my new shirt and de-fiantly striding into the den toshow the girls my definingwardrobe selection.
Initially, there was a momentof silence as I waited on the girlsto pounce. And then my oldestdaughter said, “Dad, that shirt hasa frou-frou look to it.”
I started to explain that no, thiswas not a frou-frou looking shirt,but a real Man of Action kind ofshirt that real men wear until theydie. But no one was listening.
Instead, they all jumped upand ran out the door toward thecar. “Where are you going?” Ihollered after my wife.
“I’m taking the girls to get usall one of those shirts. When weget back, we’ll take a family pic-
ture with our shirts on. It’ll be socute. You’re really starting to getthe hang of shopping”
No man can ever really knowwhen, where, or how frou-frouwill strike. If it weren’t for thequality time with the remote con-
PhillipSartain
Breakfrom theLake
MORE INFO: Email:[email protected]
My ‘Man of Action’ shirt purchase hits pay-dirttrol, all would be lost.
Phillip Bond Sartain is aGainesville, GA lawyer and free-lance writer.
• COEContinued from Page 51
simply shutting off all flows.But we do look at what is com-ing into the river below Bufordso that we can only release theabsolute minimum required tomeet flow and water-level needsin other parts of the ACF sys-tem.
The flows from the FlintRiver, which enters the Chatta-hoochee just above WoodruffDam, play a big role on releasesfrom all federal reservoirs in theACF system. If it’s rainingwithin the Flint River basin,then much of the needs in theApalachicola River regardingendangered species can be metfrom the Flint. But, since thereare no impoundments along the
Flint to store water, when thereis no rainfall in the Flint Basinthose flow needs can only bemet from water released fromthe Chattahoochee.
The Corps was recently di-rected by the 11th Circuit Courtof Appeals to legally examineits water supply authorities andcapabilities under the Rivers andHarbors Act and Water SupplyAct. Once that legal review iscomplete, the Corps will resumeupdates to the water controlmanuals for the ACF.
For regular information aboutwater levels along the ACF sys-tem and other US Army Corpsof Engineers’ news, visitwww.sam.usace.army.mil.
March 2012 LAKESIDE 55
MORE INFO: www.gofisheducationcenter.com
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SERVICES
Get a taste of the lake all year long at area restaurantsBy Pamela A. Keene
Sure, the spring and summerseason is upon us, but localsknow where to go all year longfor lakeside dining.
Three lake restaurants keepthings tasty even on the coldestweekends – Fish Tales at Hide-away Bay, Pier 29 on BrownsBridge and Skogie’s atGainesville Marina.
It’s a safe bet that you’ll betransported to the tastes of sum-
mertime with these three tried-and-true Lanier favorites. Eachhas its own style and trademarkmenu items; all are best-bets toshake off the winter doldrums.
Fish Tales begins its third yearon April 1. Owners Dale and Jes-sica Ozaki have continued tomade improvements to the restau-rant and the menu. The side patiohas been expanded and is fre-quently the site of private parties.Favorite menu items include fried
who may be more accustomed tothe convenience of being on themainland.
Note: If you want to learnmore about Hope Town and the
• WilsonsContinued from Page 22
Elbow Reef Lighthouse visitwww.elbowcaylighthouse.com
- Until next time,Bob & Carolyn Wilson
grouper, the Cuban salad and theGulf mix: pick two from shrimpfour ways, fried oysters and friedgroup fingers. Tropical slaw is anoriginal. Steak fries, onion ringsand black beans and rice are pop-ular sides. Fish Tales brings insome of its desserts from Cal-liope’s Sweets in downtownFlowery Branch, including co-conut cake.
“We’re planning more musicthis season,” Ozaki said. “Comeout and join us.”
Hours through the end ofMarch are Thursday through Sun-day from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.Visit www.fishtaleslakelanier.com.
Pier 29 serves third-poundburgers, fish tacos and fried had-dock. The eatery is also knownfor its hash-brown casserole,onion rings and Asian slaw.Owner Kerrie Martin plans tocontinue regular entertainmentand weeknight specials. Hand-spun milkshakes are a hit withregulars, and Pier 29 has offeredfund-raising Milk-Shake-A-Thons for several groups andworthy causes.
“Even when the lake is down,we’re the only commercial dockon the lake that’s not part of a ma-rina that still has plenty of water,”she said. “We get lots of boat traf-fic, even in the cooler season.”
Hours are Wednesday andThursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Fri-day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Satur-day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. andSunday from noon to 10 p.m.Visit www.pier29onlanier.com.
Last fall, Skokie’s changedownership. Tony and Heather
Dale Ozaki shows off one of his dishes at Fish Tales, located at Hide-away Bay Marina.
Jonovitch from Florida took overthe popular year-round restaurant,added table service and chinaplates and metal silverware. Fromfish taco appetizers to grouper,shrimp and crab cakes, the menualso includes 8- and 12-ounceAngus burgers and both sweet po-tato chips and sweet potato tatertots. Seafood gumbo and home-made banana pudding dress outthe menu. Saturday and Sunday
brunch feature five different typesof eggs benedict.
“We’re having a great timebringing our restaurant experi-ence to Lanier,” Tony said. “Don’tforget to check us out for break-fast.”
Hours are Wednesday throughFriday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.,Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.to 9 p.m.
Visit www.pier29onlanier.com.
Poster contest celebrates conservationTeachers and students across
Georgia are invited to celebrateGeorgia’s wildlife and students’artistic interests by participatingin the Give Wildlife a ChancePoster Contest. Whether explor-ing their schoolyard and backyardenvironments or taking a field tripto a nearby park, nature center orbotanical garden, students are en-couraged to share their plant andanimal discoveries through art inthe 22nd annual conservationposter contest. This year’s compe-tition theme, “The Art of Conser-vation – Discovering Georgia’sNatural Heritage Through Art,”spurs students to learn about thestate’s native plant and nongameanimals through drawing, follow-ing in the footsteps of famous nat-uralists and artists like WilliamBartram, John James Audubon
and Roger Tory Peterson.Nongame species (those notlegally hunted or fished for) varyfrom rare animals and plants suchas the endangered red-cockadedwoodpecker and the hoodedpitcherplant to common speciessuch as the northern cardinal andflowering dogwood.
Entries in the state-level con-test must be postmarked by April6. The contest is sponsored by theGeorgia Department of NaturalResources’ Nongame Conserva-tion Section, the State BotanicalGarden of Georgia and The Envi-ronmental Resources Network, orT.E.R.N., friends group of theNongame Conservation Section.
The contest is open to kinder-garten through 5th-grade studentsin public, private and home-school groups. Participants enter
at the local school-level withdrawings that depict their obser-vations of Georgia’s nativenongame animals and plants. Topschool-level entries proceed to thestate contest at the State BotanicalGarden of Georgia in Athens.First-, second- and third-placewinners are chosen there for fourdivisions: kindergarten, first andsecond grade, third and fourthgrade, and fifth grade.
The top 12 winners will befeatured in the 2012-2013 GiveWildlife a Chance Poster Contestschool-year calendar. All state-level contest winners also will beon display on weekends April 20-May 7 at Georgia DNR’s Go FishEducation Center in Perry.
56 LAKESIDE March 2012
Multi-Million Dollar ProducerCircle of Excellence
“HERE TO SERVE YOU!”E-mail: [email protected]
770 352-4600 cell 770 271-0905 hm
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770 536-1250770 540-7752www.patsybailey.com
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Private Gated 9.85 Acres w/House & Guesthouse on Shadow Lake!!!
If you want privacy, this is it! 1500 ft. on Shadow Lake in Lilburn. Main house has 3 BR, 2 full & 1 half BA. Sunroom
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