Lakeside On Lanier February 2023

Boat shows on Lanier

Two upcoming boat shows are being held on Lake Lanier: the North Georgia Boat and RV Show February 10-12 at Gainesville Marina and the Lake Lanier Boat Show March 3-5 at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Pages 9 & 37.

Seen Bigfoot?

A roadside attraction between two tourist towns in the Georgia mountains immerses visitors into a mystical world where a legendary creature dwells, at least in fake fur and people’s minds. Expedition Bigfoot! Page 30

Curacoa: Caribbean magic

still as much a magnet to people today as it has been throughout recorded history! Page 42

PHOTO BY CRAIG WOLF/UYC

is published by Lanier Publishing, Inc., 3292 Thompson Bridge Rd. #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 (770) 287-1444

Publisher/Editor

Alan Hope Production Susan Nish Susan Daniel Creative,

Senior Writer Pamela A. Keene

Hot Ruddered Bum regatta: a winter tradition continues

By Pamela A. Keene

Sailors on Lake Lanier swear by winter sailing, whether they’re taking part in organized racing or just getting out on the water. With lower temperatures and more wind, the die-hards often take to the lake when other boaters are indoors by a warm fire.

Inc.

Contributing writers Jane Harrison, Millie Adcox Columnists Glenn Burns, Vinnie Mendes, Sara Bagwell, O’Neill Williams, Frank Taylor

Travel Editor Bill Vanderford

Lakeside is published monthly by Lanier Publishing, Inc. based in Gainesville, GA, with distribution in some 300 locations around Lake Lanier and other areas. Opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of Lakeside, its staff or its advertisers. Manuscripts and photographs submitted will be considered for publication. Lakeside cannot be held responsible for such materials in case of damage or loss.

That’s part of the reason that University Yacht Club started its signature “Hot Ruddered Bum” lake-wide sailing regatta back in the mid-1970s.

According to recollections from various long-time club members, the first of these regattas began in the mid-1970s.

Member Terry Ellis, who joined UYC in 1977, recalled participating in several lake-wide races even before he joined the club. One of them was the February Hot Ruddered Bum.

“I remember showing up at UYC’s new clubhouse for breakfast coffee, juice, rolls and fruit,” he said. “A warm fire was welcoming as we chatted about the weather and the one-day regatta course. Typically by noon the sun was bright even though the tem-

perature in the 40s at 1 p.m. start time. I wore long underwear, double socks and a whole face mask plus waterproof insulated jacket and warm gloves. I left the final layers off while rigging the boat to push off. Otherwise I’d be sweating too much.

“Usually the wind was a steady 5-15 max, flat water and no rain. The usual westerly wind was perfect for a (challenging) course with the temperatures even reaching the 50s,” he said.

In those early days, he said that there would be about 20 boats from all the clubs. Once the race was over, sailors secured their boats and gathered at the UYC clubhouse. “The warm fire and rum at the clubhouse was inviting,” he said. “Soon members of other clubs would join us for trophy presentation and to kick off the new year’s racing season.”

The sailing community’s racing season began to grow with other annual regattas: The Dogwood in April hosted by Atlanta Inland Sailing Club, Lake Lanier Sailing Club’s July Firecracker and its late October Halloween

Regatta, Barefoot Sailing Club’s Barefoot early October Barefoot Open and Atlanta Inland Sailing Club’s November 1064, a tip of the hat to the lower lake levels of winter pool.

Eventually the 1064 came under the auspices of Lake Lanier Sailing Club and UYC created the lake-wide sailing championship, its invitational Lanier Cup, which still takes place. Each club sends its four best racers to compete in the day-long event that usually

features a brunch or after-race supper for these elite Lake Lanier sailors.

Over the years, racing involvement waned, but by the early 2000s, in part due to multiple clubs competing for the same pool of sailors and events being scheduled simultaneously. Many regattas and races still took place, but along the way, some events nearly dropped off the radar, including the Hot Ruddered Bum.

See Regatta, page 35

A scene from a recent Hot Buttered Rum sailing regatta held on Lake Lanier.

PHOTO BY DALE OWENS

TERESA SMITH

Lake Lanier Specialist 770-654-4173 • teresasmith@kw.com MICHELE KAPLAN 678-677-5653 • michelekaplan@kw.com MACKENZIE SCOTT 678-925-2652 • mackenziescott@kw.com LISA MITCHELL 513-383-8926

- Dan and Jill D

Lake Sidney Lanier & Gainesville prints, Postcards, Notecards Original Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor Paintings

Gallery on the Square, 118 Main Street, Gainesville, GA

Other Fine Artists at Gallery (www.gallerysq.com)

Ann Alexander, Pam Kohler-Camp, Lydia Ferguson, Ann Goble, Fran Hazel, Jane Hemmer, Paula Hoffman, Joyce Hornor, Connie Lynn Reilly and Shirley Seguin

Prints, postcards, notecards also available at: Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street, Gainesville, GA Frame-Tastic, 565-B Shallowford Road, Gainesville, GA

3rd Annual North Georgia Boat and RV Show February 10-12

By Pamela A. Keene

Boats in the water, boats on land, recreational vehicles, campers, entertainment, food trucks and children’s activities will fill Gainesville Marina on Dawsonville Highway the weekend of February 10-12. It’s the 3rd Annual North Georgia Boat and RV Extravaganza.

“We’re once again planning a fun event to get people ready for spring and summer, with vendors who cater to outdoor recreation,” said Philip Burton, managing partner of Gainesville Marina. “It’s a chance for people who boat or camp in North Georgia to see the latest in recreation all in one place before the season begins.”

Begun three years ago, the show has attracted good attendance from across the northern section of Georgia. It’s becoming a tradition for people seeking options to enhance their leisure time.

Multiple boat dealers will participate in this three-day event, offering pontoons, tritoons, center consoles, ski boats, deck boats and other water craft. Recreational vehicles include RVs, campers, pop-ups, pull-behinds and 3-wheelers, plus information about popular camping destina-

tions. Dock builders and other related businesses will be on hand.

The Lake Lanier Association, America’s Boating Club Atlanta and the Chattahoochee River Keeper will have booths. The lake real estate community will be represented as well.

“Musician Dwight Carder will provide entertainment, and visitors will have options for food, including Atlas Pizza and Trinity Taco Truck,” said Whitney Stovall, coordinator at Gainesville Marina, who is organizing the event.

“Skogie’s Restaurant will be preparing winter-hearty food, including gumbo, jambalaya and a variety of chowders to pair with craft beer from Tantrum Brewery in Cleveland.”

Gainesville Marina’s Boat Rental will be doing daily drawings for half-day and full-day rentals prizes.

“We’re right on track for a great show again this year,” Burton said. “We hope that everyone will plan to come out and see us as we all look forward to the 2023 boating and recreation season.”

For more information, visit the marina’s Facebook page or call 770 536-2171.

Lake level: Down .82 feet

Temperature: 50s

Clarity: Main lake clear, creeks stained Bass fishing is good. The lake has risen quite a bit with the recent rains and many parts of the lake are still stained to muddy with the water temperature around 50 degrees. It seems the better fishing is in the lightly stained to clear water. The bass are scattered from five to 50 feet right now with and a variety of patterns working. There is still a good deep bite occurring but it may be necessary to cover some area to find the fish. It’s not mandatory to find shad but it definitely helps. Work the deeper ditches or ledges first with a threeeights-ounce Spotchoker rigged with athree-inch Keitech. Work this bait very slowly on the bottom and don’t overset the hook. If you locate schools of bass that are bunched up around bait or structure a half ounce spoon or drop shot have been very effective. Be sure to keep your spoon directly under your boat to prevent dragging it through any time structure. There have been bass scattered up shallow and a DT six or DT 10 in a crawfish pattern have caught fish when worked on rocks or long points. The worm and jig bite have worked on the steep ledges and deeper docks along with secondary points. Slow your presenta-

tion down and let the bait sink for a few seconds before moving it. With the cooler water temperatures the bass don’t move as quickly for the baits. A lot of good fish are being caught right now on several different baits so if you try one method and it is not working, change baits and depth to see where the fish are on a given day. They are biting so Go Catch ‘Em!

This fishing report is by Phil Johnson, 770 366-8845, Pjohnson15@hotmail.com.

Stripers can be found from Bald Ridge on the south end to Little River and even farther north. The down lines are the most popular method fishing in 50 to 70 feet down using blue backs, shiners and trout. Watch for the birds and your electronics to pinpoint where the fish are located. Planer boards have produced some nice stripers fishing 15 to 20 behind the boards with a split shot up to quarter once weight. Use leaders from 8 pound test or 10 pound test with a #4 octopus hook. The umbrella rigs have been producing trolling on marked fish around points and humps at 2.5 to 3 mph. Remember to wear your life jacket. This fishing report is by Buck Cannon, Buck Tails Guide Service, 404 510-1778.

Crappie can be found from 10’- 40 feet. On a recent week the catch came from docks and the fish were suspended in 6 to

15 feet of water. Fifty percent of the catch came from minnows, the other 50 percent jigs. Start with darker color combinations because of all the rain and the mud stained water. However we did catch several on the monkey milk combination. Crappie love the shade so cast into the shadows or shaded areas of dock. When dock shooting, the biggest fish are usually the first to bite. I use ATX jigs on Lip Thrashin Lures jig heads along with 5 pound test high visibility yellow k9 braid for my line unless I am using a bobber. Then it’s the k9 6 pound high vis line and an Acc crappie stix. I use Garmin Live Scope and the Navionics

Boating app.

This report is by Captain Josh Thornton at 770 530-6493.

News: The Georgia Wildlife Federation Fisharama/Buckarama is set for February 10-12 in Perry, Ga. Southern Fishing Professional angler Ken Sturdivant will host fishing seminars. For more information contact Sam Stow 778 787-7887 or info@gwf.org.

Sturdivant will also be at the Lake Lanier Boat Show, March 3-5, at Margaretville on Lake Lanier Islands. For more info contact Ashlyn Armistead 855 365-2365, www.lakelanierboatshow.com.

difference from the moment you step on the dock (boats are fueled and pre-packed) to your return, everything is taken care of so you can enjoy more valuable time with friends and family. •

a

impeccable

experience led by a professional and knowledgeable dock crew. • Cast off from the best marinas with tidy docks and an amazing fleet of boats to access any time.

Five great bass fishing destinations to try this year

Will these five lakes be the very best for all of you? Of course not. There are thousands better than the five I’m choosing, but these are MY five best lakes because I’ve been to each multiple times.

1. Kingfisher Society, Laural Hill, North Carolina. Some 130 professionally operated acres with accommodations, boats in the water with electric motors and no more than four fishermen per day. It’s expensive but it’s one of a kind. You can look them up on the Internet and tell them I said hello.

So, what’s the deal? First of all, the water is very acidic so whatever management improvement is made chemically stays that way. It’s a bit like an aquarium. Kingfisher Lake has been owned by the same family since the Civil War and has managed the pond most effectively. It was drained 10 or so years ago and restocked with Florida and Tiger specie Largemouth Bass all above two pounds each both male and female. What does that do? In principle, all the new spawn each

year are eaten by the mature bass so there are no ‘yearling’ bass left over to catch like most ponds. Indeed, most “ponds” eventually get over populated with Largemouth bass, then get stunted because there’s not enough food, so it becomes a disappointment.

Not Kingfisher.

The owners have installed dozens of automatic feeders with specially sized pellets for the bass. These feeders spin out feed twice per day in a multitude of areas, so the bass are well fed and grow rapidly and live long lives. When fishing there you can’t keep anything but photos. I have been

there to shoot TV shows and have caught as many as 30 per day over five pounds. Once, when fishing there with Bassmaster veteran Davy Hite, the air temperature was 24 degrees and water temperature a very chilly 42. It was one of those days when you usually say, “I think I just got a bite.” Anyway, Davy and I fished with Mop Jigs for two hours. We caught seven bass that totaled 35 pounds. From the back of the boat, he caught five and from the front, I caught two. He is at least two and a half times better than me, so I was not surprised. However, the lake produced them.

Look up www.kingfishersociety.com and inquire.

2. Lake Lanier. 37,000 acres of OK bass fishing historically. Spotted and Largemouth Bass are plentiful. Am I getting far afield with this? What makes Lanier so good now? About 20 or so years ago, some enterprising fisherman ventured to the Savannah River, netted some Blueback Herring, and traveled them to Lanier to use for Striped Bass bait. Of course,

many were dumped in the lake after a trip, some just survived after being manhandled by the fishermen and some just escaped off the hook. Result? The Bluebacks have flourished and now the Spotted Bass have a specie of bait that shares the water temperature and serves to “blow up the average” size Spot.

In tournaments in the late ’70s and ’80s, in which I participated, the top five weigh-in catches of Spots usually weighed in at eight or 10 fish at 15 pounds, a 1.5pound average. Since the Bluebacks have become the baitfish of the lake, a 5-fish limit of Spots weighs in at a 5-pound average, 25 pounds. Lanier is the best Spotted Bass fishing lake in North America.

3. Okeechobee! What can I say, 400,000 acres 8 feet deep, full of grass, pads, hiding places and warm water for 12 months each year. There are lots of lodges, guides, fish camps, lodging, restaurants and tackle shops, etc. that can help you get started. It’s easy, safe, accessible and fun.

4. Rodman Reservoir, Northeast Florida, at only 9,500 acres, is legendary for the number of trophy bass it has produced over the years ever since it was created in 1968. It is consistently ranked with the state of Florida as one of the top 10 best bass lakes in the country. So, what’s it like? You’ll be fishing floating cover, “dollar weeds

See O’Neill, page 31

O’Neill Williams

O’Neill Outside n

O’Neill’s fishing buddy with an 11 pound bass.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY O’NEILL WILLIAMS

Some early memories and other assorted tales from my life

My father was drafted into the US Army in 1945. This was toward the end of the war, and he had been considered exempt up to then, being married with two children and working in a critical war related industry. However, by then the Army was in such desperate need of men that if the draft board shook your hand, and it was warm, you were classified OneA! He was drafted and sent to Camp Blanding, FL for basic training. Now at the time, gas was rationed, as well as many other things. So, my mother borrowed gas coupons from everyone in the family, and bundled me, age two and a half and my younger brother, age 18 months into my Uncle Haik’s 13-year-old Dodge and headed south to Florida! That was a gutsy thing for a young woman to do back then when Highway US One was just a twolane road for most of the way and hotels and gas stations were not what they are today!

When we finally got to Camp Blanding, my mother managed to get a cabin at a “motor court,” the predecessor of modern motels.

Many of the other army wives were there, so she had plenty of company. They shared babysitting duties, laundry, shopping etc. One of the stories she told was about the milk. It was all imported from Wisconsin, and normally sour when it arrived in Florida. Occasionally dad could get fresh milk from the PX, but that was a rare occasion. Now back then, baby bottles had a very narrow neck, and you stretched the rubber nipple over the bottle. It turns out that the baby bottle neck was the same size as a coke bottle, so when good milk was not available, my mother would simply put the nipple on a bottle of Coke and put my brother to bed with it! He didn’t mind at all, but in later years, every time he

did something crazy, my father would say “What did you expect? You raised him on Coke!”

One of my earliest memories was playing on our old 1932 Dodge. It had long curved front fenders that made an excellent slide. In New Jersey I could spend hours climbing up on them and sliding down. That doesn’t work on a black car in the hot Florida sunlight when you’re wearing shorts and sandals! I climbed up on top of the fender and it was broiling hot, and I couldn’t get down, so I just climbed up on the roof and shrieked until someone came and rescued me!

My father, being an old clamdigger, was an excellent swimmer, so they made him a lifeguard at the recreation area lake. Now this was no man-made lake, this was a wild Florida lake that just happened to be there when the Army arrived. It had all the original critters that all Florida lakes had, including alligators, water moccasins and coral snakes, as well as the less deadly creatures. Dad said you’d be

swimming along and a four-footlong water snake would swim past right in front of you!

Mom tells a story about how one of the guys would get a 12hour pass so he could go off base. She was the only one with a car, so she would drive onto the base, pick up the guy and bring him back to the motor court so he could spend some time with his wife. Then she’d take the pass back onto the base and repeat the procedure with another of the husbands, and so on, so a lot of the guys got off base with the same pass. At the end of the 12 hours, she’d reverse the procedure and take them all back to base. (I’m proud to say that the same sort of thing was going on when I was in the Navy in the 1960s!)

Those were the stories I heard for many years, but as she got older, my mother admitted that she hadn’t had to borrow gas coupons from anyone. It seems that Uncle Lou ran the printing plant in the state penitentiary. He wasn’t a prisoner, just a state employee who ran the plant. That was where all the gas ration coupons were

printed and some of them just happened to make their way into my mother’s hands! It’s not who you are, it’s who you know!

Back to the 12-hour pass story, mom mentioned that on the husband shuttle using the same pass, toward the end of the evening, the guard on the gate, who had seen her going back and forth all day with different men said, “Excuse me Ma’am, but I get off at midnight.” She said, “Oh, well have a nice evening.” It wasn’t until much later that she realized that he must have thought she was a hooker!

Back then my mother was a real “looker,” with a pretty face and a nice figure so I can’t fault the fellow’s taste, but the thought of her being a lady if the evening is hilarious! (If anything, she would have been the Madam!)

Afterword: Several years ago, I had business in Jacksonville and had some time to kill. While driving around the beltway I saw an exit for Blanding Boulevard, so I got off and headed out into the country. Eventually I came upon a

Mendes, page 18

Vinnie Mendes

For as little as $50* per year an LLA membership makes an impact on the lake we all love. Support LLA, become a member today!

An LLA Membership supports our work towards a Clean, Full and Safe Lake Lanier. Each donation goes towards on-lake initiatives like Solar Lights, Shore Sweep, Life Jacket Loaner Stations, and many more programs working to protect the lake.

We invite you to get involved and make a difference on Lake Lanier. Whether that be with your membership and donations or by finding an LLA committee to volunteer on. However you choose to support LLA, it all makes a direct impact on Lake Lanier.

Don't miss a thing from LLA! Follow the Lake Lanier Association on social media or by joining our email list at lakelanier.org!

* $50 per year for an individual membership, household memberships available. Scan QR code to learn more about membership levels and benefits

Countdown to lake season is on with the return of boat shows! We invite you to come say "hello" to LLA at the following local events:

North GA Boat and RV Extravaganza

Gainesville Marina

Friday, February 10th - Sunday, February 12th

Lake Lanier Boat Show

Lanier Islands

Friday, March 3rd - Sunday, March 5th

We can’t wait to see YOU at the boat shows!

How do you boat in the fog? Very carefully

Have you ever heard the saying that whatever you do on Jan 1st, you will do in abundance for the whole year? I have and I like it. This past New Year’s Day, I decided that I wanted to be on the water. As I arrived at the lake, I could see a dense fog over the water. In certain areas the visibility was less than a few hundred feet, so I couldn’t see anything at all. I could hear what sounded like boats moving on the water. Based on the pitch, I could tell they were running at pretty high speeds, and I realized there were a lot of boaters that were not deterred by the fog. I started wondering how many people take precautions while boating under foggy conditions.

This time of year, fog can be quite common on Lake Lanier. Sometimes, you may leave the dock or boat ramp in clear conditions and fog sets in unexpectedly while you are out on the water. I will identify some of the measures you can take if you are on the water while fog has set in: Slow Down – The denser the

Taylor The Careful Captain

fog the shorter the distance is that you will be able to see obstacles in your way. If you are moving at 30 mph in a dense fog, you have only a couple of seconds to react to a buoy or other object in the water in front of you. If that other object is a boat moving toward you at around the same speed, then you will have even less time to react because higher speeds decrease the required reaction time.

Use Your Chart Plotter (GPS) – If your vessel is equipped with a chart plotter, use it! If you do not know how to use it, learn how. A chart plotter lets you know where you are and where you are headed. Plotters are the perfect tools to prevent you from getting lost.

Use Your Radar – If your vessel is equipped with radar, use it! If you do not know how to use it, learn how. (Notice a pattern here?) A chart plotter can tell you where fixed obstacles such as islands and shallow water are, but it does not tell you where moving boats are. Radar can do that.

Use Your Depth Finder – It is always prudent to know how much water is below your keel. You do not want to run aground because you strayed into shallow water. Additionally, you could use the depth info from your charts along with the readout of your depth gauge to confirm your position.

Use Navigation Lights – Even if it is daytime, turn on your navigation lights. They may not be as visible as they are at night, but they can make just enough of a difference to avoid a collision. Also, keep a good strong flashlight aboard as it can be used to create some visibility in the fog if there is a vessel in your vicinity.

Make Some Noise – If you are navigating in a dense fog, peri-

odic audible fog signals are recommended. These audible signals should be done at 1-to-2-minute intervals and should last for 5 seconds. The signal can be done with your vessel’s horn or bell. Keep in mind that you should be listening out for similar signals from other vessels. Also note that if you are running at a high speed, it will be quite difficult to hear signals from another vessel.

Keep Your Head on a Swivel – With all these precautions, you

• Mendes

Continued from Page 14

sign for “Camp Blanding.” It seems that 800,000 men had been processed through there before being sent off to war in Europe or Africa, and although the base in now used by the Florida National Guard, there is a museum to commemorate them, but that will be

Travel story delayed

still should constantly look in all directions for vessel activity or signs of danger. Since you have much less time to react, the earlier you spot a potential danger increases the likelihood of avoiding any accidents.

Happy New Year and have a safe boating year.

Frank is past commander of America’s Boating Club Atlanta and is currently a content creator at the YouTube channel “The Ships Logg.”

the subject for another column. Mendes has been sailing all his life and on Lake Lanier for the past 25 years. His family owns a marina/bar/restaurant so he has plenty of real life experiences to draw from. His favorite line: “You can’t make this stuff up.”

Due to editorial space limitations, Senior Reporter Pam Keene’s second and final installment of her report on Egypt has been moved to the March issue of Lakeside on Lanier.

Frank

Looking back at those devastating January tornadoes

I can’t tell you how many times we heard that over and over again. We can and do see tornadoes at any time of the year, but not the kind of tornado outbreak that we saw earlier this year. A line of strong thunderstorms moved into north and central Georgia during the afternoon through the evening of Thursday, January 12th and spawned numerous tornadoes, including several that were long track and significant.

Ahead of this line, a few supercells also spawned tornadoes in portions of central and eastern Georgia. As of this writing, survey information is still being compiled and will be released in coming days. Thus, the final tornado count is still being determined. The total number of tornadoes

LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS

stands at seven, with more to be added as the survey continues by the National Weather Service. As the system roared across Alabama, a massive supercell spawned an EF 3 tornado with a path of nearly 77 miles. It was an eighth of a mile wide and began at 12:40 p.m. Seven people lost their lives, mostly in mobile homes that could not withstand the 150 mph winds, as you can see in this photo.

JUN

Glenn Burns Lanier Outlook

I saw the set up in the computer models that Monday. Over us at about a mile up we were experiencing winds of about 65-75 mph. Higher into the atmosphere winds were increasing with speed and changing directions. A lot of wind shear was present. In addition to the windshear a weather system was coming in during the maximum heating of the day where temperatures were climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s, adding a lot of fuel to the storms. It looked like a March set up – not typical January weather.

The weather system came in from the West Coast, an atmospheric river that was pounding parts of California. It maintained its strength as it moved across the country, dropping heavy snows across the Rockies

See Burns, page 46 Damage from one of the January tornadoes.

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

1 1071.14 1069.98 1069.14 1068.36 1067.60 1066.45 1066.67 1067.97

2 1071.03 1069.96 1069.11 1068.39 1067.56 1066.42 1066.71 1067.83

3 1070.97 1070.04 1069.09 1068.50 1067.51 1066.39 1066.72 1067.99

4 1070.92 1070.06 1069.06 1068.60 1067.46 1066.36 1066.73 1069.27

5 1070.86 1069.97 1069.04 1068.88 1067.41 1066.31 1066.96 1069.50

6 1070.84 1069.90 1069.03 1068.88 1067.37 1066.31 1067.60 1069.60

7 1070.80 1069.92 1069.00 1068.74 1067.32 1066.28 1067.74 1069.67

8 1070.74 1069.92 1068.98 1068.68 1067.27 1066.24 1067.81 1069.73

9 1070.79 1070.08 1068.97 1068.66 1067.25 1066.20 1067.90 1069.78

10 1070.79 1070.13 1069.00 1068.66 1067.22 1066.19 1067.91 1069.52

11 1070.79 1070.10 1068.99 1068.64 1067.17 1066.31 1067.95 1069.87

12 1070.78 1070.04 1068.97 1068.53 1067.12 1066.33 1067.90 1070.02

13 1070.76 1070.08 1068.89 1068.45 1067.10 1066.35 1067.86 1070.09

14 1070.76 1070.01 1068.86 1068.44 1067.07 1066.34 1068.01 1070.09

15 1070.70 1069.96 1068.80 1068.40 1067.02 1066.34 1068.47 1070.09

16 1070.69 1069.90 1068.77 1068.34 1066.98 1066.33 1068.58 1070.13

17 1070.65 1069.87 1068.72 1068.32 1066.93 1066.29 1068.65 1070.17

18 1070.66 1069.80 1068.73 1068.29 1066.86 1066.26 1068.69 1070.15

19 1070.61 1069.79 1068.69 1068.26 1066.80 1066.21 1068.74 1070.11

20 1070.58 1069.76 1068.71 1068.24 1066.76 1066.20 1068.74 1070.06

21 1070.52 1069.74 1068.73 1068.20 1066.71 1066.16 1068.75 1070.12

22 1070.47 1069.67 1068.70 1068.14 1066.69 1066.13 1068.73 1070.36

23 1070.42 1069.63 1068.68 1068.06 1066.64 1066.12 1068.61 1070.39

24 1070.35 1069.62 1068.67 1068.00 1066.60 1066.09 1068.48

25 1070.33 1069.53 1068.68 1067.92 1066.56 1066.07 1068.37

26 1070.31 1069.45 1068.67 1067.87 1066.54 1066.06 1068.33

27 1070.30 1069.36 1068.64 1067.81 1066.53 1066.09 1068.28

28 1070.21 1069.25 1068.61 1067.78 1066.48 1066.07 1068.27

29 1070.13 1069.17 1068.56 1067.73 1066.44 1066.10 1068.22

30 1070.04 1069.17 1068.45 1067.64 1066.46 1066.56 1068.19

31 1069.17 1068.42 1066.46 1068.09

AV 1070.63 1069.78 1068.82 1068.31 1066.96 1066.25 1068.02

MAX 1071.14 1070.13 1069.14 1068.88 1067.60 1066.56 1068.75

MI 1070.04 1069.17 1068.42 1067.64 1066.44 1066.06 1066.67

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

CREDIT: WBMA TV BIRMINGHAM

o Feb. 2-12 – Mamma Mia presented at the FoCAL Center, 1150 Dahlonega Hwy., Cumming. ABBA’s hits tell the story of a young woman’s search for her father. Times: 7:3010:30 p.m., Feb. 2, 3, 9-11; 2-5 p.m., Feb. 4, 12. Tickets: $25-$30. Info: www.forsyth.k12.ga.us.

o Feb. 4, Mar. 4 – Greeting Card Workshop, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., held at the Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch, 127 Main St. NW, Gainesville. Craft greeting cards with Patricia Anderson, who will provide inspiration, expertise, tools and materials. Free.

Info: 770-532-3311, ext. 4011.

Brenau University

o Thru Mar. 23 – Excerpts in Paint: Works by Ferdinand Rosa exhibit in Presidents Gallery, Brenau University, 200 Boulevard, Gainesville. The solo exhibition features abstract paintings created by Rosa which highlight his works from his Costa Rican Rhapsody and Tsunami Eulogies series. 9-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Free. Info: 770-534-6263; galleries.brenau.edu.

Buford Community Center

o Feb. 4 – Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes will be presented at 8 p.m. in the Sylvia Beard Theatre. Jason Petty, performer/musician, brings the authentic story of Hank Williams Sr. to life. Tickets: $30-$40.

o Feb. 17 – John Denver Musical Tribute starring Ted Vigil presented at 8 p.m. in Sylvia Beard Theatre. Vigil performs with Joe Bellia on drums and John Merejave on bass. Tickets: $30-$40.

o Mar. 3 – Good Shot Judy features Brett and Jeff Cahoon, former punk band members of Ten

Lakeside Calendar February 2023

Years from Now who formed a small combo featuring old-time jazz standards. Presented in the Sylvia Beard Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30$40.

Info: www.bufordcommunitycenter.com.

Clarkesville’s Historic Habersham Community Theater

o Feb. 9-12, 16-19 – “The Curious Savage,” a bittersweet comedy about a wealthy widow whose greedy stepchildren commit her to a sanitarium, celebrates whimsy and skewers notions of “sanity” with warmth, humor and dignity.

7:30 p.m., Feb. 9-11, 16-18; 2 p.m., Feb. 12, 19. Tickets: $20, adults; $12, students/children. Info: 706-839-1315; habershamtheater.org Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater o Feb. 10-26 – “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, the story of star-crossed lovers presented.

Times: 8-10 p.m., Fri./Sat.; 2-4 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $30, adults; $15, students/children. Info: 706-530-5162; hollytheater.com.

Gainesville Theatre Alliance

o Feb. 10-18 – “Pygmalion” presented at Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre, inside the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts. George Bernard Shaw’s dramatization of a Cockney Flower girl’s metamorphosis into a lady inspired the musical “My Fair Lady.” Times: 7:30-10 p.m., Feb. 10, 11, 14-18; 2:30-5 p.m., Feb. 11, 12, 18. Tickets: $16, $24.

Info: 678-717-3624; www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

o Feb. 24 – Paint This Town Tour, Old Crow

Medicine Show, 7 p.m., with special guest, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Tickets: $65, $59.75, $49.75 and $39.75.

Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com. Interactive Neighborhood Kids o Thru Feb. 5 – Puzzle Craft Week, design a puzzle this week.

o Feb. 6-12 – Rose Craft Week, make a beautiful rose craft this week for a loved one.

o Feb. 13-19 – Valentine’s Day Craft Week, make your valentine a special gift with fun materials this week.

o Feb. 20-26 – Whale Craft Week, learn about these magnificent animals while creating your own whale craft.

o Feb. 27-Mar. 5 – Pig Craft Week, make a fun pig craft this week.

Info: $1 with paid admission to museum; INK Members, free.

Info: 770-536-1900; www.inkfun.org.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort

o Thru Feb. 26 – License to Chill Snow Island. Winter Chill Season Passes start at $79.99. Pass includes unlimited Snow Tubing, Amusement Rides, Ice Skating, Gate Fee Access and more. Times: 5-10 p.m. Daily admissions: $54.99 reg.; $39.99, child (age 3-7), military, seniors and groups.

Info: 770-945-8787; www.lanierislands.com.

Piedmont University

o Feb. 4 – Lux Treble Choir, an advanced treble choir born out of a need for beautiful treble music to bring light into this difficult and sometimes dark world. Emily Allison and Ashley Conway, conductors. Performance held 7:30-9

p.m. in the Chapel.

o Feb. 9 – Bloom-Funkhouser Duo, 9 p.m., features Peter Bloom, flute, and John Funkhauser, piano, celebrating the music of Duke Ellington at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Both are veterans of the legendary Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, considered one of the best jazz ensembles in the world.

o Feb. 23 – Andrea M. Price, soprano, and Heejin Park, piano, perform. Price, professor of music and coordinator of applied music at Piedmont University, performs lieder, art song and operatic arias in the Chapel. 7:30 p.m.

o Feb. 28 – Seipp-Sheets Duo features Trumpeter Chuck Seipp and organist Randall Sheets performing musical arrangements of virtuosic, beautiful, entertaining, humorous and patriotic selections in the Chapel. 7:30 p.m.

Info: 800-277-7020; www.piedmont.edu.

Quinlan Arts Center

o Thru Feb. 11 – Winter Exhibition featuring artists Ferdinand Rosa, Karen Sturm, Frances Byrd and Jennifer Herrera and Blackberry Creek artists. Opening Reception held Dec. 8 and will include light bites and wine.

o Mar. 4 – 45th Annual Gala-Fine Art Auction. Preview night begins at 5:30 p.m. on Mar. 2. Food truck, wine and beer trucks available. This event is free and open to the public. Silent Auction bidding accessible at 5:30 p.m. The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. on March 4. Ticket holders will have access to Live Auction. Tickets: $200/person.

Info: 770-536-2575; www.quinlanartscenter.org See Calendar, page 45

WINTER’S HERE!

SEEN BIGFOOT?

North Georgia museum dedicated to documenting reports

By Jane Harrison

A roadside attraction between two tourist towns in the Georgia mountains immerses visitors into a mystical world where a legendary creature dwells, at least in fake fur and people’s minds.

Expedition Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum in Cherrylog, Ga., between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, stocks 7,000 square feet of artifacts and evidence – footprint casts, hair wads, a knuckle bone, buttocks impression, dried turd, and more – purported to come from giant, hairy man-ape beings that some believe have walked the earth for centuries. Reports of large hirsute primates have also surfaced in counties surrounding Lake Lanier, according to the Big Foot Research Organization (BFRO) dedicated to investigating claims of bigfoot sightings, sounds, and prints.

Even before stepping out of the car near the feet of a huge, thatched manikin at the museum entrance, everyday humans get tuned up for an extraordinary experience. Bold dramatic music blares from amplifiers and whets the appetite for wildness outside of their mundane existence. Inside, the adventure deepens with weirdness around every turn. Artists’ renderings, hairy masks, blown up newspaper clippings, investigators’ tools, videos, a bigfoot bait list (they like grasswrapped mice), encampment replica, and so much more cram every nook. Visitors stare and gasp and nod their heads in belief … or stifle their giggles in denial. Some remain mired in limbo.

Expedition Bigfoot founder David Bakara turned his Florida childhood fascination with humanbeast reports into a Georgia mountain tourist attraction that grabs about 76,000 visitors a year. Bakara, a BRFO-certified investigator, started the museum with artifacts he collected before moving to North Georgia 11 years ago. In his ramblings around Ellijay and Blue Ridge, the 25-year restaura-

teur observed an uptick in families vacationing in the small towns. He heard tourist-after-tourist ask “Where’s a good place to take the kids?” and mutter “I wish someone would open up a family attraction.”

“I was already a researcher, a bigfoot investigator,” he said. He also had an array of hair samples, footprint casts, and items that he, friends and other researchers had stashed. “I tossed the idea around with my wife and decided to open up” a family magnet along the lines of an old Florida roadside attraction. He found the building on Ga. 515, invested money and dreams and opened up seven years ago. The first year fetched about 29,000 wide-eyed mystery seekers. A staff of seven runs the museum and gift shop seven days a week, except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. “We never thought we’d be this busy,” Bakara said.

He developed a sensory experience that today’s kids crave. “There’s music, sounds … kids like to hear interesting things,” Bakara said. There’s even a lineup of headphones playing a recording of guttural groans from a purported bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, in 1974 in California’s Sierra Mountains.

The museum chronicles reports of other mysterious beings, including abominable snowmen (Yetis) and the Florida Skunk Ape that captured Bakara’s childhood intrigue. In the 1960s, “when I

was a child of about 10 or 11 years old, I would watch the news with dad. Back then, it was just the news, serious stuff,” he recalled. When TV stations sent reporters to investigate skunk ape sightings and interview rangers in Fort Myers, Naples and the Everglades, the boy took it as legit. “It stuck with me.”

Bakara today possesses the visage of a vintage-aged Indiana Jones, with steely blue eyes, longish swept back gray hair, and a ready smile beneath a neatly cropped mustache. He talks with conviction and enthusiasm about the being that launched his Georgia business. You want to believe.

His first personal encounter with bigfoot phenomena came in 2011 while investigating an Alva, Fla. resident’s claims that a shaggy behemoth banged on windows, chased his dog, and ran screaming at the edge of the Everglades. He set up an overnight vigil in a yard strewn with fish innards. “We started the smoker, threw some fish heads in and waited. About an hour after dark, we said ‘My god, what is that?’ ”

He focused a thermal imager toward sounds of popping and cracking. “There were two of them … sticking out on both sides of foot-wide trees. They were hiding their eyes.” He watched for 12 minutes.

The creatures portrayed at the bigfoot museum might be 7 to 8 feet tall, 400 pounds, and “hairy as an old bear.” Enlarged news-

paper clippings cite witnesses’ claims of hearing tree branches crack, a “roar like a lion” and a shrill whistle. Taxidermied racoons and fake pine boughs set the scene above big screens as images of large furry bi-peds emerge from California to New York. One screen focuses on “Horror in Dahlonega, Ga.” and reports rangers’ claims of spying three beings “7 ½ feet tall, covered in hair, except for its face, which looked like a chimp” ravaging a helicopter wreckage near Camp Merrill.

A lighted Georgia map posts spots where BFRO and Bakara have investigated “first hand visual sightings.” Green pins illuminate sites in Dawson and Lumpkin counties, as well as in Lake Lanier’s headwaters on the Chattahoochee River.

“We do on occasion receive reports of such a mythical creature,” said Matt Hinman, wildlife biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources District 2, which covers northeast Georgia. “It’s a mythical animal, with no basis, no founding whatsoever … If people want to walk in the woods and look for bigfoot it’s a good way to lose weight.”

“There’s no credible evidence, not any kind of documentation, picture, track or specimen,” said District 1 DNR biologist David Gregory. In 22 years studying wildlife in central and northwest Georgia, which includes the museum’s home county, Gregory has seen nothing to convince him of bigfoot’s existence. “We do get

calls periodically from people who think they have seen something. We take a mental note and go on,” he said, adding that rangers must “prioritize what we do.”

Both biologists said no one has provided a bigfoot picture. “With all sorts of cameras out in the woods, no one has produced photographic evidence,” Gregory said. The odds of bigfoot’s existence are “really low, but I’m not saying yea or nay.”

“That’s the old stand-by, ‘show me a picture,’ ” Bakara said. “That’s really the smart thing for them to say … The minute they say they’re real, they’re on the hook for responding.”

Back at the museum on a dreary January Saturday, 10-yearold Colton Giorgi was among a steady stream of gawkers. He believes. “The world is a big place and we haven’t figured out everything,” said the Florida native. His grandfather, Marc Sullivan, admitted “the Patterson video” from Bluff Creek, California “won him over.” The scene of a huge, bushy, dark creature meandering upright in a clearing cannot be replicated by Hollywood or Disney, he and other bigfoot believers say.

“I’ve seen a print from when my dad and me used to hike. I’ve been a believer since I was a little girl,” said Lindsey Dukeminier, visiting from Alabama with Gen X-aged friends. Cohort Joshua Gibson, from Jacksonville, thrilled at the exhibits, but wasn’t

A large thatched model outside the bigfoot museum beckons visitors inside.

PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON

Hairy manikin heads, investigators' garb and tools, and all sorts of bigfoot paraphernalia grab visitors' attention at the bigfoot museum.

PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON

Bakara

o Surf & Sun 5K, Cumming. 8:30 a.m. Feb. 4, West Bank Park, 3400 Buford Dam Rd. $35.$37.50. www.active.com.

o Group Run Wilshire Trails, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Feb. 4 & 25, Wilshire Trails Park, 849 Wilshire Rd. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Cookies & Cocoa 5K, Buford. 9 a.m. Feb. 4, Buford High School, 2455 Buford Hwy. $30. www.runnersfit.com.

o Georgia History Festival Super Museum Sunday, Sautee Nacoochee. Georgia Historical Society presents program and open house at historic mansion and farm, plus s’mores around the fire pit, noon-3 p.m. Feb. 5, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077.

o Blue Ribbon 5K/Fun Run, Gainesville. 2/3 p.m. Feb. 5, Candler Field, 528 Prior St. $30/free fun run. www.runnersfit.com.

o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 6:15-7:45 p.m. Feb. 5, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Acrylic Workshop: Landscapes with Depth, Gainesville. Lesson on building color into landscape painting, 9:30-11 a.m. Feb. 7, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $110, $100 members. www. atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Liquid Learning, Gainesville. Birding expert Giff Beaton presents program on Warblers of Georgia, 6-7 p.m. Feb. 7, Tapit! Pints & Growlers, 110 Maple St. Register in advance. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

o Thrill in the Hills 50K/21K/5-Mile Trail Runs, Winder. Teams and individuals races, 7:30/8/8:20 a.m. Feb. 11, Nature Center Pavilion, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $45$145. www.dirtyspokes.com.

o Chasing Away Winter Tot Trot/Fun Run/5K, Dahlonega. 8:15/8:25/8:45 a.m. Feb. 11, Lumpkin County High School, 2001 Indian Dr. $25-$35. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Group Run Wild Wings Lot, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Feb. 11 & March 4, Wild Wing Café, 311 Jesse Jewell

• Bigfoot

Continued from Page 30 convinced. “I feel like I need more proof.”

Even for the skeptic, the tourist attraction conjures a near willing suspension of disbelief, similar to

Outdoor Calendar February 2023

Pkwy. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Falconry at the Gorge, Tallulah Falls. Licensed falconers and raptors “meet & greet” visitors, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 11, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Macrame and Merlot, Gainesville. Create hanging planter with macramé and sip complementary glass of wine, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 11, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $69, $64 members. www. atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Super Sunday 5K, Dawsonville. 9 a.m. Feb. 12, Veterans Park, 186 Recreation Rd. $25-$40. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Arbor Day Celebration, Gainesville. Student art and essay contest, joint city/county tree proclamation, Feb. 17, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2021 Elachee Dr. Maximum 50 seats. Information: Robin Halstead, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, 770-532-6206, rhalstead@ghcc.com.

o Phoenix Bass Fishing League, Gainesville. Take off 6:30 a.m. Feb. 18, Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy., weigh in 2:30 p.m. Feb. 19, Laurel Park. Register at www.majorleaguefishing.com.

o Kupcakes & Kandy 5K, Suwanee. 8 a.m. Feb. 18, North Gwinnett Church, 4973 West Price Rd. $32. www.active.com.

o Georgia Audubon Birding Hike, Gainesville. 3-mile hike along Chicopee Lake with Georgia Audubon team member, 8-10 a.m. Feb. 18, Chicopee Lake, 2100 Calvary Church Rd. For ages 14 and older. Registration required. $10. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

o Group Run Riverside, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. Feb. 18, Riverside Preparatory Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Yonah Dam 8K/5K, Toccoa. Mixed surfaces along Panther Creek and Tugaloo River, 8:30/9:45 a.m. Feb. 18, Yonah Dam, 3844 Yonah Dam Rd. $30-$45. www.active.com.

o The Wimpy Mile, Dahlonega. Fast downhill 1-mile course, 9 a.m. Feb. 18, Hancock Park, Hawkins St. $30. www.runnersfit.com.

o Elachee Backyard Bird Count, Gainesville.

the childhood belief in fairies, flying saucers, and Santa. It’s a stop worth making to step out of the ordinary into a bigfoot world of possibility.

Visit Expedition Bigfoot: A Sasquatch Museum

Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Last admission 4:30 p.m. Winter hours vary. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

Admission: Adults/teens $8 plus tax; children 5-12 $6 plus tax; free to children younger than 5 and active military with ID.

Address: 1934 Ga. 515, Blue Ridge, Ga.

From founder David Bakara at www.expeditionbigfoot.com: “We at Expedition Bigfoot believe in the existence of Bigfoot/Sasquatch either from personal experience and encounters or from witness testimony and evidence. Our museum provides a lot of that evidence, and leaves the question of Bigfoot’s existence up to you.”

Exhibits, activities, food trucks, crafts, scavenger hunts and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10, $5 Elachee members, free to children younger than 2. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

o Beginner Archery, Tallulah Falls. Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 18, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Must be strong enough to pull 30-pound bow. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Little Heroes 1-Mile/5K, Gainesville. 3/3:30 p.m. Feb. 18, American Legion, 2343 Riverside Dr. $15/$30. www.runnersfit.com.

o No School Nature Day, Gainesville. Classroom session and birding hike for children K-5th grade, 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 20, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 ages 2 and older. Register in advance. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.

o In Full Bloom, Gainesville. Birding lesson and hike, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 20, Chicopee Lake, 2100 Calvary Church Rd. For ages 18 and older. Register in advance. $10. www.elachee.org, 770535-1976.

o Paladin Pacer Trail Race, Cumming. 5K on grass, trails and pavement, 8 a.m. Feb. 25, Pinecrest Academy, 955 Peachtree Pkwy. $30. www.active.com.

o Native American Cultures of the Blue Ridge, Helen. Learn about Native American history and culture, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Stars Over Elachee, Gainesville. Learn how to use a telescope, view the first quarter moon, stars and constellations 6:15-8:15 p.m. Feb. 25, Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake, 2100 Calvary Church Rd. For adults and children age 8 and older. Bring flashlight and pencil. Telescope fee $30 for up to 5 family members or friend group. Free to Elachee members. Register in advance. 770-535-1976, www.elachee.org.

On-Going

o Saturday Explorations, Gainesville. Explore live animal showcase and other exhibits at Elachee Nature Science Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 25, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 ages 2 and older, free to Elachee members. www.elachee.org, 770-

• O’Neill

Continued from Page 12

and pads” and water hyacinths here where bass set up housekeeping. There’s plenty of eel grass, hydrilla and lily pads so tackle up with heavy gear, get some live bait, 9 or even 12-inch plastics and count on exercising some patience. The Rodman Lake record Largemouth Bass is 17.2 lbs.

5. Pickwick Lake at Wilson Dam. Sorry, I thought I was going to quit but just can’t leave this one out. The upper reaches of Pickwick Lake reach all the way upriver to Wilson Dam. I fished there with Brian Barton

535-1976.

o Turning Leaf Book Club, Gainesville. Monthly discussions of nature-themed books, 11 a.m. first Wednesdays Jan.-May, Sept.-Nov., Linwood Ecology Center, Linwood Nature Preserve, 118 Springview Dr. mastergardener@hallcounty.org.

o License to Chill Snow Island, Buford. Snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, s’more making,11 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends and holidays through Feb. 26, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Various prices. Check website for updates. www.margaritavilleresorts.com.

o Group Runs, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites, 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy. Check website/Facebook page for updates and other weekly runs. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Home School Hiking Club, Mountain City. Ranger-led hikes not exceeding 3 miles for home school students, includes activities, 10 a.m.-noon fourth Wednesdays through May, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. One time fee $15 adults, $10 children. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706746-2141.

o Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals, Gainesville. Canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, reserve via email 48 hours in advance for paddling Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20-$30 per hour, $10 for additional hours, maximum 4 hours. info@lckc.org.

o First Visit Tour, Helen. Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages and more, 10-11 a.m. first Saturdays, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. Donations welcome. Reservations required. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-3087.

o Flowery Branch Winter Farmers Market 2nd and 4th Thursdays through April 27, 5301 Railroad Ave. www.flowerybranchga.org.

o Farmers Market, Braselton 4-6 p.m. February; 4-7 p.m. 3rd Fridays March and May, patio next to Town Green on Davis Street. www.braselton.net.

– compiled by Jane Harrison

from brianbartonoutdoors.com.

You should too. In November, we caught Largemouth, Smallmouths, Stripers, White Bass, Black Drum and Channel and Blue Cats on every cast. Listen now, every cast produced a hook up, a break off or a miss of very respectable gamefish. Sizes?

We’re talking 6-pound Smallies, 8-pound Largemouths, 20-pound Stripers and 30-pound Blues. We’ve shot two television shows there and each took no more than 3 hours. Now that’s production. Anyway, Pickwick is all part of

the Tennessee River system, is fertile, packed with bait and gamefish. The only time I’ve fished with Brian has been in the Fall so can’t comment on other times of the year but, if you can, please do telephone Brian and book a few days in the Fall on Pickwick up the river at the base of Wilson Dam.

O’Neill Williams has been a television, radio and print personality for more than 40 years and more recently has added podcasts and video on demand to his repertoire.

Lake Lanier Marinas Info

BALD

RIDGE MARINA

Hours of operation: Office, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., marina has 24/7 access.

Phone: 770-887-5309

Website: www.baldridgemarina.com

Location: 1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming

Types of slips available: Covered & uncovered.

On-site eatery: Smokey Q BBQ

Store hours: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat./Sun.

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $4.29; $4.49 diesel (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs.-Mon. Closed Tues./Wed.)

Security: 24/7 security, gated

Additional amenities: Full-service department, parts department, boat body work and yacht repair.Boating supplies/commissary/dry goods/retail clothing.

GAINESVILLE MARINA

Hours of operation: Office, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Phone: 770-536-2171

Website: www.gainesvillemarina.com

Location: 2145 Dawsonville Hwy., Gainesville

Types of slips available: 600 slips, dry stack covered up to 25', wet covered & uncovered up to 80'.

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $5.59 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

Ship Store Seasonal: Open May-September

On-site eatery: Skogies Menu: BBQ, seafood and American fare. Phone: 678-450-1310

Security: 7 days a week

Additional amenities: Parts department, land service shop, climatecontrolled bath houses, pump-out stations, security 7 days a week/video surveillance. Sales of new, used and brokerage boats.

HOLIDAY MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

Phone: 770-945-7201

Website: www.holidaylakelanier.com

Location: 6900 Holiday Rd., Buford

Types of slips available: 22-100' Uncovered including 80, 90, and 100' Breakwater Slips; 26-85' Covered Slips totalling 1238 Slips Store: Yes; Convenience items and basic boating supplies. Types of fuel: Premium, unleaded & diesel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.49 premium; $6.59 unleaded; $6.99 diesel

On-site eatery: The Twisted Oar Menu: Fresh seafood to savory chicken and steak

Phone: 678 714-7572

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service, pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US

LAZY DAYS

at Holiday on Lake Lanier

LAZY DAYS (at Holiday on Lake Lanier)

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 6 days a week. Closed on Tuesdays..

Phone: 770-945-1991

Location: 6700 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford

Types of slips available: Concrete Wet Slips from 50 - 125 foot covered & 100 foot open slips; 554 covered dry stack spaces up to 36 feet

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol marine fuel treated with ValvTect; diesel

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.49 regular Security: 24/7 surveillance monitoring Full Service Department: Barefoot Boating, 770-820-5949 Boat Club: Carefree Boat Club, 678-725-0730

Additional Amenities: Bath house facility with individual private units. Trailer storage, dock carts, ice available, boat detailing service, free pump out for customers; Dry Stack-Boat Cloud smartphone app to control launch/retrieval of boat. Pre-Fueling service, wash racks; Wet Slips-gated/private parking, golf cart valet service, in-slip pump out.

Types of fuel: 90 non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $5.49 regular (Pay at the pump closes same time as restaurant.)

On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill

Menu: Burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings and more Security: Gated, 24/7

Additional amenities: Climate controlled bath house with showers, 24/7 self-service pump out, rental boats, courtesy dock for dry stack, two ship stores, full-service center, largest floating gas dock in Ga., 16 gas pumps, houseboat rentals.

SAFE HARBOR AQUALAND MARINA

Hours of operation:Office/Leasing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Closed Sat./Sun.

Phone: 770-967-6811 Website: www.aqualandmarina.com

Location: 6800 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch

Types of slips available: Houseboats, covered cruisers, & all types of open slips plus covered & open dry slips, totaling 1,725 wet docks and 460 dry docks

Store: Yes

Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.49, non-members; $5.99, members (During month of February, Safe Harbor Marinas are offering fuel at an At-Cost Special for members only) (Dock/Ship Store open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 days a week.)

On-site eatery: Pig Tales Menu: BBQ, burgers, wings and more Security: 24/7, gated

Additional amenities: Self service work yard with deep draft well & marine travel lift, houseboat launching ramp, pump-out station, bathhouses with showers, laundry facilities, wet slips with private gated parking.

SAFE HARBOR HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock - 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.)

Phone: 770-967-5500 Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.com

Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch

Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150)

HABERSHAM MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Dock/Store, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Sat. Closed on Sundays

Phone: 770-887-5432

Website: www.habershammarina.com

Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming

Types of slips available: 600 slips for dry storage up to 28’

Store: Yes

Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $4.69

Security: Yes

Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available.

HARBOR LANDING

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week

Phone: 470 323-3465

Website: www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy.

Types of slips: Houseboats only. 18x60, 22x80

Types of fuel: Diesel, non ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.49 non-ethanol (Gas is not sold after 4:30 due to volume return of boats.)

On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Margaritaville, daily pontoon boat rentals (no overnights). Luxury houseboat program. Call for details.

PORT OF INDECISION MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week (Call 470-323-3490 prior to arrival)

Phone: 470 323-3465

Website: www.margaritavilleatlanierislands.com

Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy.

Store: Yes; only open on weekends.

Types of slips available: 14x32, 14x36, (254 units, up to 40’), all covered

Types of fuel: non ethanol.

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.49 non-ethanol

On-site eatery: Various restaurants including Landshark, Cantina, Tiki Bar

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Margaritaville

PORT ROYALE MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Leasing/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Ship Store/Service, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. Closed on Sundays.

Phone: 770-887-5715

Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royale

Location: 8800 Port Royale Dr., Gainesville

Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 80'; covered, 24' to 106' totaling 815 slips & dry stack storage (521) for up to 39'.

Type of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.49, non-members; $5.99, members (During month of February, Safe Harbor Marinas are offering fuel at an At-Cost Special for members only)

On-site eatery: Fish Tales Lakeside Grille

Menu: Grouper fingers, sandwiches, salads and more Security: 24/7 manned security

Showroom: Atlanta Marine

Additional amenities: Full Maintenance, Repair and Service on site: Harbor Marine & Associates. Bathhouse w/ locked showers and AC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage.

SUNRISE COVE MARINA

Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon. Closed Tuesday.

Phone: 770-536-8599

Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.com

Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville

Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered-24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer).

Store: Yes (Sandwiches and wraps only available in summer)

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol

Price of fuel: (as of 1/19/23) $6.59 with 5 percent off with Advantage Membership.

Security: 24/7

Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility. Pump out open only during office hours.

• Regatta

In 2001-02, several sailors began work to create the Lanier Auxiliary Racing Committee – LARC – to help manage scheduling and encourage more boats in fewer races to stimulate competition. Soon all the clubs were working together to support more participation in sailing events on the water.

UYC member Robin Terrell was appointed sail fleet captain in 2003, about the time that LARC took over lake-wide scheduling. “Phil Eastman was chair and Pam Keene was coordinator of LARC and at an after-race party at UYC for one of the first new LARC races, Pam and Edith (Collins), then both active in BFSC, cornered me and asked if I’d consider resurrecting the Hot Ruddered Bum, which had lapsed for some years,” Terrell said. “I was keen to rebuild the club’s racing profile on the lake and saw the Hot Ruddered Bum as a great opportunity to do that. I asked Edith to be the race official and we had a great event. The regatta has run ever since.”

Around the same time, UYC Past Commodore Phil Eastman suggested creating the UYC Maritime Foundation to promote boating, marine education and boating safety. One of the group’s first projects was reviving the Hot Ruddered Bum in partner-

ship with UYC’s sail fleet.

“Sam Barazzone was commodore then and he was very supportive of establishing the non-profit UYC Maritime Foundation,” Eastman said. “Between these two new organizations and the support from Robin and the UYC Sail fleet, we were well on our way to rebuilding the Hot Ruddered Bum.

“It also didn’t hurt that many of us sailors needed a racing ‘fix’ in the winter months,” Eastman said. “Why let all that good wind go to waste?”

Since that time, the Hot Ruddered Bum, now hosted by the UYC Maritime Foundation has taken place in early February. This year’s Hot Ruddered Bum Regatta takes place on Saturday, February 4. It is sponsored by the UYC Maritime Foundation.

Sailors shared stories of sunny and warm race weather and a few near-blizzards over the past 20 years, but one thing is certain: The Hot Ruddered Bum is among the longest-running regattas on Lake Lanier.

Author’s Note: Apologies for any serious errors, mis-statements or omissions. The information in this article is the product of long-time sailors’ memories, and some “facts” presented here may be the most current version of urban legend on Lake Lanier.

The damage may not be visible yet, but late December’s deep freeze wreaked havoc with plants, shrubs and trees across Georgia.

Don’t panic yet. Until plants and trees begin to leaf out this spring, you won’t know the initial impact of sustained sub-freezing temperatures of this winter’s topsy-turvy weather.

Early signs include dry, curled and brown foliage, extreme leaf drop or defoliation, and cracks in stems and branches. But the reality won’t be clear for at least several months. Don’t panic.

What you can do now

If you haven’t already, apply a thick layer of mulch around plants and shrubs. Wood or cypress chips will be more effective than pine straw, and the layer should be about 3-4 inches deep.

Avoid mulching too close to the trunks and stems of plants like azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, forsythia and other ornamentals. Give the plants a couple of inches of room to breathe.

Perennials like daisies, rudbeckia, cone flowers, salvias and cardinal flowers, which have died

back in the late fall, could stand an application of mulch to protect the roots from further damage. Some are cold hardy, but you’ll have to wait until warm weather to determine if they have survived. Better to mulch as insurance. Once the weather has warmed up for spring, gently remove the mulch to allow the new shoots to emerge.

If you grow dahlias and you didn’t lift them this fall, you will most likely be disappointed. We applied a four-inch layer of mulch to our dahlia bed, but most likely it will not be enough to save them. Our Zone 7b and 8a hardiness zones are always iffy when

it comes to dahlias. It may be best to order some replacements to ensure you’ll have new ones to plant.

Patience until warm weather

Most people’s inclination is to immediately prune off visible freeze damage as soon as it occurs, but this is a mistake. Until all danger of further severe temperature nose-dives is behind us, almost anything you do, from pruning to frizzling, will make matters worse.

Both pruning and fertilizing encourage new growth. Doing either too early may damage tender growth that’s extremely susceptible to frost and freezes.

Once warm weather has arrived – after April 15, our area’s average last-frost date – you may need assistance from a professional. Especially if you have tree or shrub damage, find a certified arborist to pay an assessment visit for advice.

The Georgia Arborist Association (www.georgiaarborist.org) is the best place to start. These folks are certified to deal with all kinds of tree and shrub issues, from

pruning to disease diagnosis.

There’s hope: spring bulbs, daylilies Daffodils, narcissus and peonies appreciate a bit of cold weather, so even if they are already sprouting they probably will deliver their colorful and cheerful message that “spring has arrived.” Grown in the Netherlands – where it is much colder than Northeast Georgia – they are pretty cold tolerant.

Daylilies are another cold-tolerant perennial that will most likely survive, but to be safe, cover them with a 2- to 3-inch

layer of mulch for the remainder of the winter. Wait to remove the mulch until all danger of frost is passed.

Fingers crossed that most of your plants, shrubs and trees survived, but it’s going to take some months to know the outcome of our roller-coaster winter temperatures.

Pamela A. Keene is senior writer for Lakeside News and a Hall County Master Gardener. She also writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, covering features, travel and gardening.

Pamela A. Keene

Curb Appeal

Daffodils in the snow.

PHOTO BY PAMELA A KEENE

Lake Lanier Boat Show: More boats, vendors, activities

By Pamela A. Keene

The Lake Lanier Boat Show is bringing together more boat dealers and more boats as it stages its spring event at Margaritaville at Lanier Island the weekend of March 3-5.

“Our dealers are ready for the start of the 2023 boating season on the lake and they’re bringing more boats to our Lake Lanier show,” said Tabor Reins, president of the Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta, which is producing the event. “Doing a show here on Lake Lanier reaches the people who live at the lake or nearby. And it’s where our dealerships are located. It’s close by and the early spring timing couldn’t be better.”

The show was created to serve North Georgia and will include dealers selling multiple brands of 2023 models. As an on-the-water and on-land event, it will showcase the latest in boating and onthe-water recreation.

Entertainment, food and family

activities will be taking place throughout the weekend.

“Already we have so many boats that we’re using all the docks at Margaritaville, including the courtesy docks, to give people a chance to see center consoles, cruisers, ski boats, tritoons, wake

boats and bass boats.”

“We’ll have no availability for people to come to the show by boat this year,” Reins said. “With the large inventory of watercraft, every bit of dock space is taken with our dealers and vendors.”

Vendor village will be set up in the parking lot at Grand Hall, with more boats on display. More than 30 vendors include dock builders, marine-related products and area businesses.

Southern Fishing’s Ken Sturdivant will offer seminars throughout the weekend. The Lake Lanier Association is providing life jackets families can borrow for their children to wear when they’re out on the docks. America’s Boating Club Atlanta’s booth

will include its interactive boating safety simulator, as well as educational materials about the club.

“Once again, we’ll offer show pricing as well as the ability to order boats,” Reins said. “This is North Georgia’s premier boat show, so we’re looking forward to continuing to build our participation from the boating community and our dealers.”

Admission of $15 per person includes the gate fee at Lanier Islands. This is a special event staged at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands; attractions and activities at Margaritaville will be closed during the weekend, except for select restaurants and food outlets. For more information, visit www.lakelanierboatshow.com.

2022 was filled with changes regarding Lake Lanier real estate

By Sheila Davis

2022 was a confusing year in real estate coming off the frenzied and exciting market of 2020 and 2021. Interest rates rose, home supply remained low, and prices rose. We saw fewer multiple offers, as many buyers were exhausted from competing on contracts. Thirty one percent fewer lake homes closed, yet prices increased 15%. Practically nothing was available under $500,000. Some overheated markets across the country are seeing pricing corrections. Fortunately for Northeast Georgia and Lake Lanier, our location is a huge draw and the demand for housing continues to outpace the supply. Real estate is LOCAL. As lifestyle living is more sought after than ever, Lanier properties will remain in high demand. We’re seeing more fulltime residents, with working from home options now more accepted. There were fewer boats on the lake this summer, as families got back to their beach and international vacations post-Covid. Lanier is still a great place to vacation and now there are ample Airbnb’s to enjoy. Are we returning to normal? I love living on and selling Lake Lanier and admit I will enjoy a slightly more relaxed pace again. We predict 2023 will still be a seller’s market, and for a seller, a great time to list. The general housing market is

moving toward a more balanced market, as inventory levels increase. If we do not see more homes to sell, 2023 could look a lot like 2022. There will still be those top 25% properties that sell in a week at full price, but we will also see buyers having a little more time to look and make decisions on the rest.

Highlights from the report: • No. 1 growth area 2023

All eyes are on the South, where home affordability, job and inventory levels are strongest heading into the new year. According to the National Association of Realtors researchers, Atlanta is predicted to lead in the nation in growth in 2023. It is expected that the economic conditions for the top 10 markets, Atlanta will provide support for home prices to climb at least 5%. This is good news for Lake Lanier, where Atlanta loves to live, work and play!

• Home prices

We expect them to rise but at a slower pace than in the past. The best properties are always in demand, selling quickly at top price. Location, lake view, deep water, topography, home condition, dock, and neighborhood all help determine pricing. The average sales price for a home with a private dock was $1,074,430, an increase of 15%. The median price was $914,000. The average price

of all Lanier homes including those with community slips was $1,069,415 and the median price was $910,000. 265 homes with private docks sold in 2022, down 31% from 2021. 306 total lake homes including community slips sold, down 29% in total homes closed.

• Inventory

In a typical year prior to Covid, Lanier would have 150200 homes on the market. We began January 2022 with 50 active homes on the market, and we began January 2023 with 69 active homes. Sellers, these are very notable stats! Inventory is especially low in properties under $750,000. Properties are in demand in all price levels from second homes to spacious luxury homes. 2023 is clearly another seller’s market when you look at demand, inventory, and Lanier’s special location north of Atlanta. There is 2.79 months of supply of all lake homes, and 4 months supply over $1 million. The prime time to list a lake home is March 1.

• 2022 stats

Sales price, up 15% (2021 25%) Avg sales to list 97% (2021 98.7%)

Month of supply 2.79 (2021 2.0) Days on market 43 (2021 37)

• Luxury lake remains strong Homes over $1 million were in strong demand with 127 closed vs

Price

125 closed in 2021. There are 43 homes actively listed in January 2023, only a 4 month supply. The average days on market for luxury is 47, with many homes priced $1 million to $1.5 still selling within a few weeks. We are seeing far less multiple offers than in 2021, so preparedness and pricing are more critical to a successful sale than in 2021. Interest rate increases affect some, but not all luxury buyers. Buyers are especially seeking well maintained homes and landscapes, entertainment and office spaces, luxury kitchens and masters, fitness spaces, outdoor living areas and well maintained docks.

• Highest Priced Sales, 2022

- Forsyth County, Ford Lane, Gainesville: $5,420,000

- Hall County, Blue Ridge Drive, Gainesville: $3,479,000

- Dawson County, Kilough Church Road: $1,780,000

- Gwinnett County, Old Shadburn Ferry, Buford: $1,825,000.

Sheila Davis is lead agent of the Sheila Davis Group with The Norton Agency in Gainesville. For more information visit her website: www.lakelaniersfinest.com.

point breakdown of Lake Lanier home sales. Davis

A scene from last year’s Lake Lanier Boat Show at Margaritaville.

PHOTO BY VICKI HOPE

There are times when remodeling your home is the best option, and there are other times where moving is the best option to getting your dream home. The decision can be a difficult one so it’s important to consider all the factors.

Budget

The first thing you will want to consider is your budget. The money you are willing and able to spend can be a big deciding factor on whether you choose to purchase a new home or remodel your existing home. Remodeling typically requires cash, or a home equity or renovation loan, requiring a higher down payment. However, with the recent rise in home values, you likely have some equity in your home now. If you don’t have cash up front, then it might make more sense to consider moving, just make sure to research and evaluate all your financing options before making your decision.

Space

Next, you will want to decide if gaining more space is a priority. If your children are getting older

and the home feels cramped, you may need some additional space that a remodel would provide. If you have kids and/or grandkids coming back home for holidays, maybe it’s time to convert a bonus room or unfinished basement into additional living and sleeping spaces. Alternately, if your property allows, you may consider an addition to gain more square footage. If your family is young and growing, moving to a larger home would provide more space without having to worry about the construction process.

Timeline

One aspect of this decision that

many homeowners often forget to consider is the timeline. A kitchen remodel can mean going without access to important appliances for a couple of months, while a move can mean living out of boxes or in a temporary home for a time. If you are considering a remodel, make sure you are well prepared for the construction and temporary inconvenience. If you are able, move to an area in your home away from where the work will be conducted. If you are looking to move, consider all of the inconveniences this will cause as well, i.e. showing your home, home shopping, packing, and moving. You will have to decide which option is best for your family and situation.

Return on investment

Another important consideration is your return on investment. If you are remodeling for resale, find out how much a remodel can increase your home’s value, considering curb appeal, square footage or updates that will help you sell your home for more. Know that you will not likely get back 100 percent, but the return on the

investment is not always monetary. If you are not planning to move anytime soon, it is just as important to consider whether the investment will make your home more enjoyable and comfortable for you to live in, as well. Just make sure you are not putting so much money into your home that you are pricing your home out of your neighborhood for the future. If that is the case, moving may be the better option.

Real estate market

When considering whether to move or remodel, be sure to do research on the real estate market in both the area where you are selling and where you are looking to move. This will help you see what to prepare for, i.e. whether you might need to stay somewhere temporarily before you find the perfect home or if you can afford two house payments if you find your dream home before

your current home sells. If you think it will be difficult to either sell your current home or find the right new home, then remodeling would be a better option.

Emotional attachment

Finally, you will want to consider the relationship you have built with your neighbors, how much your location means to you and how much sentimental value your home holds. Studies estimate that 70 percent of homeowners considering a remodel or move in the same area ultimately decide to stay and update their home. Are you willing to give up your prop-

Sara Bagwell

Design & Remodel n

Should you renovate or move? It’s the big question with home ownership.

PHOTO: TRACY TESMER DESIGN/REMODELING

Curacao is diverse Dutch magic in the Caribbean

The first streaking rays of the rising sun dance along the sparkling surf and illuminate the white sand of the beaches at Curacao. Only the intrusion of an occasional jogger brings this natural setting into the 21st century. Nevertheless, the awesome beauty of this southernmost of the Caribbean islands is still as much a magnet to people today as it has been throughout recorded history!

Even though in modern times, baseball has put this tiny island on the map, Curacao is one of those destinations that sends the curious to their computers to check their global maps. Unless you’re a geography teacher or seasoned Caribbean traveler, Curacao may be a complete mystery.

Though the Dutch are no longer technically in charge, they’re still a big part of life on Curaçao because it was a Dutch colony for nearly 400 years. This 38-mile-long island is part of the Lesser Antilles and is located just off the coast of Venezuela. It rests outside the hurricane belt between the smaller islands of Aruba and Bonaire. In fact, the three islands are often referred to as the ABC Islands. Low humidity and cool eastern trade winds characterize the climate. The average temperature is 82 degrees. U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, but the national currency is still the Netherlands Antillean guilder.

If you aren’t familiar with the country, you may be aware of its signature liquor blue Curacao made from the rinds of islandgrown Laraha oranges. Although its blue color occurred naturally during its original fermentation

Bill Vanderford

process … that process was lost. Today it is available in blue, as well as other colors, but the color is artificially added.

Drink all the water you want because Curacao is home to one of the world’s first desalination plants. All its water is treated there and is arguably the cleanest in the Caribbean.

Tourism is now the island’s key industry, and Curacao’s only city, Willemstad, is its capital. Actually comprised of two distinct areas, Punda and Otrabanda, separated by Saint Anna Bay, Willemstad is a compelling mix of colonial and modern architecture filled with shops, restaurants and nightspots. The Handelskade (Merchant’s Wharf) is a good spot to hang out, but take the time to wander the winding streets of the city where you’ll find inviting bars, authentic dining spots and the technicolor floating market, where fruit vendors from Venezuela dock to sell their wares. The market itself doesn’t actually float, but boats tie up in their brightly colored stalls full of mangoes, plantains and papayas for

sale.

Finding a Curacao resident close by who can communicate with you is easy. The island’s schools teach children Dutch, English and Spanish. Portuguese is also popular among the island’s residents. Locals blend all of these languages into their own unique dialect called Papiamentu.

Catching some sun on a whitesand beach is reason enough for most guests to visit, and its southwestern coast is usually calm and clear. Curacao also offers a wide array of water activities including dive and snorkeling areas that boast many individual dive locations.

Outdoor recreation isn’t restricted to the water. Duffers and experienced golfers alike will appreciate the gorgeous golf courses. There are also opportunities for horseback riding, hiking,

swimming with dolphins, mountain biking, paintball and rock climbing. When not taking advantage of the recreation opportunities, shopping and sightseeing are popular for whiling away a few hours.

No matter when or why you visit, you’ll be greeted with a hearty “Bon Bini na Korsou” or “Welcome to Curacao!” The is-

land is a very friendly, diverse and spectacularly picturesque part of the Caribbean scene, and you won’t easily forget your experiences here!

Bill Vanderford has won numerous awards for his writing and photography, and has been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Guide.

Travel Editor

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

The fishing fleet, above. Feeding big birds in Curacao, below.

Cutting up fish at the market.

An old cannon in Curacao.

Watching the waves in Curacao.

Who is likely to buy your lake house?

By Bev Knight

We are in a transition period from a frenzied seller’s market to, well, the real world. As you adjust your perspective on selling, keep in mind that a balanced market is ultimately better for everyone. Even though selling a home was incredibly easy during the recent frenzy, then you had to turn around and buy your new home which was incredibly challenging.

As the market normalizes, prices level off, inventory increases, and consumer confidence improves. It’s a win-win for most of us.

As you plan your real estate transactions, it’s helpful to understand who is likely to buy your particular home and why different homes should be marketed in specific ways. Agents are never allowed to target specific groups in their ads; however, it makes sense to advertise those features that appeal to your likely buyers.

There are exceptions to every rule, but here are some general guidelines to consider. Below are the comments sellers often make

and the response to those comments.

Seller: “My house is perfect for a doctor or affluent professional moving into this area.”

We hear this a lot. In this area, we are blessed with great, everexpanding hospitals; and yes, they do hire both newly licensed practitioners as well as experienced physicians. But consider this, have you ever tried to give your adult children your old dishes or furniture? Once they have their own income, they want new dishes, new furniture and a newer home. That generation is all about experiences, not home projects and yard work. They are also not interested in homes with a lot of square footage. With busy working households, who has time to clean a lot of rooms? Most of the members of that generation who can afford a lake house are looking for a simple lifestyle, proximity to good schools/work and smart investments. And regardless of the size of their income, price does matter. While the monthly

mortgage payments are not usually the problem, the down payment may be. (By the way, there are special financing options for doctors for this very situation.) These buyers want a manageable sized home with minimal maintenance in a great location. They are typically not interested in a 6,000 sq. ft. home that hasn’t been updated since the ’90s.

Seller: “I’m not going to update my house because the buyer may want different finishes.”

Sorry friends, but this no longer flies. During the frenzy, prices rose at a staggering rate to record highs. Since the end of the buying frenzy (summer of 2022), there has been a relatively modest decline which appears to have leveled off. That means prices are still very high and likely to stay there. Buyers are painfully aware of this, and they’re determined to get their money’s worth. Instead of choosing which house to buy, they are choosing whether to buy or simply wait. If they’re going to pay top dollar, they want the

house to be updated and in great shape. The telltale signs of an inadequately maintained home include a weedy yard, rotted wood on the exterior of the home or dock, soiled walls, cracked sheetrock, water stains on ceilings or basically any flaw that shows a problem that was not addressed. In addition to fixing the flaws, consider updating the kitchen and bathrooms if you want to get the highest market value for your home. In a more balanced market, it matters.

Seller: “My house will be the perfect rental property.”

It might be, and there is definitely demand for Lake Lanier rentals. Keep in mind that there are short and long-term rentals. Some counties don’t allow short term rentals such as VRBOs. Other counties allow it, but you have to get a business license and pay a hotel-type tax on the proceeds. Many HOAs don’t allow any rentals. Before your property hits the market, find a local agent who specializes in investment

property and see what the limitations are in your area. Be aware that investors are always looking for bargains, pay higher rates on loans, and often have an upper limit of $500k or less. That’s well below the average price on Lanier. But if you have a fixer upper and don’t have the means to update your property, an investor might take on that project for the right price. Most buyers looking for a residence want a garage; so, if your house doesn’t have one, it could very well be a second home for someone. The vacation home market on Lanier is very strong, but most second homes sell for prices below the median. Many buyers supplement the cost by renting out their vacation homes when they’re not using them. Again, this needs to be allowed in your area, so be sure to check.

Seller: “My house is perfect for retirees.” Lake Lanier is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country, so your house may very well fit that See Knight, page 46

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands MARCH

3-5, 2023

School Street Playhouse

o Feb. 4 – Chi-Town Transit Authority “Tribute to Chicago” is an eight-piece Chicago tribute band based out of Atlanta dedicated to reproducing the “Chicago” concert experience by performing all of the familiar and famous songs covering over four decades written and recorded by Chicago. Times: 3-4 p.m.

o Feb. 11 – Still Standing-An Elton John Tribute, a modern visual and musical Elton John experience featuring Ben “Almost Elton” Frey. Times: 3-4 p.m.

Info: 770-781-9178; schoolstreetplayhouse.com

University of North Georgia

o Feb. 1 – Golden Brass Series, 7:30 p.m., features the UNG Low Brass Collective in the Gloria Shott Auditorium, Dahlonega, sharing its program to be performed in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Army Band at Ft. Meyers, Fla. Program includes classical to jazz to contemporary to the music from Les Miserables.

o Feb. 2 – Brass Quintet Concert, 7:30-8:30 p.m., in the Gloria Shott Auditorium, Dahlonega. The concert performance is by the U.S. Army Ft. Benning Brass Quintet.

o Feb. 23 – UNG Band Concert, 7:30-8:30 p.m., features the UNG

Lake groups’ winter

By Pamela A. Keene

clean-up

nets more than a ton of trash

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble performing their First Spring 2023 Semester Concert. The event will be held at the Dawson County High School Performing Arts Building, 28 Main St., Dawsonville.

o Feb. 26 – Church Choir Festival, 3-5 p.m. at Dahlonega Baptist Church, 234 Hawkins St., Dahlonega. Church choirs join UNG Singers, Le Belle Voci and Patriot Choir and Singers men in its annual Church Choir Festival.

Info: 678-717-3930; www.ung.edu.

Voices of North Georgia

o Mar. 11 – Gala: America’s Top Ten Hits concert held in the Banquet Hall of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Time: 6 p.m. Info: www.VoicesofNorthGeorgia.com

Classifieds

DOCK TO BUY

Up to $30,000 cash for a nice used dock. Prefer 32x32 but might consider smaller dock if it’s especially nice. Send photos and contact info to jonathanbeck@cs.com.

Two Lake Lanier advocacy organizations came together in early January for a one-day lake cleanup near Don Carter State Park. They netted more than one ton of garbage and marked the first time the two groups have sponsored a joint clean-up.

The Lake Lanier Association and the headwater’s office of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organized the event on the north end of the lake, bringing together more than 30 people to remove plastic, wood, construction materials and debris that had piled up over several years.

“Much of the trash had washed down from the headwaters from as far away as Helen,” Putney said. “About half of it was plastic water bottles, but it also included debris that got hung up in the whale tail curve where the Chattahoochee comes down into the lake from parts north.”

Putney said that an area resident adjacent to Don Carter State Park reported the debris and requested that it be cleaned up.

“It was like a driftwood beach

where everything just gets dropped, so it was quite a mess,” Putney said. “It was really difficult to get to; thanks to our volunteers we were able to remove the debris.”

United Rentals provided two all-terrain vehicles to bring the items from the shoreline to a dumpster for removal.

Putney said that both groups are discussing other ways to join together on projects, beyond their assistance with each group’s

“We each have strengths and assets that can benefit each other,” she said. “There are a lot of things that the Riverkeeper does that we don’t and vice versa. In addition to starting the new year off with a lake-focused project, all the volunteers had a really good time working together,” Putney said. “It was a really fun event.”

major clean-ups – the Riverkeepers Sweep the Hooch on March 25 and the LLA Shore Sweep on September 23.

Members of two lake advocacy groups removed more than a ton of trash on Lake Lanier in January.

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profile. Many times, that category of buyer is looking for a newer ranch home (everything on one level) and an easy walk to the lake. In a lot of cases, they sold their big fancy home and want to use that equity to pay cash for their new home. They do not want to do yard work nor are they looking for a fixer upper. This is why 55-plus planned communities on the lake are so wildly popular, though sometimes those HOA fees are a deterrent. In general, ranch homes with a view and an easy walk to the lake are the most popular on Lanier. If that’s what you have, pat yourself on the back.

Seller: “My house is the ideal (insert any category or demographic here) home.”

Under the law, real estate professionals cannot target any particular group in their ads or descriptions. It would be considered discrimination. We can list the features and location of the home so buyers can determine whether it’s a fit for them or not,

but we cannot use any words that state or imply that a home is right for one group but not another. There is an art to writing an effective description so that buyers can decide if the home has the features they need, and the right pictures help.

Seller: “I can sell my house for top dollar to the people fleeing high-priced markets like New York or California.”

It’s true those populations are shifting. New Yorkers tend to land in Florida or North Carolina, and Californians tend toward Texas; but many have discovered the magic of Lake Lanier. Unfortunately, they are not going to spend Cali prices on Georgia real estate. They, too, have the internet. If they’re smart, they also have a local buyer’s agent who knows this market. More than any time in history, you should not expect to pull the wool over the eyes of an uninformed buyer. They are all incredibly savvy these days. You need to price your home according to the current market. As

•Design

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you might imagine, our most active feeder market is Atlanta. It may surprise you that the second most active feeder market for our lake is south Florida. If you’re not advertising to these markets, you’re missing an opportunity.

The key to a successful sale is to be realistic. The frenzy is over, but it’s still a great market for sellers. Your home is worth exponentially more than it was a few years ago. Consult a lake expert who will market it wisely. The buyers are out there.

Bev Knight is lead agent for The Good Life Group, Lake Lanier specialists with Keller Williams Lanier Partners. She also hosts American Dream TV’s Selling Atlanta, promoting Lake Lanier’s lifestyle and real estate.

For more articles and info about lake property, visit www.HousesOnLanier.net.

erty, neighborhood, or view? If not, remodeling is the best option so that the house you already own can become your dream home.

Everyone’s situation is different when it comes to whether you should move or remodel. Carefully consider all your op-

• Burns

Continued from Page 14 and horrific storms across the Southeast United States.

Another major factor contributing to this unprecedented outbreak were the unseasonably warm temperatures. NASA says 2022 was the 5th-warmest year on record with Earth’s average surface temperature in 2022 tied with 2015 according to the agency’s analysis. And the past nine years have been the warmest years since modern record-keeping began in 1880. Plus, in 2022, NASA scientists, as well as international scientists, determined

tions and what fits your family best. It’s also a great idea to get the opinions of a trusted design/build contractor or real estate agent in your area to help with the decision.

Sara Bagwell is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.

that carbon dioxide emissions were the highest on record. Europe has seen incredible heat this winter as well. But it’s been the West Coast of the United States taking direct hits from massive atmospheric rivers of rain.

As we head into February I see signs of colder temperatures. Will we see snow? It’s anyone’s guess with this wild weather pattern. My best advice: Stay tuned and be ready for anything!

Glenn Burns is chief meteorologist emeritus for WSB-TV in Atlanta.

Knight