LakesideOnLanierMarch2012

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March 2012

3292 Thompson Bridge Road #250, Gainesville, GA 30506 Phone: (770) 287-1444 Fax: (770) 287-1445 E-mail lakesidenews@mindspring.com

Vol. 18 Issue 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Regattas hit Lanier in March The collegiate rowing community’s equivalent to a college gridiron season opener is set to hit the LLOV March 24 in the John Hunter Regatta. The next day’s Lanier Sprints Regatta will likely attract some college crews hankering for a re-match. Page 16

Comments on Glade Reservoir The public has an opportunity to comment on the potential social, economic and environmental impact of the proposed Glades Reservoir planned

by Hall County 12 miles northeast of Gainesville. The reservoir, which has been in the planning stages since about 2007, is proposed as a needed water supply for Hall County through 2060. Page 50

Visiting the Mexican Riviera With all the bad press about Mexican travel these days, it was wonderful to discover that Playa del Carmen and Cancun on the east coast of the country are still beautiful and quite safe for travelers. Page 48 Also inside: Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Break from the lake . . . . . . . .Page Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Captain’s comments . . . . . . . .Page Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page COE column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Cruising Wilsons . . . . . . . . . . .Page Dining guide . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Fishing column . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Glenn Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lake Lanier Olympic Venue . . .Page Lake levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Lanier map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Marinas information . . . . . . . .Page Outdoor activity calendar . . . .Page Power Squadron column . . . . . .Page Sailing calendar . . . . . . . . . . .Page Shore Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page Steve Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . .Page US Coast Guard Auxiliary . . . . .Page UCR column . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page

49 54 34 20 55 51 22 45 6 24 16 24 52 40 43 31 34 46 51 10 47

PHOTO BY ALAN HOPE

Sailboats float quietly at Sunrise Cove Marina awaiting the owners who are sure to descend in a matter of weeks. Spring arrives at 1:14 a.m. Tuesday, March 20.

For more info, see our ad on page 9.

2 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Corps’ campgrounds open April 11 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, Inc. Senior Writer Pamela A. Keene Contributing writers Phillip Sartain, Roy Crittenden, Tommy Wilkinson, Millie Adcox, Mike Rudderham, Glenn Burns, Bob & Carolyn Wilson, Lisa Beers, Jane Harrison 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.

By Pamela A. Keene Grab a prime camping location at Old Federal Park or Duckett Mill now. April 11 is opening day for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ seven campgrounds on Lake Lanier, offering fully developed sites with water and electric hookups to primitive tent sites.

Bald Ridge, Bolding Mill, Duckett Mill, Old Federal, Sawnee, Toto and Van Pugh offer more than 480 campsites. Most are waterfront and all include a picnic table, a fire ring, grill and lantern pole. Every campground features beaches, boat ramps and restrooms. Some also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations.

Fees start at $12 per night for primitive sites and $32 per night for those with water and electric hookups.

Reservations may be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting recreation.gov. Reservations can be made from two to 180 days in advance and include holidays. While there are no additional fees to make reservations, $10 will be charged for cancellation. Reservations can be made

by Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

Here are a few reminders: • Checkout time is 3 p.m.

• Occupancy is limited to eight people per campsite.

• No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

• Pets are welcomed but must be kept on a leash.

• Please observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

Campgrounds will close the Sunday after Labor Day for the season.

The Corps of Engineers operates seven campgrounds with 482 campsites. This includes 430 sites with water and electric hookups.

Most sites are waterfront and all have a picnic table fire ring, grill and lantern pole. All campgrounds have beach areas, boat ramps and restrooms. Most campgrounds also have showers, playgrounds, accessible sites and manned entry stations.

Enjoy a day at a Corps’ park The Corps of Engineers operates 32 day-use parks at Lake Lanier for the 2012 recreation season. Annual passes for the Corps of Engineers parks may be

ED W &Associates, Inc. Dave Hunt • 770 527-4697 Beth Hunt • 770 527-4698 hunthomeint@yahoo.com

purchased at the Lanier Project Management Office. The passes are good at all Corps of Engineers-operated day-use parks across the country. Locally this includes Lake Sidney Lanier, Allatoona, Carters Lake, West Point Lake, Hartwell Lake, Richard B. Russell Lake and Thurmond Lake.

An annual pass provides immediate access to the day-use parks without paying the normally required $4 user fee. Annual passes cost $30, allowing a full year of access to Corps-operated day-use parks.

To purchase an annual pass, come to the Corps of Engineers See Campgrounds, page 10

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March 2012

LAKESIDE 3

Please visit www.livingonlakelanier.com to view all of our listings! These are just a few!!!

INFO 24/7

Call 678-835-9331 Then enter the corresponding

5 digit ID#

Teresa Smith Lake Lanier Specialist • Lake Lanier Resident Founding member of Lake Lanier Realtors Association

770-654-4173 • 678-318-5026

Atlanta Partners Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.

R UNDE T! AC R T N CO POTENTIAL SHORT SALE! 3/2 w/kitchen in terrace level too! Large detached garage, sunroom, rec rm & grandfathered road to lake!

Single slip dock permit. Dolvin Lane ID#18295 REDUCED TO $339,000

4, SOLD ER 1 UND CT, A R T CON OTS L 3 Y ONL !!

LEFT

FURNISHED COTTAGE ON CHESTATEE BAY! Charming 2/2 great for a weekend or a full time. Open floor plan w/vaulted ceilings in great room & wood burning stove. New windows.

Sunroom overlooking the lake as well as a fabulous deck for grilling and entertaining! Great storage and workroom in the terrace level. Grass to the water and single slip boat house. $249,900

R UNDE T! AC R T N CO

4 bedroom, 2 bath log cabin on south lake. Fully furnished! Deeded boat slip in community dock.

Lots with boat slip from $69,900-$99,000. $228,900 Lake Cabins ID#12815

R E D N U T! C A R CONT 4/3 better than new craftsman style lake home, 3 fin flrs. Beautiful year round views and drought proof water, top quality thruout. Let Lake Lanier entertain you. 24 x 28 S/S dock w/party deck. Sunset views.

Grant Ford Road ID#16675 $499,000

!

D L O

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BRAND NEW LAKE LOT FORECLOSURE. One of Lanier's last true lake lots with double slip dock permit. 1.37 acres in quiet cove. Gentle walk to lake in elite, gated community! Club house, pool, and tennis! Build your dream home on this appealing site! Cumberland on Lanier ID#12905 $111,100

LAKE LOTS AVAILABLE in fantastic gated subdivision of 18 homesites on Lake Lanier. Lot sizes range from 1.5 acres to 2.46 acres. Gorgeous 24 slip community dock: FREE deeded slip in community dock w/purchase of a lot.

Subdivision offers swimming pool/bath house and stone hot tub overlooking the lake! Fabulous community pavilion with gas grill. Owner financing available. FANTASTIC opportunity to use dock now and build later! Prices start at $149,000. Please call information line for details and updated pricing information. Watermark Cove ID#16885

3 GORGEOUS LAKE LOTS in North Hall school district. Single slip docks. Buy now and build later. Harbour View Ct ID#12875. Priced from $139,900-$199,900. Please call for info.

NEW FORECLOSURE IN CHESTATEE GOLF CLUB ON LAKE LANIER. Covered or uncovered dock slips available.

Remarkable 4/5.5 on full basement, hardwood floors on main & tile flooring in all baths. Kitchen has oversized island w/granite countertops, wet bar & opens to fireside keeping room. Master suite on main w/ his & hers vanities & closets. Outdoor living areas include large front porch w/ fireplace. Sold 'as-is’. $469,900

R UNDE T! AC R T N CO BEST PRICE IN HARBOUR POINT! POTENTIAL SHORT SALE! Fabulous 4/4.5 with gourmet kitchen. This home is professionally decorated and shows like a model home! Boat slip option is available for additional $35K. Enjoy fantastic lake views from most every room. Enjoy your morning coffee on the screened porch overlooking the lake.

Harbour Point Parkway ID#16825 $725,000

Thinking of Selling?

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Please call today for an appointment to discuss your lake home.

4 LAKESIDE

March 2012

THE PATTI CHAMBERS TEAM THE LAKE PROPERTY YOU’VE ALWAYS DREAMED OF MAY NOW BE AFFORDABLE ... CALL $849,000

The Chambers Team

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631 Dawsonville Hwy • Gainesville, GA 30501

www.PattiChambers.com • Office 770-503-7070

$639,000 $550,000

$625,000 $575,000

$1,399,000 $1,099,000

ENJOY ONE LEVEL LIVING in this very special lake home on 1.75 acres of complete privacy! 9' ceilings, exposed beams, 3 BR/3BAs on main, 2BRs/1BA on terrace level. 3 FPs, screened porch. Very gradual lot & always deep water. Covered boat dock. Call Patti.

BEAUTIFUL DEEP WATER Lake Property w/wide open views. Gentle slope. Situated in cul-de-sac.

Completely fenced. Finished terrace level. Very nice boat dock w/hydrohoist and party deck, jet ski lifts.

Call Patti.

STUNNING CITY LAKE HOME built in 2008. Double slip covered dock, open floor plan, tall ceilings, hardwood floors, granite & stainless, plantation shutters, finished terrace level, walk in closets, 3 car garage. New to the market. Appointment only.

LAKE ESTATE home w/great views, superb plan & great architectural detail w/barrel ceilings, year round views. Huge DR, master on main, gourmet kitchen, finished terrace level, 3 FP’s, wine cellar.

Near Chattahoochee Country Club/golf course.

6BR/5.5 BA. Call Patti or Patsy.

$389,500 $349,900

$900,000

$1,500,000

$465,000 $365,000

from most every room! Guest house w/ 3 BR + 1.5 BA, cypress flooring, handsome master suite o’looking lake. Has it's own septic tank, hvac, beautiful barn doors open out for large groups/parties. Full hook up for motor home, tool shop building w/ finished upstairs, 2 irrigation systems from lake, 3 septic tanks w/ $5,000 filter system. Very gentle backyard, grassed to water's edge.

GREATEST LAKE HOUSE! Never been on the market before. Builder’s personal home. Quality thruout. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 2 fireplaces. Level grassed yards. Lots of privacy. Mt. Vernon/North Hall. Call Patti.

$472,900 $299,000

$515,000

NEW !

G N I T LIS

A VERY SPECIAL HOME overflowing with custom features. Everything on one level plus unfinished partial basement. Gentle walk to single sip covered boat dock. Great Room w/fp & built-ins, updated kitchen & baths, lots of HW floors. Back porch and 2 decks. Professionally decorated and it shows.

You must see inside! Call Patti.

$575,000 $465,000

HER T E G O LD T O S E ELY! T A CAN B R A P UNIQUE LAKE PROPERTY. Beautiful 5 BR home + 3 OR SE BR guest house w/gorgeous big water lake views AN EXTRAORDINARY PRIVATE 4.74 ACRES on Lake Lanier. Deep water, This property is being sold as one tract yet there are 2 beautiful sites for homes and 2 docks in place. Over 1,000 feet on the water.

Very Gentle terrain with fantastic views!

$995,000 $899,000

R E D N U T C A R T CON NEW LISTING. MAGNIFICENT LAKE HOME ON "THE ISLAND". Breathtaking views, convenient city location, custom designed, tall ceilings, granite counters, large open rooms, 3 FP’s, 2 laundry rooms, community pool. Perfect for entertaining. Call Patti.

BEATIFUL CRAFTSMAN STYLE Lake home in the City. 1.14 acres, single slip covered dock w/hydrohoist lift. 4BR/3BA, living room, dining room, beautiful kitchen, finished terrace level. This home has everything! Priced Below Recent Appraisal. Call Beverly or Sally.

D L O S CITY LAKE HOME near Chattahoochee Country Club. Gentle lot & covered boat dock with party deck. Great neighborhood & great curb appeal. Culde-sac street. 4BR/2.5 BA. Call Beverly or Sally.

GREAT HOME ON LANIER. Always deep water! Very private in cul-de-sac and acres of corps property on sides. Gorgeous kitchen w/granite Awesome master bath. 2fps, tall ceilings & lots of windows. Single slip dock w/party deck. Call Patti.

WE LIVE AND PLAY ON LAKE LANIER Patti Chambers c 770.287.4879 • Bobby Chambers c 770.654.0533 • Sally Chambers Kirchner c 770.538.5626 Patsy Mercer c 770.540.6507 • Beverly O. Filson c 678.897.9578 • Office 770.538.4010

WWW.PATTICHAMBERS.COM

March 2012

LAKESIDE 5

Sheila Davis

www.LakeLaniersFinest.com The Norton Agency 434 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501

Don’t Miss Out on the Best Lake Market in Years!

770.536.1250

770-235-6907 • sdavis@nortonnorthga.com

THE POWER TO PERFORM

$1,350,000 - REDUCED FROM $1,697,000

STUNNING LAKE ESTATE IN LUXURY GATED NEIGHBORHOOD WITH PRIVATE DEEP WATER TWIN SLIP DOCK! Amazing value with 6BR/6.5B with finished terrace level with custom bar, game room, wine cellar, wine bar, 2nd master, PLUS gunite pool & spa overlooking the lake! 4174 CUMBERLAND DR., GAINESVILLE

REDUCED! $999,000

$1,299,000

!

NG PENDI RESORT LIVING WITH PRIVATE DOCK IN CHESTATEE! Magnificent 5BR craftsman lakefront home. Level walk to s-slip party dock! Amazing quality and detail. Vaulted ceilings, tongue and groove, open plan with custom cabinetry. Screened porch w/FP. Finished terrace level with bar, fitness rm, guest suite. All the bells and whistles in a great lake home, and a minute from the golf course! New price. 130 HOLLY DRIVE, DAWSONVILLE FMLS#4225719

RENOVATIONS COMPLETE! IDEAL LAKE SETTING AND LOCATION ON SOUTH LAKE IN CUMMING! Huge privacy and beautiful year round south lake views! 5BR/4.5BAs. Three finished levels. 32x32 party dock on deep water area of Young Deer Creek and Pilgrim Mill Rd. 5BR/4.5BA. 3940 TAMIAMI TRAIL, CUMMING 30041 FMLS#4080051

$599,000

$649,000

REDUCED! $739,000

PREMIER HARBOUR POINT MODEL HOME WITH LAKE VIEWS & BOAT SLIP OPTION! Three finished levels of luxury appointments for entertaining! Fabulous terrace level w/ inlaw suite, fitness, billiards room. Big lot. Was $1.2M, REDUCED for quick sell.

3314 HARBOUR POINT PRKY, GAINESVILLE FMLS#4043450

IMPECCABLE CRAFTSMAN LAKE HOME WITH TWIN SLIP PERMIT! SOLD FULLY FURNISHED! Forsyth County, shows brand new. Vaulted T & G ceiling, stone FP, custom kitchen, finished terrace level with gentle walk to dock! Chestatee Bay area. Excellent condition. 9925 JERNIGAN DR., GAINESVILLE (FORSYTH) FMLS#4218332

$349,000

$299,000

A LAKE HOUSE WITH ROOM FOR EVERYONE! GREAT SOUTH LOCATION and LAKE VIEWS! Three finished levels. Separate apartment. S-Slip DEEP water. Two kitchens & laundries, 3 screened porches. Orig price $719,000. 7BR/5B. 4709 VIRGINIA ST., OAKWOOD, 30566 FMLS# 4259974

$475,000

G! N I D N PE GREAT LAKE VIEWS AND DEEP WATER! GET-A-WAY TO THE LAKE IN THIS CHARMING 2BR COTTAGE SO CLOSE TO THE WATER WITH TWIN SLIP DOCK PERMIT! Boathouse in place, new paint in and out, and carpet. Basement for expansion! FMLS# 4267857

$769,000

NORTH HALL LAKE HOME! GREAT VIEWS, GENTLE TOPO AND DEEP WATER DOCK! Fabulous 4BR/3.5B on finished terrace level w/sunroom and screened porch. 3 car garage. Tons of privacy and parking! Single slip in place, but upgradable to twin slip dock. Close to I-985, Lakeview Academy and hospitals. 3342 WILKERSON, GAINESVILLE

PICTURESQUE INCREDIBLE DEEP WATER LOT WITH FANTASTIC YEAR ROUND VIEWS! ENJOY CABIN NOW, OR BUILD! Single slip dock. DEEP water. 9335 LONG HOLLOW, GAINESVILLE, FORSYTH COUNTY 30506 FMLS# 4294965

$595,000

CHARMING LAKEFRONT HOME IN ‘CHESTATEE’ WITH PRIVATE S-SLIP DOCK! Great lake views and drought proof water.

4BR/3.5B with open plan, upgraded great room, sunroom, Finished terrace level with BR/B and game room. Private setting close to golf and GA Outlets! 120 HOLLY DR, DAWSNVILLE 30534 FMLS# 4297665

WIDE OPEN VIEWS AND GRASS TO WATER ON PEACEFUL NORTH END!! INCREDIBLE!! Charming and well maintained 3BR cottage with twin slip aluminum party dock! 946 LIBERTY CHURCH, DAWSONVILLE FMLS# 4305845

REDUCED! $299,000

$299,000

!

G N I D PEN COZY AND UPDATED 3/2 COTTAGE IN NORTH HALL CLARKS BRIDGE AREA! GRASS TO WATER & PRIVATE SETTING. Sslip dock and screened porch! 3569 STANCIL RD, GAINESVILLE 30506 FMLS# 4254736

CHARMING COTTAGE with 4BR/3B and private s-slip dock!

3545 MILL LANE

NOW ACCEPTING NEW LISTINGS. CALL ME TODAY!

6 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Jerkbaits: Hot bass producers in the spring In February’s article on spring fishing, I briefly mentioned jerkbaits. They are undoubtedly among the hottest bass catchers when the water is quite cool in early spring. During the month of March, you should have one rod devoted to this lure at all times. In fact, they can be so productive that they are worth an entire article on their own. As you’ve probably figured out by now, jerkbaits are in the spotlight. Back in the late ’50s, the original Rapala Floating Minnow took the bass fishing world by storm. The slender profile and subtle action proved too much for bass to resist and fish camps would rent this lure to anglers for as much as $15 per day. It’s stunning to imagine what that equates to in 2012 dollars. Needless to say, other lure manufacturers jumped on this bandwagon and these minnow imitators became a tackle box mainstay from coast to coast.

While they fool fish 12 months of the year, they really shine during the pre-spawn period from February to just before the full moon in April. With floating, sinking, shallow, mid-depth, deep, suspending, and deep diving models available in a dizzying array of

nitely want to experiment with the cadence and timing between pauses to find the most productive Tommy retrieve for conditions. In warmer Wilkinson water, brisk action can trigger a lot of strikes but as a rule of Casting thumb, longer pauses produce Lanier better this time of year. As a base line, try two quick twitches followed by a lengthy pause for the colors, we’re not hurting when it duration of the retrieve. comes to choices. The typical Detail is worth the price model has a slender body of four If the original Floating Minor five inches in length sporting now by Rapala was revolutionary, two or three sets of treble hooks. then the invention of the suspendA narrow bill at the front provides ing jerkbait was true genius. action and takes the plug to the Storm may have been the first proper depth on retrieve. While lure company to break the ice most reaction type baits rely on with this concept. Their Suspendthe reel to provide action, with ing Thunderstick was immensely jerkbaits the magic is imparted by popular in the Midwest. As many the rod. Short jerks of the rod tip anglers tried lead solder wire lend an erratic action that mimics wrapped around hooks and other a wounded or struggling baitfish. schemes to make their favorite This looks like an easy meal to baits suspend, Storm also intropredators in the area. One could duced Suspendots and Suspenalso state that just as important as strips which adhere to baits motion are the pauses. The caallowing fishermen to customize dence and timing between snaps their lures to achieve neutral of the rod tip can be the key to buoyancy without adversely afprovoking strikes. At no time is fecting action on retrieve. These this truer than in the late winter are still available today. The big and early spring periods. Most deal with suspending jerkbaits is anglers give the bait a pause after that they allow for really long every two to four jerks. You defi- pauses with the lure hanging in

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place sending a powerful “eat me” signal. Luckily, today’s bass fisherman does not have to rig homemade solutions to make lures suspend. Nearly every manufacturer offers a suspending jerkbait and most market a whole line of these models. You’ll definitely want to invest in a few of these for the late winter and spring transition period. During March and early April, reach for deep diving models that suspend.

Expect the deepest diving versions to dig down eight to 10 feet.

When looking for these, popular choices include the X-Rap by Rapala, the Deep Suspending Rogue

by Smithwick, and the Staysee along with the Pointer DD by Lucky Craft. Several manufacturers offer high end baits. While some folks wonder if $15-plus is worth it for a fishing plug, when it comes to those by Lucky Craft, the answer is yes. Attention to detail in construction is incredible and finishes are the best in my opinion. And get this, in the Pointer series, the bait is engineered with an internal brass weight which causes it to gently wobble from side to side on each pause. When you figure that there is always some imparted action

from line movement in the water or what not, this flashes the aforementioned “eat me” signal in a big way. If your fishing budget does not incorporate plugs that cost $15-plus, buy lesser expensive models and fish them with confidence in the right places.

Having a good basic lure along with confidence in what you’re doing will bridge any gap.

Faster is better after post-spawn Deep diving jerkbaits are not the only game in town during the spring. Their shallow running brothers can get big bites as well.

This holds especially true during warm spells with abundant sunshine and later in spring as the spawn approaches.

In our area, you’ll definitely want to give the McStick by SPRO a try. Many anglers report excellent success with the McStick even in true cold water conditions. This minnow imitator is designed to suspend in lower water temperatures than most baits and adjust accordingly for temperature changes. Don’t ask me how it does this because I don’t know. Whether fishing deep diving jerkbaits or standard See Fishing, page 7

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March 2012

LAKESIDE 7

• Fishing

Lanier Fishing Report

Continued from Page 6 versions, it always pays to cast well beyond your target. In fact, this is true in most situations other than vertical fishing and surface schooling madness. The longer cast will ensure that your bait is at the optimum depth when it reaches the target area or range. I recommend sticking with suspending jerkbaits until spawning kicks in. During the spawn, I have historically abandoned these lures in favor of soft plastics. I expect that some anglers do use jerkbaits with success during this period. In post-spawn conditions, the jerkbait continues to be a great producer.

Early in the post-spawn phase, fish are reluctant to chase hard and grubs or in-line spinners are typically your most productive tools. But before summer sets in, bass will become extremely aggressive and feed heavily to restore weight. This is when non-suspending models come into play. Work these at a faster pace with shorter pauses. If you’re looking for a topwater bite that’s not happening early or late in the day, this can be a great back up plan to put fish in the boat. (I know this is off track but if your jerkbait is not getting bit at this time of year, start swimming the grub again). I just remembered a couple of things. While it pays to switch out factory treble hooks for super sharp premium models on most plugs, avoid this practice on suspending baits. Believe it or not, the difference in hook weight can throw su-

perb engineering out of balance. Buy a premium lure. It will be equipped with premium hooks and this whole subject will be a non-issue. If your lure is equipped with round split rings, switch to oval splits. Your line will never wear due to lodging at the notch. Take a look at Lucky Craft plugs and you’ll see that these are standard hardware.

Points point out bass As always, matching a lure with the right tackle is paramount to success. Jerkbaits are effectively fished with either baitcasting or spinning tackle. Choose what you’re most comfortable with. Rod selection depends on the baits being fished. The right rod will energize your lure in the right manner. For deep diving jerkbaits, a medium heavy action is a must. This backbone is needed to impart action to the lure at depth. If you’re tossing smaller versions to ply shallower depths a medium action rod will often be a fine choice. I really like the way a Pointer Minnow works on a spinning outfit spooled with eightpound test line. In our clear water, I max out at 10-pound test on baitcasting rigs for the deep divers. It’s worth noting that lighter lines will facilitate greater running depths. Six and a half foot rods are a good standard. Seven foot models can be a bit awkward when trying to keep the tip low.

The low tip method is part of good techSee Fishing, page 14

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Elevation: Approximately 1063 which equates to about eight feet below full pool. We are getting a rise with each rain event.

Surface temp: Just above 50 degrees with temps in the mid 50s in backwaters and sheltered northwest exposures. Spring has come early.

Clarity: Main lake areas are typically clear with some decent color up the creeks, especially after rains.

Bass fishing has been very good. Good numbers are being caught with a lot of big, big fish on angler’s lines. As of this writing, the early pre-spawn phase has been in full swing for a week or so. While a decent deep water bite has been had off an on, a lot of bass are being caught in 15 to five feet of water. Most catches have been coming off points around creek mouths and off major points well up into the creek tributaries. Boat docks have also been great targets for bass fishermen. It’s no surprise that jerkbaits have been key producers on the points. The McStick by Spro has been getting a lot of mention. Pauses of at least three seconds between jerks have been the right cadence for most anglers. It’s probably a good idea to try both deep and shallow running jerkbaits at this time. Stable and warm weather will call for shallow runners while cold spells will pull the fish back into a deeper zone. When jerkbaits have not been producing, soft plastics have bridged the gap. Rig your favorite finesse style worm on a lead head made for this application and crawl it over rocky bottoms studded with stumps or brush piles. Living rubber skirted jigs tipped with plastic twin tail trailers have also been putting fish in the boat. If weather is stable and mild continue with shallow patterns as we move toward spring.

Striper fishing is also good. The predictable patterns of early spring are in full effect. Concentrate your efforts up the creeks all over the lake and well up long finger type coves that show up in the north end of the reservoir. On most days, you can’t go wrong with small trout presented on flat lines drifted about 100 feet behind the boat. Work your way slowly up the creeks and use planer boards to get baits close in to the banks. While you’re keeping an eye on this business, be sure to cast bucktails tipped with soft plastic trailers or lead heads rigged with fluke type plastics up close to the shore. If you’re striking out in the shallower creek areas, as well may be the case in post cold front conditions, back off to the points and drop down lines with live bait down to 30 feet or so over bottom depths of 35 to 60 feet. If you’re into a total search mode, rig up with mid-depth umbrella rigs. Troll these around the creek mouths and off primary points well up into the creeks. Look for linesides to continue pushing up into creeks as they move into the annual false spawn.

Crappie fishing has been very hot. Rig up two blue and white tube jigs in tandem on 1/16th ounce lead heads. Tie one in about a foot or so up the line from the terminal jig. Cast these around boat docks and let them fall. Experiment on when to begin the retrieve as the strike zone can be quite specific. When the full moon approaches, expect these tasty panfish to invade the shallows wherever wood cover is present. You can’t go wrong with minnows fished under a bobber.

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8 LAKESIDE

March 2012

March 2012

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10 LAKESIDE

March 2012

A discussion of cell phones vs. VHF marine radios in emergencies Few would disagree that if you were on a recreational boat and an emergency situation raised its ugly head, and you wanted help from anyone around, a VHF marine radio would be the best bet, since a call for help on Channel 16 would be heard by all boaters who had their radio turned on. Articles upon articles have been written on the subject, and still many boaters do not have a marine radio on their boat. Frankly, I don’t understand it, but it’s a fact we have to live with.

I read a recent article that stated that a major national onthe-water towing service reported that 80 percent of their calls for assistance come in from cell phones. That was certainly an eye-opener for me. But think

Roy Crittenden USCG Auxiliary

about it for a minute. If there were five people on a boat, all five would probably have a cell phone. Even kids carry them around now. Not only are they everywhere, but the cell phone coverage is better than ever and phones are getting smarter every month, it seems, even coming with GPS capability. I had a recent conversation with the TOW/BOAT operator on Lake

Lanier and was told that approximately seven of 10 calls now come in to them by cell phone.

I’m not giving up on the idea that marine radios are better for emergencies, but I am convinced that we can better carry out our Coast Guard assigned mission of promoting recreational boating safety by paying attention to changing times and technology.

As many of you know, we have an Operations Center near Aqualand Marina equipped with radios and an antenna mounted on a tall tower and can reach out to the most heavily populated boating locations on the lake. We also have a telephone that we probably have not talked about enough. As we approach the 2012 boating season, we will be prepared to

• Campgrounds Continued from Page 2 Project Office at 1050 Buford Dam Rd. in Buford seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Or write a check payable to USACE F&A OFFICER for $30 and mail it to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attention: Annual Pass, P.O. Box 567, Buford, GA

30515. Once your payment is re- that can be found at Lanier, and ceived, you should receive your always wear your lifejacket. It’s Annual Pass within seven to 10 an idea everyone can live with. business days.

Visitors are reminded to make MORE INFO: safety a number one priority 770-945-9531 while taking advantage of the varwww.sam.usace.army.mil/lanier ious recreational opportunities

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take your calls for assistance via marine radio on Channel 16 or telephone. We will have a watchstander on duty from noon until 8 p.m., weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid-September. Our telephone number is 770 967-2322. Please consider entering our phone number on your cell phone and maybe post it

on your boat as well. We will be reminding you of our phone number in our future monthly articles.

For additional information on the activities of the Coast Guard Auxiliary such as safe boating courses, vessel safety checks or membership contact: Roy Crittenden is the Public Affairs Officer for Flotilla 29.

MORE INFO: 770-393-4382 • alcrit@mindspring.com Flotilla 29 Lake Lanier • http://a0700209.uscgaux.info

Safe boating course set for April 14 Flotilla 29 of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lake Lanier, announces a one-day, seven-lesson “About Boating Safely” course. The course is scheduled for Saturday, April 14. This course also serves as a PWC certified course for children under the age of 16. This course will be given at the Coast Guard Auxiliary Operations Center, 6595 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch, Ga., on the left just before the entrance to Aqualand Marina.

Classes run from 8:30 a.m.

until 4:30 p.m. and cost is $40.

Discounts available for additional family members.

Course contents include: • Know your boat • Before getting underway • Navigating the waterways • Operating your vessel safely • Boating’s legal requirements • Boating emergencies • Enjoying watersports • Georgia boating laws Successful completion of this course may result in a reduction in your boat’s insurance premium.

MORE INFO: Dave Wall, Public Education Officer, Flotilla 29 • 770 904-6340 • auxiliaryclass@bellsouth.net

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LAKESIDE 11

$849,900 Stunning lake home best location near GA 400. Single slip dock, deep water, 4 BR/5 BA, Fin. Basement, level lot, pretty view, easy walk to shore. Open floor plan, 3 car garage. A Must See! Phil Baraona 678-910-5930

$200,000 Great home in a great community.

4 big bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 story family room and foyer. Side entry garage. Fenced rear yard.

Garry Cooke 770-639-1589

$799,000 Sought-after loc. deep water Young Deer Cove, paved path to dock. Remodeled/update, 5 BD/3 BA, fab. Kitchen w/ granite, spacious great rm w/vaulted ceiling & stone fireplace. Beautiful views.

Phil Baraona 678-910-5930

$1,150,000 Feels like Yellowstone Park in North Ga. Mountains. Lodge style hm on 5 ac. Estate lot 1700 ft. of Etowah River front. Multiple decks overlook the river. 5 car garages, 2 bdrm guest house.

Michael Neubauer 678-947-7446

$525,000 North end of Lake Lanier in Forsyth County. Gentle lot to dock on ALWAYS deep water, views from all rooms, open for entertaining, granite kit, fin terrace lvl, quality built home.

Tracy Seaton 404-401-8257

$799,000 Reduced!! Deep water w/SS covered dock. Cali contemporary w/ 3 levels of lake luxury. Landscape pool w/ waterfalls and hot tub.

Golf cart trail to dock. Motivated seller.

Marsha Longwell 678-973-8285

$74,500 Great home for first time buyer or investor. Winter views and year round access. Marina less than a mile. Huge screened in porch.

Some furnishings included.

Marsha Longwell 678-973-8285

$137,500 Great Home- Move in ready: Family room/fireplace and gas logs, master bedrooms with large walk-in closets. Master bath w/ jetted tub/sep. shower. 3 BR/2 BA, basement unfinished.

Sue Stancil 404-401-6487

$349,900 CREEKSIDE- 5 BR/ 4 BA culde-sac lot. 3 Car garage. Guest suite on main level. Upgraded kitchen w/ granite. Lrge upper bedroom's. Huge covered back porch. Full daylight bsmt. Wooded site. Must see.

Vicki Treadwell 678-947-7445

$985,000 Luxury Lake Lanier home in Pointe West subdivision, 5BR/3.5BA, finished terrace lvl, short walk to dbl slip dock deep cove, gorgeous views, master on main, 4 car garage, energy efficient. Pre-Foreclosure.

Phil Baraona 678-910-5930

$424,900 Grand Cascades. 5BR/4BA w/ full daylight bsmt. Guest room and bath on main level. New paint.

Huge 1.31 acre home site w/level rear yard. Large bedrooms, stained cabinets, 2 car garage.

Vicki Treadwell 678-947-7445

$399,900 Executive home lodaded w/ upgrades & features 6 bedrooms & 5 baths. Finished terrace level w/ wet bar, game room, exercise room & more. Huge fenced rear yard. Quality built pride in ownership evident.

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12 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Lanier businessman holds fundraiser for fallen heroes’ families

By Alan Hope For many Americans the date August 6, 2011 might not bring to mind anything of significance.

Not so for the Naval Special Warfare community. Thirty eight members of the military were lost after their Chinook helicopter was brought down by enemy fire in Afghanistan. Among them were 22 members of the NSW, including 17 Navy SEALs. Fast forward to Feb. 18, 2012.

Businessman Steve Pescitelli, owner of SS Airsoft in Buford, teamed up with NSW supporters to hold a fundraiser for survivors of that tragedy.

A family from Mooresville, NC helped spearhead the fundraiser. “We were heartbroken,” said Suzanne Vogel. Her family – part of the NSW community – had moved from Virginia Beach, VA to Mooresville shortly before the attack. Her husband, Steve, had just retired after 20 years of service and Suzanne has another family member involved with the SEALs. Following the tragedy “We weren’t there to do the things we needed to do (to help out those who lost loved ones),” she said.

So she sat down with her two youngest children, Hunter and Alexandra, and “we were working with art and just came up with ideas about patriotism. And about what these men did. How they sacrificed so we can enjoy (living in freedom).

The kids artwork led to stickers that referenced the SEALs. They pooled their money from piggy banks and came up with $189, had stickers printed with their artwork, and headed out to a nearby grocery store.

Ninety minutes later they were out of stickers and had raised funds for the Navy SEAL Foundation.

“We gave the stickers away, from our hearts, and they gave from theirs,” Suzanne recalled.

The family had more stickers printed and the effort grew, gaining regional and even national news coverage. The family is focusing their donations to help establish a pediatric mental health center in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area to help surviving chil-

dren.

Hunter said he was happy with how others have responded to the family project, adding his favorite part so far was having NASCAR driver Josh Richards attach the stickers on his car. “We just want others to help out,” he said.

And that’s where Pescitelli comes into the picture. Pescitelli is known around Lake Lanier as

owner of Xtreme Heaters which makes heaters for boat engine compartments.

“I just wanted to do something to say ‘Thank you’ to these guys for all they do,” Pescitelli said.

He did just that by raising almost $2,000 for the effort.

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March 2012

LAKESIDE 13

Mark Williams Ergatta honors namesake

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By Jane Harrison Mark Williams’ grip on the oars helped him navigate through some rough waters.

His love of rowing helped sustain him as he battled leukemia. About a month after Williams succumbed to the disease at age 66, the Lake Lanier Rowing Club initiated an ergatta in his honor.

About 20 participants stroked the ergs Jan. 28 in the first commemorative event to honor Williams, who helped organize the club in the 1990s. Those attending included family members and friends whom Williams inspired. Competitors stroked the equivalent of 2,000 meters as their progress was projected on screen. The boathouse rocked with classic tunes and cheers of off-water coxswains urging their favorites on.

“It is really special that everybody came out,” said his daughter, Kristy Basinger, winner of the women’s competition. “It’s hard not to have him by my side. It’s such an honor to name this after him.” Williams traditionally raced in LLRC winter ergattas and encouraged family members to compete each year. Kristy’s husband, Ken, won his age group in the ergatta named for his late father-in-law. The couple met through Williams’ involvement with LLRC. Ergatta director Henry Kannapell described Williams as an “incredible erg hammer” who inspired others to do their best. He was instrumental in bringing 1996 Olympic rowing events to Lake Lanier.

After being chosen as LLRC Athlete of the Month in April 2010, while in remission from cancer, he told Lakeside News his volunteer work during the Olympics was one of his most pivotal accomplishments.

Kristy Basinger’s 7 minute, 56 second finish scored just under 8-minute mark, a demonstration of strength for women rowers. Winning men’s categories were: Justin Hetherington, 7:41, age 30-39; Ken Basinger, 7:41, 40-49; Tim Denny, 7:10, 50-59; John Ferriss, 7:53, 60-69; Joel Wise, 9:05, 70-79.

Proceeds from the ergatta go toward a scholarship fund the family established for young rowers. Spectators also donated to show their support.

PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON

Kristy Basinger, left, prepares to compete in the women's race in the Jan. 28 ergatta named for her late father, Mark Williams.

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14 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Triathrow, erg sprint draw fit crowd

By Jane Harrison A new multisport event attracted a diverse crowd of high school, college and masters athletes to Riverside Military Academy Feb. 4. The first of its kind North Georgia Triathrow & Erg Sprints offered athletes from different disciplines a competitive workout and a chance to learn about rowing.

“It definitely introduced more people to rowing,” said Holly Shilling, crew member of the North Georgia Rowing Academy, which organized the event. About 300 participants entered the triathrow and erg sprint.

The triathrow presented a unique relay combination: a 5 kilometer row on a stationary rowing machine, 5K run on the RMA indoor track, and a 500 yard swim in the RMA pool. The erg sprint featured a separate contest solely on the rowing machines.

Local runner Wes Wessely entered both. “I came out to do something fun and different.

Competition is fun. It makes the ants jump around in the stomach!” said the Lanier Running Club president as he prepared to take a seat at the ergometer in the masters erg sprint. He later ran a leg of the triathrow.

Jack Haire, co-director of Crossfit Northeast Georgia, brought a dozen multi-sport athletes to compete. “I like it,” he

said of the row/run/swim format.

He added that anything that gets people out and active gets his nod. Crossfit athletes “may have crappy form (at the erg),” he said, “but we have fun.” Several Crossfit participants walked away with awards.

NGRA Head Coach Jim Pickens said he was thrilled with the participation. “It’s a great turnout, better than expected,” he said.

The collegiate turn-out for the erg sprint was exceptional, he said.

The University of Georgia crew registered 75 entries, indicative of the growth of collegiate rowing, he said. Crews from Georgia State, Clemson and North Georgia College also competed.

NGRA members recruited distance runners and swimmers from

their schools to try the triathrow.

Their goal was to lure some endurance athletes over to their sport. Shilling, from North Hall High School, said she brought the fastest runner, Luis Gonzalez, one of the top Georgia AAA high school cross country runners.

Shilling said she didn’t think Gonzalez would convert to rowing, but that he “definitely knows more about it.”

Rowing Academy member Amber Rewis said she may have snared some new rowers. She recruited a swimmer and runner from Mill Creek High School who got their first exposure to rowing in the triathrow. “They liked it and thought it was cool and talked about maybe doing it next year,” she said.

PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON

Collegiate rowers compete in the North Georgia Erg Sprints at Riverside Military Academy. The event, organized by the North Georgia Rowing Academy, was held in conjunction with a triathrow.

• Fishing Continued from Page 7 nique when making a good jerkbait presentation.

Now that we’ve covered the what, when, and how, let’s discuss the where. Early in this month, concentrate your efforts on points. Legendary professional bass angler Rick Clunn has noted that “points point out bass.”

Those near creek mouths and up to half way into the backs of tributaries should get your attention.

If you’ve been observant to low water observations of recent years, key on areas with steep drops along with lots of rocks and tree stumps or brush. These are true bass magnets in this transition time. Move from one point to another and cover the water methodically. When the willow trees show greening color, be sure to target boat docks as well. These are typical hang outs for bass that are moving into the spawning mode. When the heavy post-

spawn bite comes into play, reverse your movements and areas.

Back out to the creek mouth points and any reefs/shallow submerged humps in the area.

In closing, I hope you’ll make jerkbaits part of your strategy for spring success. It can certainly pay to keep one entire insert of your tackle bag devoted to this productive lure category. This

minnow thing that’s been working so well for so long will certainly work for you.

Until next month, take care and be safe on the water!

Tommy Wilkinson is a veteran of the fishing industry and resides in Jefferson, GA. MORE INFO: thwilkinson6@gmail.com

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16 LAKESIDE

March 2012

LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE Weekend regattas expected to fill Olympic waters

By Jane Harrison The collegiate rowing community’s equivalent to a college gridiron season opener is set to hit the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue March 24 in the John Hunter Regatta. More than 1,500 youth and collegiate rowers are expected to converge on the Olympic waters in one of the year’s biggest regattas on the lake. Lanier continues on a row the next day with a smaller regatta hosted by the home crew.

As many as 5,000 people could be on hand to watch, volunteer or participate in the double-regatta weekend. Rowers traditionally pack local hotels and restaurants in the days leading up to the youth and collegiate regatta. Travelers on two-lane Clarks Bridge Road, which runs between the grand stands and the boathouse, can expect delays, especially on March 24. Hours of closure for motor boat ramps at Clarks Bridge Park on the venue site were not available at press time.

In late February, the Olympic venue was being readied for the throng with adjustments in dock configurations to accommodate rowers’ launches from the boathouse across the street and around the lake channel from the race course. Lake Lanier Rowing Club Vice-president John Ferriss, co-director of the March 25 Lanier Sprints Regatta, reported that attempts will be made to connect docks to the landing behind the boathouse. About a month before the regatta, the water level appeared about eight feet below the concrete landing.

Ferriss said that if docks cannot be anchored to the landing, crews would instead launch from docks set up behind the maintenance building. Such a launch requires a longer trek on a slightly sloped grass and mud shore. Athletes who compete in 8seat boats carry racing shells measuring about 65 feet long to the launch dock.

The John Hunter Regatta is expected to draw rowers from more than 50 colleges in about a dozen states.

The next day’s Lanier Sprints Regatta will likely attract some college crews hankering for a re-match, plus masters, scullers and pairs rowers whose events are not included in Saturday’s race line-up.

Organized by the Roswell-based Saint Andrew Rowing Club and Georgia Tech Rowing Club, the

LAKE LANIER OLYMPIC VENUE INFO Here's a profile and calendar for the two clubs operating at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue:

Lake Lanier Rowing Club

PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON

Rowers in 8-seat boats compete in last year's John Hunter Regatta at the Lanier Olympic Venue.

John Hunter Regatta is making its sixth run on Lake Lanier. Competitors will race 2,000 meters from starting platforms north of the venue to the finish line at the Olympic tower. The action takes place on six to possibly eight buoyed lanes, depending on lake level, installed by the Lake Lanier Rowing Club on the course where Olympic rowers competed in 1996. The host clubs are bringing their own volunteers to manage the competition and venue.

Many crews are expected to practice Lanier the week prior to the regatta. The venue will be officially open for on-the-water practice from 2-6 p.m.

March 23. Racing begins at 8 a.m. and is expected to conclude around 6 p.m. March 24.

Regatta Director Paul Gaigelas predicts more than 3,500 spectators will fill the stands at the Olympic Venue, where the plaza will transform into college central with school banners, tents and grills, and alma mater fight songs.

A somewhat calmer environment will settle in for the LLRC-organized Lanier Sprints. About 200 entries are expected for the follow-up event, said Ferriss. Several college and junior crews usually stay in town for the next day’s races, he said. But the main emphasis of Lanier Sprints is to “fill a need in the Southeast region for a regatta” that includes masters and small boat racing, he said.

Contact: John Martiniere Phone: 770-287-0077 Email: LLRC@mindspring.com Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Website: www.LakeLanierRowing.org Club offerings: Recreational and competitive rowing for ages 13 to 80+. Beginner to elite offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and camps hosting of local, regional, national and international rowing regattas.

Calendar of events: (complete list on website) Thru March - Collegiate Crew Spring Training March 3 - Youth Rowing Informative Meeting & Barbecue March 24 - John Hunter Regatta March 25 - Lanier Sprints Regatta

Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club Contact: Office Administrator Brenda Miller, LCKC President Doug Smith Phone: 770-287-7888 Fax: 770-287-3444 Email: info@lckc.org Website: www.lckc.org Address: Lake Lanier Olympic Venue 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506 Club offerings: Recreational and competitive canoe and kayaking for ages 12 and up. Beginner to masters programs offered through regularly scheduled practices, classes, and summer camps. Also hosts local, regional, national and international competitions.

Calendar of events: (complete list on website) March 17 - Lula Bridge Race March 19 - BBI Spring League Parents Meeting March 26-May 12 - BBI Spring Season April 28 - BBI Spring Race Venue seats about 2,000 with parking capacity of about 400 cars.

The boathouse and tower are available to rent for meetings and special occasions.

MORE INFO:

www.lakelanierrowingclub.org, www.johnhunterregatta.com, www.regattacentral.com

CAUTION ZONE

Lula Bridge Race to be spectator friendly

By Jane Harrison It will be easy for folks to keep an eye on their favorite paddlers March 17 at the Lula Bridge Race.

Instead of racing out to the namesake bridge, competitors in the long distance contest will be stroking a loop course visible from the Lanier Olympic Venue grandstands.

The Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club opted to chart the lap course due to lake levels that make passage a “little sketchy at some spots” north of the venue, said LCKC President Kevin Seitz. With the lake about eight feet below full pool near the end of February, the club eyed a course primarily in the deep channel in front of the grandstands.

“You will be able to see most of the race” from the venue,” Seitz said. Participants in various crafts – from racing kayaks, recreational canoes and even sea kayaks – have a choice of distances, from the one-loop 4.3 kilometer race to the five-lap 25K endurance contest.

It is the same course elite endurance paddlers will traverse in the USA Canoe/Kayak Marathon Trials in May, Seitz said. The marathon traditionally requires a portage, but Lula Bridge racers have an option to “go around the portages and just paddle,” he said.

Seitz expects the March event to attract around 40 to 50 paddlers, including many LCKC juniors, seniors and masters and several national competitors scoping out the USACK marathon course. In addition, recreational kayakers and canoists from the American Canoe Association are likely to test their endurance. Past competitors in the 25K have included USA Canoe/Kayak marathon veterans Reid Hyle, of Florida, Abel Hastings, from North Carolina, and LCKC’s own John DePalma.

The race starts at 10 a.m. across from the Olympic Venue tower.

MORE INFO: www.lckc.org

N

March 2012

LAKESIDE 17

New youth coach aims to build LLRC program

By Jane Harrison The Lake Lanier Rowing Club chose a proven leader of young rowers to build its youth program when it selected Brian Ransom as coach. Ransom The former Kansas State rower piloted his fledgling college crew through some uncharted waters after their coach passed away. He took the helm and grew a program that placed among top finishers in national regattas.

Ransom, 26, said he’s up for the challenge of “basically starting over and building a (youth team) from the ground up.” The club had been without a youth coach for about a year since former Coach Jim Pickens resigned.

Many LLRC high school rowers followed him to the North Georgia Rowing Academy, which formed last summer.

The new coach plans to kick off the program with an informational meeting and barbecue at 11:30 a.m. March 3 at the Lanier Olympic Venue. He hopes to attract potential rowers from 8th

through 12th grades from Hall and surrounding counties.

Ransom uses the word “challenge” frequently when he talks about rowing. The physical challenge of rowing lured him from football, baseball, volleyball and soccer – other sports he played before he got into a boat.

“I wanted to pick a sport where I could challenge myself.

Rowing is it,” he said. “Elite rowers are considered the best-inshape athletes in the world.

There’s plenty of scientific data to back that up,” he said of the sport that demands total body power and endurance.

He said he started rowing in high school “after a little old man grabbed me and told me I’d be good at it.” Born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas, he began practicing with the community rowing club on Tuttle Creek Reservoir. He continued the sport with the club team at Kansas State, where he earned a Master’s degree in biology. He plans to eventually enter medical school to become a doctor.

When the Kansas State Rowing Association men’s crew coach died, Ransom, the most experi-

enced rower on the team, inherited the coaching position. “It was definitely stressful. The team was rebuilding and needed leadership.

I sucked it up” and took charge, he said.

He helped build the team from four members in 2007 to about 50 today. He raised eyebrows in college ranks when his men’s novice 8 and varsity 4 crews placed in the top half of finishers at last year’s American Collegiate Rowing Association regatta on Lake Lanier. A coaches’ poll had predicted they would finish last.

“They didn’t think we had any water in Kansas,” Ransom quipped.

Ransom said he took the LLRC position “because I knew it would be a challenge.” He was one of several respondents to an LLRC job posting on a rowing website. Club Vice-president John Ferriss said the board was impressed with Ransom’s record at the Kansas State and his experience as a high school rower.

Prospective youth rowers are athletes who thrive on mental and physical challenges, Ransom said.

“It will challenge them more than any other sport if they just give it

one shot,” he said.

He plans to recruit youth rowers by visiting area middle and high schools, putting up posters, contacting media outlets, and getting on morning announcements at schools. Asked whether his recruitment efforts would knock oars with the North Georgia Rowing Academy, Ransom responded he expects to compete with them in regattas but not for athletes. “I think the population is large enough where we won’t compete for rowers … I don’t foresee any conflicts,” he said.

He hopes to sign up at least 20 male and female athletes who will begin practice this month. He said that before they launch on the water, new rowers will learn technique on boats held in place on the docks and that he will keep indoor training on ergometers at a minimum. He plans practices that include an element of fun with the serious training that rowing requires.

“We’ll keep it fun so it’s not militaristic,” he said. Cross training with ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and scrimmages will infuse practice with purposeful play. He also plans to offer the social aspect so

important to teenagers with team dinners and outings.

Ransom said his long term goal is to establish continuity for LLRC’s youth program and to “turn the club in Gainesville into a scholarship powerhouse.”

Full college scholarships at schools with Title IX sports programs are easily available for tall females with rowing experience, he said. Partial scholarships for men are also available.

The new coach said his primary objective is to help get young rowers in the door and on the water to learn the art of rowing. What it takes, he said, is an open mind and an ability to take on a challenge.

LLOV BRIEFS German team heading to Lanier A canoe/kayak team from Germany will head to the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue March 5 for a three-week training camp.

Lake Lanier Canoe/Kayak Club office manager Brenda Miller reported the German crew will be practicing at the boat house and lake venue at the invitation of See LLOV, page 39

18 LAKESIDE

March 2012

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March 2012

It’s time to get ready for the boating season The Superbowl is over, now it’s time to think about getting your boat ready for the upcoming season. If you did like I recommended in the fall winterizing column you will have a list of things to check or repair before launching or getting the boating season underway.

If you have a trailerable boat that you covered and stored in the carport, garage or backyard it’s time to inspect it. When you take off the cover, look for evidence of critters that might have made a winter home. If you find evidence, be sure to check your wiring and replace if it’s damaged. After this is done get into the technical part, engine, electronics, and don’t forget to check the trailer.

If you leave your boat in the water, check the bilges, make sure fuel line and wiring is satisfactory. Follow your engine manual to get them ready, also don’t forget the generator. Boats that stayed in the water are probably in need of a hauling and pressure washing and bottom paint. Get your yard appointment now and avoid the rush.

Now you need to clean up the interior as well as clean and wax the exterior. This is when you invite the people who enjoyed trips on your boat last year; the ones that show up will be the ones to invite on trips this year! The more people the quicker the cleaning and waxing will be.

If you have electronics to be repaired or installed now is the time to do it. If you’re having trouble finding a certain instrument or equipment, remember West Marine’s spring catalog is out and you can probably find it there. If your batteries are old, replace them now, not in the heat of the summer. Last but not least be sure to add Stabil, ValveTect, or Startron when you fill up.

Also remember the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will inspect your boat. They also offer boating courses, which if you satisfactorily complete you could get a 10 percent discount on your insurance. It’s also a good idea to have your crew take a boating course. Contact: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary/Dave Wall, Public Education Officer, Flotilla 29.

Phone: 770-904-6340 or www. auxiliaryclass@bellsouth.net.

More efficiency You’ve read all the stories about the new hybrids ... it’s quite expensive to go in that direction.

Southeast England features the largest wind farm in the world with 100 turbines supposedly Mike generating enough electricity for Rudderham 200,000 homes. Will they disrupt shipping lanes, thereby hurting Captain’s trade?

Comments The only good thing I’ve read about them is that they will attract fish, much the same as the oil rigs That doesn’t mean some changes in the Gulf of Mexico do. The could be made to your present other question is, if they’re a bust boat that could make it more effi- and abandoned, who’s going to cient. How about LED lighting – clean them up? Probably our tax both interior and exterior? They dollars. Time will tell, stay tuned. use less power, last 10 times Fish for birds longer, and don’t create a lot of In the spring and fall of the heat. They are also offered in un- year off Clearwater Beach derwater flood lights. Contact: Florida, the King Mackerel run www.yachtlights.com or www.su- starts when the water temperature perbrightleds.com. reaches 69 degrees. Literally hunSolar power seems to be work- dreds of boats go out to fish the ing for powering accessories, but schools of Kings. A friend of it’s not up to speed to replace the mine and I decided to go during internal combustion engine. They the middle of the week and avoid now have Bimini tops with solar the weekend rush. We started collectors in the cloth. Just refishing about five or six miles out, cently, Atlantic Towers offered a trolling spoons. We caught five Hi-amp, Hi-line hardtop that can or six pretty quick and continued be configured to an output of trolling for more. I noticed anmore than 1,000 KW. Prices start other boat coming toward us and at about $13,000. Visit: www.at- they started trolling Bally-hoo lantictowers.com. parallel to us about 200 feet away.

If you are a D.I.Y. type and are Their bait didn’t have any weight interested in getting the story on on them so they were flipping how to go solar, contact: around on top. Mr. Pelican found www.whatsyourplan.com. This this attractive and flew down and way you will better understand picked up the Bally-hoo. The the system and save the labor hook lodged in his beak and a cost. fisherman started reeling him in.

Owners of houseboats should They stopped the boat and kept look into using solar power for reeling. electrical accessories, as it’s easy I angled in and went for a to have a large hardtop to accom- closer look. The pelican was beatmodate solar collectors. For more ing them pretty good with his information log on to: wings. It was then we realized www.boatingmag.com/hybrid. that both fishermen were inebriPersonally I’m for diesel elec- ated and the pelican needed help tric power. A generator keeps the quick. I maneuvered close enough battery banks charged to run elec- to board the boat and threw a tric propulsion motors. Solar beach blanket over the bird. power could also assist in this ap- Grabbed his beak and snipped the plication. It would be great in hook, which then came out. I houseboats. pulled the blanket off and the pelWind farms ican flew away. Last we saw, the Mariners are starting to comdrunks were headed for shore. ment on wind farms.

Later while cleaning our catch on Most say they’re an accident my dock, a pelican landed next to waiting to happen. Some “in the us and we couldn’t help but wonknow” have convinced builders of der if it could be the same bird. these farms to construct them five We threw him some carcasses of miles wide with a one mile buffer King Fish and he flew off happy. on either side so that they would Laura Decker in St. Maarten not be a hazard to navigation. Of Laura has been celebrating her course they want to build them as accomplishment of being the close to shore as possible. I’m youngest person (16) to circumsure someone on Cape Cod or the navigate the world solo. She has Jersey Shore who has a large inbeen celebrating with her parents, vestment in their house wants to sister and friends. She said in her look out over the ocean to see the blog that in March she will fly to sunrise with a wind farm in it. the Netherlands for the Amster-

dam Boat Show. When she returns to St. Maarten she will sail to the Panama Canal across the Pacific again to New Zealand which will be her final destination. She will still do some blogs but not as many as before. If you would like to congratulate her go to: www.lauradekker.com. I am

sure that we haven’t heard the last of this talented young lady.

Be courteous, practice safe boating and I’ll see you on the water.

Mike Rudderham is a veteran marine surveyor with more than 40 years experience in the marine industry.

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LAKESIDE 21

22 LAKESIDE

March 2012

A different side of life - slow down and enjoy it Bob and Carolyn Wilson, aboard Sea Island Girl, continue Lakeside's long running series of cruising adventures which began in the mid-1990s. To date we've had the Johnston family, Jean and Bill Bayman, and Mechelle and Bill Cooksey all contribute to the series. Bob and Carolyn boated on Lake Lanier until leaving for their adventure in 2002.

It has been many a year since I was awakened by the crowing of a rooster. They may be outlawed in the area where we live in Sandy Springs, but they seem to have become the morning alarm for the “harbor rats” in the quaint little settlement of Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Life here is much different. It’s not fast paced, and you are expected to leave your anxieties and stress back home when you enter the harbor. If you didn’t know this before you arrived, there is a sign to remind you – Slow Down, You’re Entering Hope Town.

The harbor is the “base camp” for 50 or so sail and power moored boats and the setting is idyllic. A candy cane painted lighthouse towers above the harbor and the narrow streets on the eastern shore are lined with color-

Bob & Carolyn Wilson Cruising Wilsons

fully painted cottages of every description. An often visited area of the Abacos, Hope Town is considered by many to be the perfect destination and it is here where tourism abounds.

The lifestyle here is different than most. The only means of getting from one side of the harbor to the other is by dinghy or skiff, and on land most everyone uses a golf cart. In the settlement, the narrow paths can only accommodate small delivery trucks, or bicycles. Visitors seem to enjoy walking, stopping to take pictures of the clap board cottages – representative of the once loyalist fishing village of the 1800s – or the bounty of colorful flowers and the boats moored in the harbor.

It takes a lot of planning and scheduling living here. There are few conveniences available in Hope Town – a grocery, two

marinas, a post office, one policeman, a small school and a museum – and hundreds of rental villas and cottages. If it’s not found in town, a $27 ferry ride to and from the mainland is necessary, something that many school children and those working elsewhere do every day. Businesses rely upon the occasional freight boats or the ferries to deliver their merchandise to the government dock.

During a recent visit, we were invited to witness firsthand, the lighting of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse, which is probably the most recognizable landmark on Abaco.

The 89-foot edifice is one of only three hand-wound kerosene burning lighthouses still operational in the Bahamas, and perhaps the world. The evening before our visit a film crew from NBC’s Today Show was taping a show segment highlighting its historical significance.

The views atop the lighthouse overlooking the harbor, the Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Abaco are spectacular – well worth climbing the 101– spiraled steps to reach the top. The lightkeepers, Jefferey Forbes and his cousin Sam McPhee were our

would, if the lighthouse were erected, become a lost opportunity to gather the bounty of the cargo lost at sea.

It’s somewhat ironic, but today, a hundred years later, tourists are continually drawn to Hope Town to tour the famous lighthouse. Life here has remained simple, yet the descendants of the former wracker’s have discovered a new form of prosperity in real estate, lodging The Elbow Reef Lighthouse. and weddings. hosts, and every two hours from Each year hundreds of secondsunset to dawn, one of them must home owners fly in to enjoy the make the climb to rewind a pristine beaches along the Atweight mechanism which keeps lantic. The boat and golf cart the Fresnel lens in its patterned rental business is brisk and the flashing of light. restaurants are teeming with visiHistory shows there was much tors wanting to savor the freshest dissension over the erection of the catch of the day. There’s a bit of Elbow Reef light knowing that it snobbery among those living in would put an end to the nighttime Hope Town as witnessed by the adventures of local ship wreckers, literary guild meetings, the arts in or “wrackers,” that would gather the park, a micro-brewed coffee the spoils of the ships that often house, even a Ben and Jerry’s ice went aground on the nearby reefs. cream shop, but the folks living With the light, the ships could here are proud to be “on da other avoid the shallow waters, and side” of things. It just takes getwhat had become an economic ting a little used to for those of us boom for many Bahamians, See Wilsons, page 55 MORE INFO: cruiswils@gmail.com or www.cruisingwilson.blogspot.com

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LAKESIDE 23

24 LAKESIDE

March 2012

The winter that never showed up We are going to end the “winter that wasn’t” on March 20th at 1:14 am. That is the time of the vernal equinox. Much of the world shivered in the kind of winter we endured last year, except the “lower 48.” The La Nina pattern was the same. So what happened to our winter? We know that global wind patterns are drastically changed by La Nina. However, this winter, the cold polar jet stream remained well up in the Canada. All the cold arctic air spilled over to the other side of the world.

We only had two outbreaks of cold arctic air this winter, compared to more than a dozen last year.

There is a silver lining to all of this for much of the country. Remember the severe Midwest and plains flooding last year from all the snow melt? We will not see that this year because there just wasn’t much snow across the country. Other than a few flurries and that little bit of sleet we had in the middle of last month, we had no winter precipitation to speak of. If you are wondering when the last time we had a snowless winter was, you’ll have to go back to 2007!

Now we move into spring. It is my least favorite time of the year. I know the flowers are pretty and temperatures are warming. However, I also know how violent the weather was last spring. I am gearing up for more strong and severe storms this month. This year, we have both branches of the jet stream across the U.S. As I mentioned, the colder northern branch has

been consistently running across Canada. The southern branch of the Glenn jet stream with the Burns warmer temperatures, has been riding from Lanier southern California Outlook across the Southeast.

This southern branch of the jet will add tremendous energy and wind shear to our spring storms. I am expecting to see more rotating super-cell thunderstorms, which can lead to long-tracked tornadoes.

With that being said, I would encourage you to be prepared. The best way to be prepared is to stay informed. Here at WSB and Severe Weather Center 2, we have the best storm forecasting and tracking equipment available. In addition, we are very good at forecasting severe storm outbreaks. So, my best advice is to always get the latest forecasts from us. With severe storms, there will be power outages. That is why I also encourage you to purchase a weather alert radio and always make sure you have fresh batteries. Another way to stay informed is through social media. We will always have severe storm warnings on facebook and Twitter. In addition, there are many great severe weather apps for your smart phone. In fact, the IMapWeather Radio available for your Apple devices is an incredible leap in technology.

You can download it on iTunes. It is a weather alert radio and radar display. What I like best about it is, should the power go out and you are in your safe room, you can get immediate warnings for your specific See Burns, page 42

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

LAKE LANIER WATER LEVELS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AVG MAX MIN

JUL

AUG

SEP

1067.69 1067.67 1067.66 1067.63 1067.57 1067.51 1067.46 1067.40 1067.43 1067.41 1067.32 1067.16 1067.17 1067.09 1067.11 1067.11 1067.08 1067.01 1066.99 1066.95 1066.91 1066.91 1066.90 1066.82 1066.80 1066.76 1066.71 1066.66 1066.61 1066.60 1066.61 1067.12 1067.69 1066.60

1066.53 1066.51 1066.44 1066.44 1066.40 1066.38 1066.38 1066.34 1066.28 1066.23 1066.18 1066.11 1066.10 1066.04 1065.95 1065.88 1065.82 1065.80 1065.73 1065.69 1065.62 1065.54 1065.51 1065.34 1065.22 1065.10 1065.04 1065.03 1064.87 1064.72 1064.62 1065.80 1066.53 1064.62

1064.50 1064.37 1064.33 1064.28 1064.25 1064.30 1064.23 1064.14 1064.02 1063.98 1063.93 1063.88 1063.75 1063.63 1063.48 1063.28 1063.22 1063.17 1063.04 1062.86 1062.70 1062.63 1062.76 1062.75 1062.74 1062.56 1062.50 1062.36 1062.27 1062.18

OCT

1062.15 1062.07 1061.99 1061.94 1061.84 1061.67 1061.52 1061.45 1061.40 1061.28 1061.14 1060.96 1060.78 1060.61 1060.56 1060.55 1060.35 1060.21 1060.14 1060.09 1060.00 1059.97 1059.95 1059.85 1059.80 1059.73 1059.68 1059.67 1059.62 1059.60 1059.52 1063.40 1060.65 1064.50 1062.15 1062.18 1059.52

NOV 1059.41 1059.24 1059.15 1058.99 1058.99 1058.95 1058.79 1058.63 1058.44 1058.25 1058.09 1058.06 1058.03 1057.91 1057.93 1058.15 1058.18 1058.19 1058.19 1058.19 1058.13 1058.13 1058.15 1058.08 1057.95 1057.92 1057.93 1058.02 1058.24 1058.29

DEC

1058.31 1058.28 1058.33 1058.33 1058.30 1058.32 1058.50 1058.58 1058.55 1058.61 1058.65 1058.58 1058.54 1058.55 1058.54 1058.52 1058.53 1058.55 1028.51 1058.52 1058.58 1058.77 1059.02 1059.12 1059.19 1059.26 1059.57 1059.66 1059.73 1059.77 1059.83 1058.35 1058.78 1059.41 1059.83 1057.91 1058.28

JAN

FEB

1059.84 1059.86 1059.84 1059.80 1059.81 1059.82 1059.88 1059.94 1060.01 1060.05 1060.17 1060.27 1060.34 1060.38 1060.41 1060.45 1060.53 1060.67 1060.77 1060.90 1061.27 1061.46 1061.74 1061.92 1062.04 1062.04 1062.28 1062.36 1062.42 1062.48 1062.54 1060.85 1062.54 1059.80

1062.60 1062.66 1062.71 1062.78 1062.85 1062.88 1062.90 1062.92 1062.96 1062.98 1062.99 1063.03 1063.01 1063.10 1063.07 1063.13 1063.16 1063.24 1063.29 1063.33 1063.39 1063.39 1063.41 1063.45 1063.48

SOLUNAR TIMES FOR LAKE LANIER

March 2012

LAKESIDE 25

26 LAKESIDE

March 2012

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LAKESIDE 29

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LAKESIDE 31

Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron welcomes new bridge to the helm The Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron held its annual Change of Watch on Sunday, February 19 at the Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta. This yearly event honors the achievement of members from the prior year and ushers in the new year with the installation of new officers.

This year’s Bridge Officers are Commander James Jordan, Executive Officer Glenn LaBoda, Administrative Officer Douglas Townes, Secretary Barbara Tyson, Treasurer Sandy Robinson, and Education Officer Patti Price.

This year’s winner of the Nelle B. Moon Award is Margaret Sharrod.

The Nelle B. Moon Member Involvement Award recognizes one member annually who has distinguished themselves in service to the squadron and participation in squadron activities. It is named in honor of our first female commander who served in in that position during the 1988 watch year.

Congratulations to all of our new officers, chairpersons, and executive committee members, we look forward to another outstanding year of fun, education, and growth!

Have you ever wanted to reap

the full benefits of your GPS, but wasn’t sure how? Are you interested in adding a GPS to your vessel but not sure how you would use it? ASPS has the seminar for you. On Saturday, March 10 we’ll be hosting a GPS seminar at West Marine in Buford.

The seminar runs from 9:30 until 11 a.m. and is a great “starter” for getting the most out of your GPS device. The seminar is being taught by Douglas Townes and is offered to ASPS members and the general public. This is a prerequisite to an upcoming two-day class on more advanced GPS usage that will be offered on April 14 and 21. Please visit us at atlantasboatingclub.com to register, or just show up on the 10th and join us!

As we head into spring and the start of another summer on the lake, it’s important to make sure we’re are ready for a fun and safe season of boating. Our BoatSmart class teaches the basics of boating, such as boat handling (docking and trailering), safety equipment and procedures, navigation basics (the rules of the road), and boat types and terminology. This class is great for adults and teens, you can enjoy

tions. The vessel examiner is a trained specialist who will also Lisa make recommendations and disBeers cuss safety issues that will make you a safer boater. Visit our webAtlanta site at atlantasboatingclub.com Sail & today to contact us about schedulPower ing your Vessel Safety Check.

Squadron Our next general membership meeting will be held on March 15. Please visit our website for learning as a family. The class is approved by the State of Georgia details and location, and to inDepartment of Natural Resources quire about joining us for a meeting. Meetings are a great (GA DNR) and by the National opportunity to hear exciting and Association of the State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). informative speakers on a wide range of boating and water related Outgoing Commander Lisa HernThe location is at 1050 Buford topics, as well as an excellent don, right, presents Margaret Dam Rd., Buford, Ga. The next Sharrod with the 2012 Nelle B. time to meet members and learn class will be March 24 and runs Moon Membership Participation from 8:30-5:30 p.m. Cost for your more about ASPS. Award.

March 25 kicks off our 2012 text is $35 and families may ties, and make sure to contact us on-the-water social season with share. Visit our website atlantasboatingclub.com for more details our first raft-up of the year. Raft- about membership – don’t miss out on another season of fun with ups are always fun, with great and how to sign up.

ASPS. food and fellowship as we make Another important aspect of Atlanta Sail and Power getting ready for the boating sea- memories together. These raft-ups Squadron members have access son is to make sure your vessel is are a very popular part of our to advanced boating classes, soready. One way you can do this is yearly activities, allowing us to cial events on and off the water spend time together on beautiful by having a free Vessel Safety Check performed. VSCs are cour- Lake Lanier. Please visit atlantas- year round, fun and informative tesy examinations of your boat to boatingclub.com for more details monthly membership meetings, verify the presence and condition about all of our classes and activi- and more. of certain safety equipment re MORE INFO: www.atlantasboatingclub.com; 770 734-6412 quired by state and federal regula-

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March 2012

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34 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Lakeside Calendar March 2012 Mar. 2-4, 8-10 – “Lend Me A Tenor,” a hilarious farce intended for mature audiences, presented by Habersham Community Theatre.

Performances are: 7:30 p.m. (Mar. 2-3, 8-10); 2 p.m. (Mar. 4). Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for full-time students. Info: 706-839-1315; www.habershamtheater.org.

Thru Mar. 4 – “The Color Red,” exhibits work by Harry Shulbert at Sautee Nacoochee Community Association, 283 Ga. 255 N. Sautee Nacoochee. Info: 706-878-3300; www.snca.org.

Thru Mar. 4 – “Shelter Stars” Adoption Special, held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, for large dogs and cats at Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, 845 West Ridge Rd., Gainesville. Adoption fee: $25. Info: 770-532-6617; www.hsnega.org.

Mar. 7 – Buzz Bernard Meet and Greet, hosted by the Northeast Georgia Writers from 1-2:15 p.m. at Peach State Bank, 325 Washington St., Gainesville. Bernard, author of fictional thriller “Eyewall” will hold a signing and discussion. Admission: $12. Info: 770-519-7279.

Thru Mar. 8 – “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War,” a traveling exhibit at the Library Technology Center at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega. Info: libguides.northgeorgia.edu/Lincoln.

Mar. 23-25 – “Alice in Wonderland,” performed by the Gainesville Ballet Co. at Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University. Info: www.gainesvilleballet.org.

Mar. 30-31 - Forsyth County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, Friday, 8-6 p.m.; Saturday, 8-4 p.m. Annuals, perennials, trees & shrubs, for sale, along with presentations about native plants, kids gardening projects, organic & square foot gardening, & door prizes. Cumming Fairgrounds, Red Barn, Castleberry Rd., Cumming, GA. Mar. 31 – Easter Bone Hunt held 11 a.m. to noon at Laurel Bark Park. Bring your dog(s) to hunt for treat-filled eggs. Admission: $5 per dog. Info: 770-535-8280.

Thru April 1 – Petticoats and Slide Rules, a historical exhibit that celebrates women’s technological achievements, personal experi-

ences and equal rights struggles at Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. Free. Info: www.gwinnettehc.org.

Thru April 21 – Petticoats and Slide Rules, a historical exhibit that celebrates women’s technological achievements, personal experiences and equal rights struggles at Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. Free. Info: www.gwinnettehc.org.

May 5-6 – Art in the Garden, features garden-theme art festival with jewelry, pottery, live music and kid’s activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Dawson County Art Council Bowen Center, 344 Ga. 9 N. Dawsonville. Free. Info: 706-2162787; www.dawsonarts.org/festival.htm.

Thru May 6 – Wildlife Rescue exhibit at Fernbank Museum of Natural History shares stories of animal rescues. Through interactive elements, visitors step into rescue efforts and learn the innovative science involved. Admission: $17.50 adults, $16.50 students and seniors, $15.50 ages 3-12, free to members and ages 2 and younger. Info: 404-929-6300; www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Thru June 1 – “Abstracts” by Ferdinand Rosa displayed at Adam’s Restaurant and Piano Bar, 15. E. Main St., Buford. Info: 678-7450379; ferdinandrosa.carbonmade.com.

Cumming Playhouse Mar. 4 – Peppino D’Agostino and Carlos

Reyes in concert Mar. 8-11 – Ozark Jubilee Mar. 13 – Sounds of Sawnee “Music of the British Isles” Mar. 16-18 – Summerwind Mar. 24 – Mountain Music and Medicine Show Mar. 25 – Charlie’s Little Angels Beauty Pageant Info: 770-781-9178; www.playhousecumming.com.

Elachee Nature Center 1st Saturday Hikes – Monthly except January and August, the first Saturday of the month, held 10-11:30 a.m. Learn about local native plants and animals. This monthly hike is a great way to explore the Chicopee Woods with an experienced guide. The program fee also includes admission to the museum exhibitions.

Spring and Fall – Stars Over Elachee held Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays at dusk.

Learn to use a telescope and star chart to view stars, planets and constellations in the night sky. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $10, adults; $5, children through age 12; free, members. Call for dates and times.

Spring and Fall – Backyard Conservation Workshops, Compost and Rainwater Collection instruct in recycling natural resources. Call for dates and times.

Info: 770 535-1976, www.elachee.org.

Gainesville State College Mar. 1-3 – 2012 Big Band Show, presented in the Ed Cabell Theatre, CE Building, at 7:30 p.m. (Mar. 1-2) and 9:30 p.m. (Mar. 3), featuring the GSC Jazz Band, Jazz Combo and Chorale directed by Dr. Andrew Santander and Bruce Sellers and accompanied by Dr. Joanna Kim Doyle.

Info: 770-717-3639; www.gsc.edu Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Mar. 15 – Jeremy Camp, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

Mar. 17 – Travis Tritt, $40, plus handling fees Mar. 24 – Randy Travis, $40, plus handling fees Info: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids Mar. 5-9 – Lion Craft Week, make fun lion crafts and learn about “king of jungle.”

Mar. 12-16 – St. Patrick’s Day Craft Week, make “green” crafts to celebrate Mar. 19-23 – Spring Is Here Craft Week, make fun crafts Mar. 26-30 – Doctor Craft Week, learn about being a doctor while making medical arts and crafts Info: Free, with admission unless otherwise noted; www.inkfun.org; 770 536-1900 North Atlanta Trade Center Mar. 9-11 – The Woodworking Show Mar. 18 – Georgia Beauty Supply Trade Show Mar. 24 – Universal Championship Wrestling Mar. 24-25 – Eastman’s Gun Show Mar. 31 – Atlanta BullyPalooza VI Info: 770-279-9899, www.northatlantatradecenter.com.

Piedmont College Mar. 3 – Terry Kay, author, to speak at the Friends of the Clarkesville Library luncheon held in the Brookside Dining Room. Tickets: $25 (includes luncheon).

Thru Mar. 31 – Scott Stephens Art Show, an exhibition of print making, at the MasonScharfenstein Museum of Art, across of Piedmont College in downtown Demorest.

Reception held 6-7 p.m., Feb. 23. Info: 706778-8500, ext. 1307.

Info: www.piedmont.edu Quinlan Visual Arts Center Mar. 1, 3 – Gala Preview (Mar. 1), 34th Annual Gala Live and Silent Art Auction (Mar. 3).Quinlan Visual Arts Center Mar. 14-Apr. 14 – Youth Art Month, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville Apr. 19-June 9 – “Across Many Waters,” displays work by watercolors by Bruce Bobick; sculpture by Betty Beasley; pastels & oil landscapes by Ron Pircio; oil paintings by Sandra Landergott and artist Oneyka Ibe. Opening reception, 5:30-7 p.m., April 19.

Info: 770 536-2575, www.quinlanartcenter.org.

Sailing Club Events 2012 SAILING EVENTS ON LAKE LANIER Club

Event

Day

Date

MARCH 2012 SSC LLSC LLSC BF LLSC LLSC SSC UYC BF BF UYC SSC SSC AISC AISC

Nippert #1 Laser Southerns Regatta Laser Southerns Regatta Winter Gale #1 Atlanta Cup J24/J22 Atlanta Cup J24/J22 Nippert #2 UYC Spring 4 Around Alone Winter Gale #2 Commodore's Cup Nippert #3 Nippert #4 Dogwood Regatta Dogwood Regatta

Sat Sat Sun Sat Sat Sun Sun Sun Sat Sun Sat Sat Sun Fri Sat

03/03 03/03 03/04 03/10 03/10 03/11 03/11 03/11 03/17 03/18 03/24 03/24 03/25 03/30 03/31

Club Event APRIL 2012 AISC UYC SSC LLSC LLSC BF AISC BF SSC AISC BF UYC

Day

Dogwood Regatta Sun UYC Makeup 1 Sat Masters - Skippers over 50 Sat MC Rebel Rouser Regatta Sat MC Rebel Rouser Regatta Sun Winter Gale #3 Sun AISC Summer 1 - #1 Wed Winter Gale #4 Sat Nippert #5 Sun AISC Summer 1 - #2 Wed Celtic Crossing Sat UYC Makeup 2 Sat

Date 04/01 04/14 04/14 04/14 04/15 04/15 04/18 04/21 04/22 04/25 04/28 04/28

MAY 2012 AISC SSC LLSC

AISC Summer 1 - #3 Lormand Cup Multihull

Wed Sat Sat

05/02 05/05 05/05

Club

Event

Day

Date

LLSC AISC AISC LLSC BF AISC AISC LLSC

Multihull AISC Summer 1 - #4 AISC Summer 1 - #5 PHRF Championship Women Skippers - Open AISC Summer 1 - #6 AISC Summer 1 - #7 Junior Week #1

Sun Wed Wed Sat Sun Wed Wed Tue-F

05/06 05/09 05/16 05/19 05/20 05/23 05/30 05/29-06/01

These races are open to non-club members interested in connecting with the racing scene on Lake Lanier. For more information, visit www.SailLanier.com and click on the club that's hosting the race.

LARC - Lanier Auxiliary Racing Committee AISC - Atlanta Inland Sailing Club BFSC - Barefoot Sailing Club LLSC - Lake Lanier Sailing Club UYC - University Yacht Club MORE INFO: www.lakesidenews.com

March 2012

LAKESIDE 35

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WOODLAKE DR - SOUTH END OF LAKE LANIER NEAR 985 - REDUCED $400,000

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NEARLY 2 ACRES, FOUR SIDED BRICK RANCH IN SUGAR HILL

Priced to Sell $164,500 $125,000

Priced at $675,000 Beautiful, deep water lake home with a very gentle walk to your covered boathouse, with vinyl decking. Home features all the upgrades, including high-end trim, wet bar, trey ceilings, granite countertops with subzero, big sunroom and screened porch, with hot tub and views to the lake. Nicely-landscaped. Great south-end location, close to the Mall of GA and I-985.

Four sides brick on nearly 2 acres, near Mall of Ga & I-985. The main level & finished terrace have two separate entrances from the exterior. The main level and the terrace cannot access each other from the inside. Upper level has 3bed/2ba. Lower level has 2beds/1ba. Gunite pool has been out of service.

Thinking of buying or selling? Give me a call!

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36 LAKESIDE

March 2012

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March 2012

LAKESIDE 37

38 LAKESIDE

March 2012

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March 2012

LAKESIDE 39

LLRC Athlete of the Month

• LLOV

Continued from Page 17 LCKC Head Coach Claudiu Ciur. The former Romanian national canoeist has coordinated numerous international training opportunities for LCKC members and European paddlers.

Miller reported that athletes from the Rice Creek Club in Minnesota will also be coming to train with LCKC for two weeks this month.

Canadian Olympic Trials set for Lanier CanoeKayak Canada confirmed last month that it will hold its Sprint Olympic Trials at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue May 4-6. Elite Canadian athletes will compete on the waters of the 1996 Olympic Games to win Olympic berths for their country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club office manager Brenda Miller said members are “really excited” about the Canadian trials coming to their home venue.

Denny masters the erg, strives to improve rowing

By Jane Harrison When Tim Denny puts his long arms and legs into motion on the ergometer, he’s a force to reckon with. The 6’5” college professor turned in the fastest time in the premiere Mark Williams Ergatta put on by the Lake Lanier Rowing Club last month. His physical attributes and mental attitude combine to make rowing a natural fit for him. For his recent achievement, Lake Lanier Rowing Club vice-president John Ferriss chose Denny as athlete of the month.

Age: 59 City of residence: Athens, Ga. Family: Wife, Susan Hodges; adult children, Riva and Ethan.

Career: A University of Georgia professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Denny is an applied microbiologist who studies bacteria that cause plant diseases.

Why do you row? I enjoy getting out on the water, very close to the water, while being physically active and mentally engaged. You have to use both your body and your mind to row well, and I still have lots to learn about the sport.

I enjoy both the group dynamics of being in boats with 2, 4 or 8 rowers and also the time I can

Tim Denny with daughter Riva.

spend alone in a single. Rowing is also fantastic exercise – it is low impact and works all parts of your body, unlike almost any other sport.

What attracted you to rowing? I have always enjoyed being in or on the water, starting as a kid with competitive swimming and sailing small boats with family. I started windsurfing in the late ’90s but it turned out to be a solitary and expensive sport and after about six years I was looking for an activity with a group of people. I was introduced to the LLRC by my daughter when she coached and rowed with the club one summer during college. Also, you can row a lot more frequently than you can sail around here, and

it is better exercise.

When did you start rowing with LLRC? I took a Learn to Row class at LLRC in the fall of 2005 and immediately joined the club.

However, after a few years I developed carpel tunnel symptoms and had to stop rowing or erging for a few years until surgery solved the problem. I have been back full time for the last year.

How often do you train on the erg? On the water? Living in Athens means it is time-consuming and expensive to get on the water, so I usually only train in Gainesville once a week during club practice Saturday mornings.

This last year I have tried to erg at home two or three times per week. If I am really training for an erg race then I will erg 4-5 times per week. Unlike a lot of club members, I don’t find erging particularly boring provided I can plug into my iPod. To what do you attribute your erg strength at the Mark Williams Ergatta? It helps that I am 6’ 5” tall, since I have longer reach and greater leverage than shorter people. I am also quite flexible and stronger than average – a combination of good genes

and lots of physical activity over the years. I also probably train more on the erg than most of the other competitors. (I would not fare as well if I was racing the same men on the water!)

What do you consider your rowing accomplishments? My best result was winning the 2009 Atlanta Erg Sprint race for my age division while tying the event record (6:48). The training and race took everything I could give, and I don’t expect to ever match this effort.

What are your rowing goals?

My primary goal is to continue improving as a rower. There is always more to learn about style and conditioning. I am slowly working on becoming good enough in a single to race and be competitive. My long term goal is to continue rowing for the rest of my life – it is the perfect sport to grow old in.

Comments from Ferriss: “Tim trains on the erg a lot and rows on the water when he’s here. He picked up rowing late in life, starting with Learn to Row and stayed with it. He’s tall and fit.

He’s learning to row a single and has embraced rowing as an adult.”

40 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Lake Lanier Marinas Info AQUALAND MARINA Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for tenants, 8 a.m. to sunset for visitors 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 Store/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Types of fuel: Non-ethanol, 90 octane Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.79 On-site eatery: Dockside Grill Take-out menu: Sandwiches Restaurant description: Casual Menu: Famous “Docker Burger,” sandwiches, salads & seafood grilled & fried.

Phone: 770-363-2318 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. Sales of new boats by Coast to Coast Yacht Sales, brokerage services by Marine Max, rental boats & cabins by Lanier Aqua Rentals.

AQUAMARINA LAZY DAYS Hours of operation: Office/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-945-1991 Website: www.lazydaysmarina.com Location: 6700 Holiday Rd, Buford Types of slips available: Wet docks for 75-150 foot covered & 100-foot open slips; 554 dry stack; New 125' x 24' & 150 x 26' HB slips now available.

Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethonol and ValvTect diesel marine fuel Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12)) $4.69 premium; $4.39 diesel Security: Holiday Marina security patrols marina Full Maintenance, Repair and Service: Marine Max, 770-614-6968 Additional amenities: Free pump/porti-potti station for members. Wet slips: private gated access, golf cart valet service, free dockside pumpout. New gas dock easy access for houseboats. New courtesy docks for dry stack customers. Boat sales: Marine Max. 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.

Store: Sandwich shop; some boating supplies Store hours: Seasonal Types of fuel: 90 Non-ethanol; diesel Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.59; $4.09 diesel On-site eatery: Sandwich Market - Seasonal Menu: Grilled & cold sandwiches, pita wrap.

Restaurant description: Casual Phone: 770-889-2185 Security: 24/7 security, gated Additional amenities: Full-service department, parts department, boat body work, yacht repair & Marine Max Stovall sales dock.

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 2/18/12) $4.49 (Dock open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week; Pay-at-the-Pump, 9 a.m.- ‘til dark, 7 days a week) On-site eatery: Skogies (Seasonal Wed. thru Sun.) Menu: Barbecue, seafood and American fare.

Phone: 678-450-1310 Security: 7 days a week Additional amenities: Parts department, land service shop, recreational room, bath house, pumpout station.

Sales of new, used and brokerage boats. Bennington Pontoon Boats, Four Winns Deck/Sport Boats and Yamaha Outboards.

HABERSHAM MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-887-5432 Website: www.habershammarina.com Location: 2200 Habersham Marina Rd., Cumming Types of slips available: 650 slips for dry storage up to 27’ Store: Yes Types of fuel: 90 Recreational fuel, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.39 (Dock open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Sat./Closed on Sun.) Security: Yes Additional amenities: Repair services, detailing and bottom cleaning. Also bathroom and shower facilities are available.

HIDEAWAY BAY MARINA Hours of operation: Office: 8:30 a.m5:30 p.m., 7 days; Marina: 24/7 Phone: 770-967-5500 Website: www.hideawaybaymarina.com Location: 6334 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch Types of slips available: Wet (510) Dry (150) Showroom: Atlanta Marine Store/Gas Dock hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 7 days a week) Types of Fuel: 90 octane, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.29 On-site eatery: Fish Tales Security: 24/7 manned security Additional amenities: Restaurant-Seasonal, complete boat/motor repair, new bathhouse w/ locked showers and AC, laundry, pump out, trailer storage.

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 2/18/12): $4.99 premium; $4.89 unleaded; $4.49 diesel (5 percent discount with Westrec advantage membership) On-site eatery: Castaways Seafood Bar & Grill Menu: Seafood, burgers, sandwiches & salads Phone: 678-765-8300 Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Boat rentals, repair service, pumpout station, boat sales, TowBoat US LANIER HARBOR MARINA Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days; Gas dock: 24 hours.

Phone: 770-945-2884 Website: www.lanierharbor.com Location: 2066 Pinetree Dr., Buford Types of slips available: 40’x16’ & 50’x18’, with power, water, satellite hook-up Store: Yes Store hours: 24/7 gas dock & store Types of fuel: 89 octane, 93 octane Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.59 mid-grade, $4.69 premium, with 10 cents off a gallon, both mid-grade and premium, for Boat US members.

Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: 24/7 towing service PORT ROYALE MARINA Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Phone: 770-887-5715 Website: www.bestinboating.com/port_royale Location: 9200 Lan Mar Rd., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered, 20' to 8'; covered, 24' to 50' totaling 514 slips & dry stack storage (464) for up to 39' & 115 covered bay sheds to store boats on trailers.

Store: Service Store & Ship Store Store/Dock hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week Types of fuel: 90-octane Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.49 On-site eatery: Pelican Pete's Bar and Grill Security: Night security 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.

SUNRISE COVE MARINA Hours of operation: Office/Store/Dock, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon., closed Tues.

Phone: 770-536-8599 Website: www.sunrisecovermarina.com Location: 5725 Flat Creek Rd., Gainesville Types of slips available: Uncovered-20-70'; Covered24-50'; to include an exclusive 44' Sailboat Breakwater Dock. Total Wet Slips 688 and nine (9) Dry Storage Spaces (boats on trailer).

Store: Yes Store/Dock hours: 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Mon., closed Tues.

Types of fuel: 90 recreational, non-ethanol Price of fuel: (as of 2/18/12) $4.79 with 5 percent off with Westrec Advantage Membership Security: 24/7 Additional amenities: Club House, bath house, laundry facility and pump-out open 24/7.

March 2012

LAKESIDE 41

42 LAKESIDE

March 2012

OUTDOORS ON LAKE LANIER

Trillium Trek attracting trail runners to Chicopee Woods

By Jane Harrison More than a decade ago a trail race in Chicopee Woods became nearly legendary to runners who trekked single track trails on the hilly, forested terrain around Elachee Nature Science Center in Gainesville.

Held only two years, in 1999 and 2000, the challenging race had runners begging the former Gainesville Road Runners to host it again. Known as the “Why did the Chicken Cross the Road 15K,” it disappeared as the club leadership changed and few wanted to assume responsibility for putting on such a logistically challenging event again.

A similar race, with some distance options, has re-emerged in the March 24 Trillium Trek Trail Run at Chicopee Woods. Organized by Elachee Nature Science Center, the event features a halfmarathon, 10-kilometer and 5kilometer contest, plus shorter runs for kids.

“It’s a run through the woods in the springtime” said race organizer Cynthia Taylor, Elachee Natural Resource Manager. But lest trekkers be lulled by thoughts of early blooming toadshade trilliums and chirping robins, she added this bit of insight: “It’s a single track, narrow, dirt trail that meanders across creeks and

climbs hills.” In other words, it can be a tough run.

Unlike the Trillium Trek Eco Adventure put on by Elachee in previous years, the new rendition deletes the team aspect, navigational skill and botanical knowledge. “We expect better participation this year” with a format that focuses on trail running, Taylor said. As of late February, the number of entries had already reached about half of the 100-150 projected turn-out. Taylor said applicants were about equally split between the three distances.

The 5K and 10K traverse Elachee hiking trails, which are a little gentler than the halfmarathon, which covers both hiking and mountain bike trails. All three routes cross the 140-foot long suspension bridge over Walnut Creek and the longer runs also rim Chicopee Lake.

The trek is part of the Trail Runner Trophy series, a pointsbased series of 139 races in the U.S. and Canada. Taylor said some trophy series contenders had already registered by the end of last month. She expects the trek’s listing in the current Trail Runner magazine calendar could bring more series entries.

Elachee is organizing the race to raise funds for its programs and to “get people out on the

trails,” Taylor said.

Local ultra-marathon runner Gary Dover knows Chicopee Woods as few others do from logging literally thousands of miles there. The mountain bike sections are “rocky, riveting, tight, twisty trails that I enjoy running on,” said Dover, whose longest ultra race has been the Pinhoti-100 Mile Trail Race across ridges in the Talladega National Forest in Alabama.

The Chicopee trails “help prepare me for ultras,” Dover said.

Although mountain bikers have given descriptive names to some parts – Granny’s Climb, Old Zig Zag, Bent Gear Island – Dover and his running partner Doug Cassiday have a trail lexicon of their own. “Those names are not very printable,” Dover quipped.

He said that a large, old broken replica of a champagne bottle that runners in the defunct chicken race once gawked at still crowns the top of “Champain Hill.” Competitors in the Trillium Trek half PHOTO COURTESY ELACHEE NATURE SCIENCE CENTER marathon may feel they deserve a Racers in the March 24 Trillium Trek Trail Race may spy toadshade toast when they reach that sumtrilliums in bloom along the race course. mit.

Dover finds a special appeal in trail running. “If the trails were Trillium Trek Trail Run outside my front door, I’d run Date: March 24 them every day. It’s much easier Events/Time: Half-marathon, 10K, 5K 9:30 a.m.; Kids’ Fun Run on the body (than running roads).

8:30 a.m.

It takes some adapting for trails Where: Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr., like Chicopee, but once you’re Gainesville. adapted it’s much easier,” he said.

Cost: $25, kids $5 Dover said he “will definitely” Awards: First place finishers in all categories get hand carved alconsider running the Trillium abaster pendants. Second and third place finishers receive wooden Trek and that he does not anticiplaques with laser engraving. pate it being an easier task than Race information: Routes will be marked with arrows and directed his ultra runs. “Oh my gosh, by volunteers. Strollers and dogs are not permitted. There will be they’re all hard. You just have a five water stops. Half-marathon runners are advised to carry addiharder effort for a shorter time,” tional water for longer stretches, especially the first leg. Refreshhe said. ments, raffle prizes, and naturalist-led activities are planned. See Race organizer Taylor said www.elachee.org/trilliumtrek for course maps and additional inforElachee volunteers are working mation. Registration: www.active.com. Contact Elachee at (770) the trails to ease passage for run535-1976. ners. She expects 20 volunteers will join the race committee on race day. The bike trails will be closed during the trek.

“We’re excited. We’re commitContinued from Page 24 ted and we’ve worked very hard,” area, see animated radar of your and deaths.

Taylor said. One thing they did So, while our spring flowers area, and best of all, you can not have to work on is spring’s begin to emerge, please take the watch live streaming video of seemingly early debut this year. time to make a family preparedour storm coverage on WSB“The wildflowers will be early ness plan and get something to TV. Last year in Alabama, soand on full display,” she said. keep you informed.

Every secial media and the severe storm After the trek runners might want vere storm expert I have conapp proved to be life-saving to head back out and get a more sulted agrees it could be another technology, as power was out relaxed look at the toad shade trilbrutal spring. for more than 250,000 people. lium and about four other variGlenn Burns is chief meteorWithout it, there could have eties of the native plant for which ologist for WSB-TV in Atlanta. been a great many more injuries the race is named.

• Burns

PHOTO COURTESY ELACHEE NATURE SCIENCE CENTER

Runners in Chicopee Woods take on the trails in last year's Trillium Trek race.

March 2012 sibilities of other earth worlds. Doors open 7:30 p.m., show begins 8 p.m. Fridays (except March 16) through April 20, George March 2012 See Lake Lanier Olympic Venue Calendar E. Coleman, Sr. Planetarium, North Georgia College & State University, Room 234 for canoe/kayak and rowing activities Health & Natural Sciences Building, SunAqua Activities set Dr. No late seating. Off-site observa North Georgia tory open after show, weather permitting.

Super Sprint Free. (706) 864-1471, Triathlon, Dawwww.northgeorgia.edu/planetarium. sonville. First race in five-event se Triathlon Club, Gainesville. Call or email for information about group bike ries of triathons rides, swim clinics, runs. (770) 532-2453, for adults and children. All swims are in pools. Distances www.gobaxters.com. for ages 14 and older: 250 yard swim, 10 Appalachian Trail Celebration, Backpacking Clinic, Dawsonville. Tales of trail mile bike, 2.25 mile run; children’s disadventures, demonstrations, workshops on tances vary by age group. 8 a.m. May 20, AT hiking, March 2-4, Amicalola Falls Veterans Memorial Park, 186 Recreation State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $50 adults, $45 children; $5 discount Road. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, before May 15. www.fivestarntp.com, (706) 265-1969.

(770) 596-7154.

Iron Girl Atlanta Women’s Triathlon, First Saturday Hike, Gainesville. Look for first Buford. 1/3 mi. swim, 19 mile bike, 3 mi. signs of spring in naturalistrun, 7 a.m. May 20, Lake Lanier Islands led hike in Chicopee Woods, Resort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy.

10-11:30 a.m. March 3, $127; $12 discount USAT members.

Elachee Nature Science www.irongirl.com.

Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Beast of the East Half Steelman Adults $5, 2-12, $3, Triathlon, Hayesville, N.C. /Hiawassee.

Swim 1.2 mi, bike 53 miles, run 13 miles, younger than 2 and Elachee members free.

7:30 a.m. May 20, Clay County Recreation www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.

Park, Myers Chapel Rd. Individuals $115 CASA Superhero 5K/1K Run/Walk, Cumming. 8 a.m. March 3, Fowler Park,

by Feb. 20, $145 Feb. 20-May 10; $155 4110 Carolene Way. $25 5K, $10 after or day of race. Relays $150/$180/ 1K.www.active.com, www.forsythcounty$195. www.thebeastoftheeast.net., casa.org, (404) 590-3278. www.active.com Trail Crew Work Day, Gainesville.

Summer Sizzler Triathlon, Gainesville. 500 yard swim, 15 mile bike, Bring water, lunch and gloves for trail maintenance work, tools provided, ages 18 5K run, 7 a.m. June 10, Lake Lanier and older, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 3, Olympic Venue, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2123 Individuals $72 by May 27, $92 after; reElachee Drive. Call to register. lays $125/$145. USAT member discount.

Additional on-line and mail in registration www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976. fees. www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926 8-50 mile bike rides, Gainesville. Easy to strenuous loop rides with Chicken City 2367.

Cyclists, 10 a.m. March 3 & 10, Dewberry My First/Next Triathlon, Buford.

Church, Clarks Bridge Rd. Free. (770) Triathlon festival with two events each 534-7075, unnoldl@charter.net. day. 1/4 mi. swim, 12 mile bike, 5K run.

Next Triathlon 7:45 a.m., First Triathlon 8 Challenged Child 5K, 1-Mile a.m. June 9 & 10, Lake Lanier Islands Re- Run/Walk, Gainesville. 1-mile 2 p.m., 5K sort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy. $69- 2:30 p.m. March 4, Riverside Military Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. $25 by Feb. $79. www.firsttri.com, www.active.com.

18, $30 after. www.runningintheusa.com, (800) 343-4466.

(770) 535-8372.

Brenau Masters Swim Team, Gainesville. Practice and competitive pro- Mountain Biking Basics Series, Helen.

Four part skill building and ride series with gram for masters swimmers of all levels, Woody’s Mountain Bikes; bikes and helhigh school age and older. Mondays, mets provided, 1-3 pm. Sundays March 4Wednesdays, Fridays 6-7 a.m., Brenau 25, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 University Natatorium, Washington/Prior Tsalaki Trl. $100, plus $5 parking.

St. $60 month. (770) 532-6279, bbachwww.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087. man@brenau.edu.

Note: Triathlons fill up quickly. Early reg- SORBA, Oakwood. Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Gainesville chapter istration is encouraged. meeting, 6:30 p.m. March 5, El Sombrero Grounded pursuits: ISI Cycling, Gainesville. Group bicycle Mexican Restaurant, 3640 Mundy Mill Rd. www.gainesvillesorba.org. rides all speeds and levels, 7:30 a.m. Saturdays; fast pace ride 7:30 a.m. Sundays, Lanier Running Club, Gainesville.

Club meeting, 7 p.m. March 5, Johnny’s Corinth Baptist Church, Thompson Bridge/Mt. Vernon Rd; 30-60 mile rides all Pizza, 204 Carrington Park Dr. speeds and levels, 1 p.m. Kroger shopping www.lanierrunningclub.org. center, 3630 Thompson Bridge Rd. Free. Full Moon Hike, Tallulah Falls. Strenuwww.isicycling.com. ous guided night hike in gorge to suspension bridge over Hurricane Falls.

Planetarium Show “No Place Like Home,” Dahlonega. Program explores pos- 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 8; 8:30-10:30

Outdoor Activity Calendar

LAKESIDE 43 March 9, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5, plus $5 parking.

Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 754-7981.

Chicken City Cyclists, Gainesville.

Club meeting, 6 p.m March 8, Pasquales Italian Restaurant, 1011 Riverside Dr. (770) 534-7075, unnoldl@charter.net.

Adopt a Stream Workshop, Gainesville. Stream monitoring training.

Trainees younger than 18 must be accompanied by adult. 6-10 p.m. March 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 10, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $5 in advance. Registration required. www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.

Wildlife Show, Winder. Demonstration with native and exotic animals, 6-7 p.m.

March 10, Campground 1 Amphitheatre, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $3, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (678) 963-8891.

Traditional, Novice Off-Road Duathlons, Winder. Traditional duathlon run 3.8 miles, mountain bike 10 miles, run 2.1 miles; novice run 3.8 miles, mountain bike 10 miles. 9 a.m. March 10, Fort Yargo State Parks, 210 S. Broad St. Individuals $45, $50 race day; relays $65 per team/$70. www.active.com.

Precious Feet 5K, 8 a.m., March 10 at the Old Train Depot, 5302 Railroad Ave., Flowery Branch. Proceeds go to help unborn babies and crisis pregnancies. Registration at 7 a.m. and race at 8 a.m. Prices vary on race option. Early sign-up through March 5 at Depot. Registration closes March 8. Info/registration: www.active.com.

Basic Land Navigation, Helen. Lesson on navigation with map and compass, discussion of GPS vs. compass, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 10, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $15, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.

Hiking & History, Dahlonega. Appalachian Trail veteran Charles Aiken shares trail history, experiences. 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 15, Dahlonega Gold Museum & Historic Site, 1 Public Square. $3.50$6.www.gastateparks.org, (706) 864-2257.

Fun at the Fort, Winder. Candlemaking, bread baking and other traditional experiences at the historic fort. 7-9 p.m.

March 16, 23, 30, Apr. 6, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $3, plus $5 parking.www.gastateparks.org, (770) 3873747.

Spring on Springer Trail Fest, Dahlonega. Hiking/backpacking workshops, speakers, films, music, shuttles to Appalachian Trail southern terminus at Springer Mountain, 5K trail run, equipment vendors. March 16-18, Dahlonega Square & Hancock Park. www.dahlonegatrailfest.org.

Spring on Springer 5K, Dahlonega.

Trail run 9 a.m. March 17, Lake Zwerner Trail, Ga. 52, 1 mile north of Dahlonega Square. $20, $15 students. www.dahlonegatrailfest.org.

Fallen Heroes of Georgia 5K/ 10K/1K,

Buford. 8 a.m. March 17, Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy. 1K $15, 5K $25, 10K $30. www.active.com, (678) 794-6135.

Flies & Fly Water, Helen. Fly-fishing how to session on fly tying, stream reading, casting and more. 9:30 a.m.-noon March 17. Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail. Register in advance. $5; free to kids under age 12. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.

Crow Calling 5K, Cleveland. 5K, 1mile, 3 p.m./3:45 March 18. Mossy Creek Methodist Church, 2154 Post Rd. $15 in advance, $20 race day www.georgiarunner.com, (678) 997-5840.

Bark in the Park, Gainesville. Dog games and contests 2-4 p.m. March 24, Rock Creek Park Amphitheatre, Academy/Northside Dr. Spectators free, $5 per dog contest. www.gainesville.org/recreation, (770) 531-2680.

Endangered Plants of Georgia, Gainesville. Lecture by Jennifer Ceska from the UGA State Botanical Garden.

Noon March 22, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $5; members free. www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.

Spring Wine Highway Weekend, North Georgia. Wine tastings at North Georgia wineries. 2-5 p.m. March 23; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 24; 12:30-5 p.m. March 25. $25. www.georgiawine.com.

Trillium Trek Trail Run, Gainesville.

5K, 10K, half-marathon on single track trails in Chicopee Woods; kids’ fun run. 9 a.m. March 24, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $25, kids $5. www.elachee.org/trilliumtrek, (770) 5351976.

Fort Yargo Colonial Market Faire, Winder. 18th century living history event with arts & crafts, kettlecorn & frontier frybread. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 30-Apr. 1.

Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $2$5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, (770) 387-3747.

Backyard Conservation Workshop, Gainesville. Learn about composting, rain gardens, capturing rain water. 10 a.m.noon March 31, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Free. Call to preregister. www.elachee.org. (770) 5351976.

Stars over Elachee at Chicopee Lake, Gainesville. Learn how to use a telescope, view the night sky. 7:30-9:30 p.m. March 31. Bring pencil and flashlight. For ages 8 and up. Register in advance. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Adults $10, ages 8-12 $5. www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.

Easter Fun, Helen. Create an Easter basket, hunt eggs. 10 a.m.-noon, April 6, Unicoi State Park, 1788 Hwy. 356. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201, Ext. 305.

Wild about Wildflowers, Helen.

Guided wildflower identification hikes. 13 p.m. each Sat. in April, Unicoi State Park, 1788 Hwy. 356. Register in advance. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201, Ext. 305.

- Compiled by Jane Harrison

MORE INFO: Additions/corrections, email lakesidenews@mindspring.com

44 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Lakeside’s Dining Guide Lakeview Dining Big Creek Tavern - Lunch, dinner and breakfast at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Open year around. Featuring the “Best” Angus Beef, a step up from old-fashioned American food.

Billiards, video games, beer, wine, liquor.

Buford. B-3, 678-482-1662.

Bullfrogs Bar & Grille - Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Dine poolside or indoors. Selections include salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts and a variety of drink options from full-service bar. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787.

Castaways - Holiday Marina. Offering raw and steamed seafood, salads, sandwiches, baskets and entrees, such as seared tuna sashimi, Gulf Coast oysters and Cajun blackened Mahi Mahi. Seasonal seafood: crawfish, stone crabs and soft-shell crabs. Full bar service. Mon-Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 11a.m. to 9 p.m. C-3 678-765-8300.

Dockside Grill - Offering full lake views of Lanier in a casual outdoor setting. New this year: covered deck and furniture. Featuring the famous Docker burger, sandwiches including grouper, tuna and mahi and expanded seafood and salad offerings. Aqualand Marina, Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-363-2318.

Fish Tales Lakeside Grille - Casual lakeside dining featuring grouper fingers, signature salads and much more. Full service indoor and outdoor bar with live music. Expanded patio and new TVs. Open for lunch and dinner everyday during spring & summer, weekends fall & winter. Hideaway Bay Marina.

C-3, 770-967-3775.

Pelican Pete’s - Picturesque dining right on the water at Port Royale in an open-air thatched-roof building. Selection of sandwiches, burgers, fish and more. Sun-Thu 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. B2, 770 887-5715 ext. 5.

Pier 29 - Located on Lake Lanier at lake marker 29 opposite Browns Bridge. Newly renovated family friendly restaurant with a separate bar and dining patio with live music.

Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Offering fish, shrimp, steak, burgers, wings, and hand-spun milkshakes. Every Monday, buy 10 wings get 10 free. Dockside delivery available at restaurant’s courtesy dock as well as delivery to Port Royal Marina. www.pier29onlanier.com, 770-781-2242.

(Former Lantern Inn location.)

Sandwich Market - Offers sandwiches, pita wraps, gyros & lahvosh. Baldridge Marina, Cumming. Seasonal. 770-889-2185.

Skogies - Specializing in seafood and American fare. Open 7 days a week. Gainesville Marina, C-1, 678-450-1310.

Sunset Cove Beach Club - An open-air eatery on a quiet stretch of beach near Chattahoochee Rapids at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Open for lunch and dinner. Views of the lake during the day or dine under the stars in the glow of firelight from the fireplace. Come by car or boat. Also at Sunset Cove, Dog and Draft features 12 beers on draft, plus hot dogs, brats and sausage in pretzel buns. Fire and Ice kiosk offers smoked barbecue and

burgers. On the waterpark side, Gianni’s Italian Bistro serves pizza, subs and pasta.

By water, Sunset Cove is between buoys 7SC and 5SC. www.lakelanierislands.com.

Buford. B-3, 770-945-8787.

Windows Restaurant - Located at Legacy Lodge & Conference Center at Lake Lanier Islands Resort and overlooks Lake Lanier.

Provides breakfast buffet, and menu options daily and special dining events every Saturday night throughout the season. Guests may arrive by boat or car. Buford. B-3, www.lakelanierislands.com. 770-945-8787.

American Austin’s Steak and Seafood - Specialties include seafood, premium aged steaks and chops, baby-back ribs, chicken and pasta.

Open daily, lunch and dinner. Full bar. Cumming. A-3, 770-844-0902.

Collegiate - Old-fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs and milk shakes served in 1940s setting.

Gainesville. C-2, 678-989-2280.

CooCoos Nest - Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch offering wings, salads complimented by fresh meats hand cut daily from Fergusons Meat Market. Also featuring steaks, chops and seafood. House favorites include beer battered fries, hooch beans (a battered and fried green bean), Cuban sandwich and the Quesadilla Burger. Live entertainment weekly. Located at GA 400, Exit 16, Pilgrim Mill Rd. at Freedom Pkwy.

Cumming. A-3, 678-456-8932; www.coocoo nest.com.

Foster House - Lunch and dinner served family-style featuring casual dining at lunch and fine dining in evening. Lunch served 112:30, Mon.-Fri. Dinner served 5-8:30 p.m., Thurs.; 5-9:30 p.m. Fri./Sat. Cumming. A-3, 770-887-9905.

Norman’s Landing - Specializing in fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, Canadian babyback ribs with Kansas City barbecue sauce.

Cumming. Casual. A-3, 770-886-0100.

Two Dog Café – Classic small town diner with an emphasis on fresh food and fast service for lunch and dinner. Located at 317 Spring St. Gainesville. C-2, 770-287-8384.

Wild Wing Café – Offers casual dining, live music, special Monday Trivia Night and 2 Fer Tuesday nights (buy a dozen, get a dozen wings free). Located at 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy., Gainesville. C-2, 770-536-9177.

Yahoola Creek Grill – Features Southerninspired, made-from-scratch cooking from our outdoor deck, cozy dining room and loft.

Full beer and wine list. Lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sat. Open for brunch and supper on Sunday. Closed Mon./Tues. Located on S. Chestatee St., Dahlonega. 706-482-2200; www.yahoolacreekgrill.com.

Continental/Fine Dining Adam’s - Offering American Mediterranean cuisine including Rack of Lamb, Calf’s Liver Anglaise, Mediterranean Chicken Penne, Oysters Rockefeller, and Seafood Pastilla Rolls. Full bar. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5-10:30 p.m. 15 East Main St., Buford, B-3. 678 7540379.

Aqua Terra Bistro - European fusion cuisine served daily. Open for lunch, 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; noon-2:30 p.m., Sat.;

dinner hours are 5-10 p.m., Mon.-Sun. Located on Buford’s historic Main Street. No reservations. B-3, 770-271-3000.

Blue Bicycle – a bistro touting “great food in a place not to feel rushed.” Open for lunch Thurs./Fri.; open for dinner Tues.-Sat. Reservations are suggested. Located at 671 Lumpkin Campground Road, behind the Outlet Mall on 400. Dawsonville. 706-265-2153.

Corkscrew Café - Fine dining featuring varied menu choices, open lunch and dinner.

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Tues.-Thurs.; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./Sat.; noon-9 p.m., Sun. Reservations suggested. Located on 51 West Main St., Dahlonega. 706-867-8551.

Dominick’s Italian Restaurant - Features cuisine from the north of Italy, with veal, chicken and seafood dishes. Favorites include chicken saltimbocca and garlic bread appetizer. Half-price bottles of wine on Monday nights, half-price appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and endless pasta and salad on Wednesdays. Dominick’s is open Monday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and dinner from 5 until 9:30 p.m. Located at the corner of Buford Hwy. and Hamilton Mill Rd in the Buford Village Shopping Center.

770-614-0019, Buford. B-3.

Firesalt Tavern - Fine-dining restaurant in a casual atmosphere and a café-to-go. Café features gourmet coffee, to-go items and full breakfast and lunch. Restaurant features fine steaks, shrimp and grits, fresh seafood including scallops and salmon. Open Mon-Sun. Café to go is open for breakfast and lunch; tavern is open for lunch and dinner. Corner of Buford Hwy. and Hamilton Mill Rd in the Buford Village Shopping Center. 770-9326284, Buford. B-3.

Luna’s - Continental cuisine, romantic atmosphere. Gainesville. C-2, 770-531-0848.

Oar House in Dahlonega - Specialties: handcut steaks, seafood dishes and homemade

desserts. Located Hwy 52E, 4 miles east of Dahlonega. Reservations suggested. 706864-9983.

Poor Richard’s - Specializing in Prime Rib, steaks, ribs and fresh seafood. Casual dining, dinner only. Full-service bar. Gainesville. C1, 770-532-0499.

Scott’s on the Square - Upscale casual ambience with specialty sandwiches for lunch and gourmet entrees for dinner. Gainesville square. C-2. 770-536-1111.

Barbecue/Country/Home Cooking Johnny’s BBQ - Real Pit BBQ pork, chicken & ribs. Brunswick stew. Minutes from Clark’s Bridge rowing venue. Gainesville. Casual. D1, 770-536-2100 Old McDonald’s BBQ - Real Pit BBQ, Brunswick stew, ribs. Minutes from Lake Lanier. Casual. Buford. B-3, 770-945-3431.

Deli Common Grounds Coffee Shoppe - Light breakfast, lunch and dinner and desserts followed by fresh roasted coffee. Flowery Branch. C-3, 770-967-4080.

Italian Piazza - Features traditional Italian dishes, homemade raviolis, pizza, chicken, veal and seafood specialities. Open seven days a week: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun.-Thurs.; 11 a.m.10 p.m., Fri./Sat. Located on 24 East Main St., Dahlonega. 706-867-9881.

Mexican La Cazuela - An Atlanta area landmark that’s expanded to two locations around Lanier. Features fajitas, selection of combination platters and more. Cumming, 678947-0718, Buford, 770-614-6871.

Oriental Little Tokyo - Japanese dining - hibachi grill, sushi. Dine in, take out. Open Tues. - Fri. 10:30 am - 10:30 pm; Sat-Sun 12 pm-10 pm; Closed Mon. Buford. B-4, 770-945-3350.

March 2012

LAKESIDE 45

Vesper’s Marine Service

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• 4 Staterooms • 2 Fireplaces • Generator • Inverter

Vesper’s Marine Service 548 Station Trail Dawsonville, GA 30534 Phone: 678-557-4468 Fax: 770-887-4468

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• Boat Dock with Boat Lift

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Call Steve • 770 654-1939 • lesterradiator@att.net

46 LAKESIDE

March 2012

THIS GUY REALLY KNOWS LAKE LANIER

On call, all the time: Estrada and company are there to help Shore Lines From the fascinating to the remarkable, Lake Lanier harbors many personalities and places along its shores. Lakeside presents “Shore Lines” – stories about people who live, work and play around the lake and the places that make the area special.

By Pamela A. Keene f you’re a boater in trouble, the best sight you’ll ever see on Lake Lanier is the bright-red TowBoatUS assistance vessel headed your way. Twentyfour hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, Captain Robert Estrada and his crew of five other TowBoatUS captains are on call to boaters out of gas, stranded on an underwater obstruction or with mechanical problems.

Robert goes about his job quietly and calmly as owner of one of the busiest TowBoatUS freshwater ports in the nation, but looks can be deceiving. The 50year-old is passionate about his work, and he’s gained a national reputation worthy of the kudos he receives from the company year after year.

As a kid growing up in Sandy Springs, Robert said he always liked helping people. His father frequently took him boating and fishing on Lake Lanier and Alabama’s Lake Martin, so a love of the water and the outdoors also came naturally. After studying psychology from Daytona Beach Community College (“Being near the beach wasn’t bad, either,” he said), he continued to move his career forward in the restaurant business, heading back to Atlanta.

“It seems like I worked in restaurants forever, and I did just about every job there was.”

His gig at S&W Seafood in Sandy Springs was just down the street from Timothy John’s, where another avid water-lover worked. Soon Estrada and Barkley Geib became good

I

friends.

Headed to the water In 1993, Barkley purchased Lanier Harbor Marina and quickly – “the next day,” Geib said – Estrada went to work with him. “We both spent much of February 1993 learning how to park boats,” Geib said. “Neither of us knew how to drive tractors until then.”

That same year, Geib started a towing service and put Estrada in charge. “We had dry storage, lots of new boat owners, and sometimes they needed help out on the water,” Robert said. “It was just a natural thing that grew into an even bigger business.”

After only a few months, the Lanier Harbor Towing Service affiliated with TowBoatUS and offered services lake wide. Estrada managed the towing business and served as general manager of Lanier Harbor Marina for the first seven years of operation. When the towing business became fulltime in 1999, Robert traded his general manager duties for operations with boat towing.

Lanier Harbor continued to serve as home. One of the marina’s distinguishing features is its 24-hour gas dock; Lanier’s TowBoatUS operates the same way with 24-hour monitoring of VHF Channel 16 and company phone.

Within a few years, Lanier’s TowBoatUS “port” (the industry lingo for location) was winning awards and earning national recognition.

Lake Lanier is among the top three most-visited Corps of Army Engineer projects in the nation, generally topping eight million

Ashley and Emma take in a pontoon boat ride.

Robert Estrada at work.

visitors annually. With this many visitors, it stands to reason that Lanier would be a busy place for boat service businesses of all kinds.

Awards and national credibility Estrada and the Lanier operation won its first national Dispatchers’ Choice Award in 1998.

Since then, the port has been recognized as tops in the country for 12 of the past 13 years. In 2011, he was named Tower of the Year (tow-er, as in towing boats), because of the professionalism of him and his staff at Lanier. When Robert received the recognition at the BoatUS Towing Services Annual Conference that year in Long Beach, Calif., the company’s then-vice president of towing services Jerry Cardarelli bragged on the Lanier operation.

“Capt. Estrada deserves to be recognized for his stellar service to boaters, as well as his topflight internal operations,” Cardarelli said. “We are very proud of his operation and for the professionalism of his staff.”

Estrada is quick to give credit to his captains – Ed Gaito, Rick Dieumegarde, husband and wife Mike and Carol Stacey, and Scott Sears, who worked side by side with him at Lanier Harbor, succeeding Estrada as general manager before joining the leadership team at West Marine in Buford.

They operate three tow boats, one based at Lanier Harbor, one at Aqualand and the third at his captain’s home on Six-Mile Creek.

TowBoatUS Lake Lanier has towed and salvaged more than

10,000 boats since 1993, handling everything from eight-foot PWCs to 125-foot mega-houseboats. The Lanier operation is part of a nationwide network of more than 300 ports that maintain a fleet of 600 TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist towboats. It has continually been ranked one of the top five in BoatUS membership sales among the fleet.

Estrada has been featured on the Nuts & Bolts Boating Series DVDs with his vast knowledge of boating safety and what to do when things go wrong on a boat.

He serves on the board of the BoatUS Tower Council. He’s the current president of the Eastern Inland Marine Assistance Association of C-Port, an organization he helped found. And he’s called upon by other TowBoatUS ports to consult, do clinics and help get them established.

Much like an auto club, BoatUS Towing Services offers “unlimited” towing plans for Lake Lanier boaters starting at just $58 a year, which includes BoatUS membership and discounts at West Marine. Members also receive a 10-cent per gallon discount for fuel purchased at Lanier Harbor. For another $14, inland trailer boaters also take advantage of the Trailer Assist program for trailer roadside assistance most auto clubs won’t pay for.

Geib and Estrada have spearheaded a special unlimited freshwater towing program that’s being adopted by TowBoatUS across the country.

“Where else can you pay $58 a

year and trailer your boat to another state’s fresh-water lake or river and still get free towing when you’re a member?” he said.

“In fact, if you’re a TowBoatUS member and there’s no port where you’re boating, TowBoatUS will reimburse you for towing if you need it.”

On the home front Although he and his captains are on call around the clock, Estrada does have a life outside of towing boats. He and his wife Ashley, who manages the books for the business, have an almost 4-year-old daughter Emma.

“She’s been boating with us since she was 2 months old,” he said. “She just loves the water.”

For fun, the family goes pontooning to a favorite spot with a white-sand beach away from the hectic pace of the main channel.

“We just get out there, swim and enjoy the lake,” he said. “We go as often as we can, but in our busiest months Ashley knows she’s a summer widow.”

Currently, Ashley’s a full-time student at Gainesville State College, majoring in education. “Her calling is teaching and she’s going to be really good at it.”

The couple met at Lanier Harbor about eight years ago.

Estrada is full-out for fishing, both fresh- and salt-water. He’s even gotten his father hooked.

When he goes on vacation, he’ll often contact a local TowBoatUS owner and hitch a ride for a day or so. He said he really just enjoys being out on the water, See Shore Lines, page 47

March 2012

LAKESIDE 47

Is there an upside to proposed reservoir?

Are you concerned about water levels in Lake Lanier or having enough water in the Chattahoochee above the lake for recreation on the river and at state parks? If so, take a very hard look at the proposed 850acre impoundment in Hall County known as Glades Reservoir.

With a $350 million price tag, it’s not the bargain that local boosters, developers and high-paid consultants seem to think it is. Nor is it good for local streams – 18 miles of which would be destroyed if this boondoggle is built. Importantly, 1.2 billion gallons of water currently flowing into Lanier every year would evaporate from Glades Reservoir, which means that much less water will flow into Lanier in the future.

To address the tremendous controversy surrounding any proposal to dam a tributary to Lanier, the focus of a decadeslong interstate dispute, the US Army Corps of Engineers wisely decided Hall County must prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) before the federal agency could make a permit decision. This means that the county must evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the proposed Glades Reservoir on water quantity and quality, aquatic resources, and socioeconomics. The county also must identify a reasonable range of alternatives and adequate mitigation to address unavoidable adverse impacts.

The Federal Register recently published a 60-day notice requesting public input into the scope of the EIS. As the notice explains, Flat Creek would be dammed immediately upstream of Lanier and its reservoir filled by pumping more than 100 million gallons of water per day directly from the Chattahoochee above Belton Bridge. This volume of water is more than the city of Atlanta takes from a much larger section of the Chattahoochee downstream.

Water from Glades Reservoir would then get piped either to Cedar Creek Reservoir – the same reservoir at the center of a prolonged legal dispute between the city of Gainesville and the county over access to the stored water – or back to the original withdrawal site at the river, as needed during low flows. In our assessment, this amounts to no

Sally Bethea Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers

more than a costly shell game.

A review of Glades’ history over the past decade reveals its origin as an amenity lake for high-priced subdivisions. A single landowner with title to the land, and favorable zoning secured years ago, stands to benefit from development surrounding the reservoir.

Some government leaders are touting Glades Reservoir as an integral part of the solution to Georgia’s water crisis. In the past decade, the Chattahoochee has suffered from recurrent extreme droughts, making it ground zero for the Tri-state Water War over allocation of the Apalachicola-ChattahoocheeFlint basin. These events have fueled Georgia's misguided strategy to circumvent federal control over the Chattahoochee by building dams on its tributaries.

Along with the 180-plus member organizations of the Georgia Water Coalition, Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is concerned that proponents of Glades and other new reservoirs have largely ignored faster, less expensive water supply solutions, including maximizing the use of existing reservoirs, such as Lanier, and more aggressive water conservation and efficiency measures, like fixing leaking pipes and retrofitting old plumbing. All of these measures can be achieved much sooner than Glades Reservoir and at a fraction of its cost.

Bottom line: Glades reservoir is bad for Lake Lanier, bad for the Chattahoochee River and bad for local taxpayers, however good it may be for its promoters.

To make comments to the Corps of Engineers, go to www.gladesreservoir.com/submit-comments.

Sally Bethea is executive director for the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization.

MORE INFO/TO JOIN: 404-352-9828

www.chattahoochee.org

Prospective Eagle Scout hammers the docks

By Jane Harrison A crew of teenagers with hammers and hoses crouched on the docks outside the Lanier Olympic Venue boathouse on a chilly February morning with their hands immersed in 50-degree water.

“This is about what I expected,” said their leader, Josh Pruner, who helped pry rotten rubber bumpers from the edge of docks where Olympians once boarded their boats.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Pruner chose to install rubber bumpers made from old City of Gainesville fire hoses on the 17-year-old docks at the Olympic Venue. He said he came up with the idea after former Lake Lanier Rowing Club Coach Jim Pickens spoke to Troop #16 about potential projects at the venue.

Pruner’s Boy Scout ingenuity – and some Gainesville firefighter resourcefulness – kicked in when he learned that funding was slim for dock improvements. Scoutmaster Robert Bruner suggested Pruner contact the City of Gainesville Fire Department about potentially recycling old fire hoses to use as boat bumpers on the docks.

“We had a bunch of out of date and out of service hoses,” said Gainesville Division Chief Scott Stowers. The department had stored the surplus of 30-year rated hoses which had exceeded their usage span in storage buildings at various stations. Stowers said he picked out hoses that best suited the project and gathered them at one location for Pruner to pick up. The 1,000 feet of hoses “barely fit in the small Dodge pickup” that Pruner and a friend loaded for delivery to the docks, Stowers said.

It was not Pruner’s first trip to the docks. His scout troop, which is sponsored by Gainesville First United Methodist Church, had manned 8-person boats in an in-

PHOTO BY JANE HARRISON

Josh Pruner, standing, and friends work to replace rubber bumpers on a dock at the Lanier Olympic Venue.

troduction to rowing course at the Olympic Venue. He then walked the docks, which he described as “beaten up and falling apart” from years of weathering since their initial installment before the 1996 Olympics. “They had not been re-done since the Olympics,” he said.

“They need new bumpers to protect the expensive boats,” Pruner observed. A scratch is hard enough to fathom on an eight-person racing shell that costs around $30,000. A hard knock against a dock can crack a hull.

Most rowers “are usually pretty careful,” said LLRC vice president John Ferriss. But cushioning on the edge of the dock “can make a difference with novice crews,” he said. The old bumpers, some of which were bits of fire hose, were coming off and did not offer protection they once did, he said.

LLRC rower Joe Kelenfy, who was polishing his single shell boat while the teenagers peeled the dock edges, agreed about the importance of bumpers. The boats are made of costly materials, such as Kevlar and carbon fiber, he

said. A protective layer helps cushion the boat from the dock edge and nails in rough water, he said. It can save a boat from a punishing and expensive blow to the hull, he said.

Before Pruner began work last month, he had to employ some scouting methods. He was prepared … with life jackets, gloves, galvanized nails and 15 hammers, in case he loses some in the water.

To get to the dock directly behind the boathouse, which is not connected to shore because of the low lake level, he rigged a makeshift ferry out of a piece of plastic dock and rope.

He and a crew of scouts and friends from the Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club ferried across to the dock and got to work. They seemed undeterred by the slimy edges and cold water and the fact that the deteriorated bumpers were rather stubborn.

Pruner said he plans to refurbish bumpers on five docks. He hopes to have two or three completed by March 24, when more than 1,000 rowers are expected to compete in the John Hunter Regatta.

• Shore Lines Continued from Page 46 learning from others and sharing his knowledge.

He’s also an American history buff, particularly when it comes to North Georgia and the area around Lanier.

Partnerships and a dream job Estrada has a dream job, but it’s non-stop. He gets to be outdoors on the water, but he and his captains are on call every day of the year. Night tows are not unusual; being called in to assist

with situations on the lake can happen any time.

Tow BoatUS works in concert with various agencies on the lake, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Hall County and Forsyth County sheriffs, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron. The Lanier staff was a vital part of the all-agency safety drill that took place last summer at Van Pugh Park.

“Our job is to help boaters on the water,” Estrada said. “We handle probably 700 or so incidents each year, mostly in April through September. But we’re here all year long, every day and night, waiting for the calls. After being on this lake for nearly 20 years, I know every inch of shoreline, every cove and every low spot,” Robert said. “Yes, it’s constant, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

48 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Visiting the safe and beautiful Mexican Riviera

With all the bad press about Mexican travel these days, it was wonderful to discover that Playa del Carmen and Cancun on the east coast of the country are still beautiful and quite safe for travelers. I wandered the area without fear and saw nothing that worried me except for a few over 10 foot crocodiles in the lagoon at Cancun.

Though I had many wonderful experiences during my stays between the Real Royal Playa del Carmen and the Real Royal Cancun, the highlight of my trip was spending an evening sipping great tequila and simply discussing life with Real Resorts owner, Fernando García Zalvidea. I discovered that we shared many of the same views on life, family, and a love of the outdoors. Despite his Mexican heritage and investments, he revealed that his children were in school here in Georgia not far from Lake Lanier.

Fernando explained why his Real Royal Hotels are so successful, and the reasons are based on imitation mixed with plain common sense. In his own words, his motto is: “Do everything with love. Love to God, to your family, to your property, to your co-workers, and to your guests.” Seeing how many people return and how loyal his employees are proves that his ideas work.

Before he built his hotels, he traveled the world, stayed at some of the best hotels, and took notes on the unique aspects of each one.

Fernando and his staff then copied and even improved on these attributes in the construction and operation of his new hotels,

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

Looking across the courtyard at night at the Royal Playa del Carmen, above.

Exercising in a pool at Playa del Carmen.

Bill Vanderford Travel Editor

MORE INFO: 770-289-1543 JFish51@aol.com www.fishinglanier.com and it has succeeded beyond expectations. It is said that you can judge any business by the quality and character of the owner, and in this case, that statement is absolutely correct.

The Real Royal Playa del Carmen is a gorgeous, modern structure that is built perpendicular to the ocean beach with beautiful gardens, swimming pools, and play areas between the two massive wings. Though the 507 luxury suites don’t all have a direct ocean view, one can be on the beach via the scenic walkways in minutes and always hear and smell the sea from each terrace or balcony.

The hotel is all inclusive and is reserved for adults only with a minimum age of 16 years, which has made it the ideal place for weddings, honeymoons, or romantic getaways. Each suite has a double spa tub and utilizes Fernando’s unique “Magic Box” for 24 hour complimentary room service.

Gourmet dining in a number of diverse restaurants is the best I have experienced in any all-inclu-

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

Tourists look out to sea from the Mayan ruins at Tulum.

sive hotel throughout the world.

The chefs are excellent, the wine, beer, and liquors are top-notch, and the service throughout the property is fantastic.

Beyond the confines of the hotel, the shopping and entertainment in the local village of Playa del Carmen is both safe and quite multifarious. One nearby attraction that you surely don’t want to miss is the Mayan ruins at Tulum, (which means fence or wall in the old language). These ruins sit on a high cliff overlooking the sea and were first written about by Spanish explorers in 1518. The entire complex is one of the most photographed historic places in all of Mexico.

The Real Royal Cancun offers the same high-caliber service as the Real Royal Playa del Carmen with a completely different view in a more urban surrounding.

Though it only has 288 suites, each one has an unobstructed vista of the Caribbean Ocean with wide terraces and mahogany furniture. This luxurious hotel also boasts of the only seaside spa in Cancun and has “His and Hers” sinks. This is also an “adults only” property that has become famous for elegant beach and Mayan-style weddings.

Restaurants at the Real Royal Cancun are also excellent and varied, but nearby are many other eateries and night spots as well.

Ladies find shopping in the hotel or around Cancun to be fulfilling, and the area offers great golfing, watersports, and fishing.

In addition to the two “adults only” hotels, it would not be like Fernando if he didn’t provide opportunities for younger families.

Therefore, across from the Real

Sunrise at Playa del Carmen.

Royal Playa del Carmen is the Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen, and adjacent to the Real Royal Cancun is the Gran Caribe Real Cancun. These properties were designed specifically for family fun and include memberships into the Oki Fun World kid’s club for the younger crowd and the T-Zone program and lounge for teenagers. These chaperoned offerings are loved by everyone ... especially parents who want some time alone.

Having visited many dangerous places in the world, I have a keen eye for anything suspicious.

I roamed the areas around all of these hotels while shopping, touring, and fishing on my own, but

PHOTOS BY BILL VANDERFORD

Artistic Mexican figures in the courtyard at Playa del Carmen.

Celebrating the Mayan culture at Royal Cancun, right.

found nothing menacing except for the aforementioned crocodiles that I saw from a distance in the Cancun lagoon. I believe this part of the Mexican Riviera is breathtakingly beautiful, quite affordable, probably safer than South Beach in Miami, and a place I would love to revisit with my kids and my grandkids!

For more information: Real Resorts, 800-760-0944; reservations@realresorts.com; or www.RealResorts.com.

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.

March 2012

LAKESIDE 49

50 LAKESIDE

March 2012

Public comment sought on Glades Reservoir

By Jane Harrison The public has an opportunity to comment on the potential social, economic and environmental impact of the proposed Glades Reservoir planned by Hall County 12 miles northeast of Gainesville.

The reservoir, which has been in the planning stages since about 2007, is proposed as a needed water supply for Hall County through 2060. If it becomes operational, the water system is projected for an output of 80 million gallons a day.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District opened the public comment period Feb. 17 to accept input on the project that would construct an 850-acre reservoir on Flat Creek near the US 23/365 intersection with State Route 52. Those desiring to comment may do so via internet at www.gladesreservoir.com, by mail, or in a public scoping meeting set for March 20 at Gainesville State College. Deadline to submit comments is April 17.

A description of the project appears on the website and will be presented at the March 20 scoping session during which experts involved in various phases of the project will set up informational displays, according to Billy Birdwell, public affairs officer with the Corps Savannah District.

A record of public comments submitted by late February was not available at press time. Bird-

well said the Corps could not access comments already filed, nor could it provide a count of comments received at that time.

Public comment is being sought for input into the Environmental Impact Statement, which is required to evaluate how the proposed reservoir might affect social, economic and environmental factors. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for evaluating and issuing permits that involve construction that may deposit dredged or fill material into U.S. waters.

The proposed reservoir has been presented by the Hall County Commission as a necessary water supply alternative to Lake Lanier, a federal reservoir subject to withdrawal limitations imposed by federal mandates and at the center of decades-old water wars between Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

The Chattahoochee River, which originates in Georgia, flows into Lanier and is released from Buford Dam en route to the Flint and Apalachicola river systems that hydrate eastern Alabama and the Florida panhandle.

Hall County has already spent more than $10 million in property acquisition, engineering costs and construction fees on the Glades Reservoir project, which may require years to complete the environmental permitting phase and additional years to complete construction.

In January, the county commission approved a $10,000 per month fee to its most recent consultant, Joe Tanner & Associates.

This amount undercut previous consulting fees by several thousand dollars a month.

The actual cost of the system has been projected to reach as high as $300 million if the county were to go through with early plans to pipe Glades Reservoir water to Forsyth County, as was once planned.

Hall County Public Information Officer Nikki Young reported those plans are off the table. Efforts to contact Hall County Commission Chairman Tom Oliver and District 3 Commissioner Scott Gibbs, in whose district the project lies, were unsuccessful at press time. An updated cost estimate for the entire project was not available.

The proposed reservoir has attracted the attention of environmental groups, the Georgia Water Coalition and Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and is being watched by the Lake Lanier Association.

The Georgia Water Coalition listed it among its “Dirty Dozen” water concerns in 2011. Citing a high price tag and concern that it would “siphon massive quantities of water from the Chattahoochee River immediately above Lake Lanier,” the coalition derides the reservoir as unnecessary expense with potential negative impact on

Lanier.

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Executive Director Sally Bethea said the environmental organization plans to “be actively involved in the entire permitting review process.” The group will be studying the potential impact to Flat Creek, a tributary to Lanier, and will be evaluating how it could ultimately affect the lake.

“From what I’ve learned thus far, there is no need or justification” for the project, she said. She added that she expects the permitting phase to “take a long time.”

The environmental group has pushed for alternatives, such as conservation, to building reservoirs.

The Lake Lanier Association has not taken a position, according to Executive Director Joanna Cloud. In a written statement, Cloud said the organization which advocates for a full lake had no qualms with the original proposal to pump six million gallons per

day from the proposed reservoir; however, questions arose when the proposed amount increased to 80 million gallons per day.

The organization is concerned about “how the water in Glades would be managed, especially during droughts since it would be a private operation outside the control of the Corps of Engineers.” She added there are also concerns about potential water loss to Lanier during drought when water would be pumped into Glades to maintain a full reservoir. “That could be water that does not flow into Lanier during critical times when Lanier is under stress to meet its own needs and is called upon to meet downstream water requirements,” she said.

LLA advocates increasing the full pool of Lanier to 1073 feet above sea level, which it states could create an additional storage of “26 billion gallons that would be available for all authorized purposes of Lanier,” Cloud said.

Glade Reservoir Information & Input Info and public comment: www.gladesreservoir.com Mail comments: US Army Corps of Engineers, attn: Regulatory Division, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401 Public comment period: Through April 17.

Public scoping meeting: 4-8 p.m. March 20, Gainesville State College, 3820 Mundy Mill Rd. Additional public scoping meetings are scheduled 4-8 p.m. March 21 at Lexington Auburn University Convention Center, 1577 South College St., Auburn, Ala., and 4-8 p.m.

March 22 at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, Fla.

Cast a line for charity on St. Patrick’s Day

By Pamela A. Keene Now there’s another reason to celebrate the wearing of the green. The Georgia Women Flyfishers Club hosts its annual fundraiser and St. Paddy’s Day party on Saturday, March 17, at Sweetwater Brewing Company.

Bid on silent auction items – fishing-related and not – and enjoy fishing raffles, music, beer tastings and more. The event takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. in Atlanta at 195 Ottley Dr. NE. Tickets in advance are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Funds raised will be used to support the club’s October event, Casting for Confidence, an invitation-only activity for 12 breastcancer survivors to enjoy a day of fishing, relaxing and getting to know club members. The 2012 Casting for Confidence event is scheduled for October 13 at Frog Hollow in Dahlonega.

“Our day is spent learning about casting, entomology, gear and fly tying with a few hours of actual fishing time on the beautiful Chestatee River,” said Missie Medley with the GWFF Club.

“We feed them, suit them up and take them down to the river where they will be met by their own guide who will assist them throughout the day with their fishing needs. We end our day with a photo session, light snacks, gifts, raffles and thanks for a great day of fishing and friendship.”

Meetings are held the second Monday of each month, except July, at 7 p.m. at the Delkwood Grill, 2769 Delk Rd. SE, Marietta. Different speakers each month share their knowledge and love of fly fishing. Some meetings also offer an education segment, and all meetings include fishing reports, food and fun.

GWFF is a non-profit membership organization. Over the long term, the organization seeks to improve and grow the sport of fly fishing in Georgia. Members encourage, advocate and work toward conserving and improving the state’s rivers and streams, and increasing its legal fish species.

Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Purchase tickets from GWFF members, at GWFF meetings or by mailing a check for a ticket(s) made out to GWFF (for Annual Fundraiser tickets) to Circe Tsui at 3762 Midvale Rd., Tucker, GA 30084. Requests must be postmarked no later than March 5. Include an e-mail address for receipt verification.

Tickets will be held at the door the night of the event.

MORE INFO: www.georgiawomenfly fishing.com

GWFF members Eunice Lovell and Becky Strain discuss knot-tying.

March 2012

LAKESIDE 51

Covering the basics of anchoring

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Competent and safe operation of a vessel encompasses many marine skills and this month’s subject in “The Basics” should be considered one of the most important to understand and employ.

The capability to properly stop the momentum of your boat takes priority over everything else. The nautical term “underway” is generally defined in the navigation Rules of the Road as any vessel, even if stopped and drifting, that is not secured to its mooring, dock, aground, or at anchor. The overall task of controlling a vessel in the water is incomplete without the mariner’s ability to anchor with precision. It is crucial in emergencies to be able to effectively and securely halt the movement in adequate water depths, especially when your boat becomes disabled or possibly when the need arises to render assistance to another mariner.

Anchoring dynamics depend on the size, type of vessel, and the normal operating area which includes actual water depth, bottom characteristic, tides, currents, and weather conditions. Recreational boats normally have three different types of ground tackle; Plow, Fluke, or Mushroom design.

Check the type you have and see if it matches the bottom characteristic where you routinely operate your boat. That specific information can be found in boat manufacturing references, safety classes, and training seminars.

accurate navigation fixes by piloting methods or set your GPS, taking into account the swing of the Steve vessel as it moves to turn bow Johnson into the wind. Utilizing these techniques of anchoring will Boating prove very valuable as your safety Safety depends on your ability to handle the gear and to know when you are not holding the bottom and dragging.

The ultimate goal is to safely Large military and commercial drop the anchor in the intended ships always have their bow anlocation without fouling and eschors at the ready when entering pecially holding your boat’s posi- and departing port. It is added intion. This is where precise surance that if the vessel loses navigation comes into play. Mapower or suffers a casualty, it can rine charts give the bottom combe stopped or slowed reducing the position and for those that have damage that would result. Some the latest in marine technology; classes of seagoing and inland the new down scan structure waterway vessels also have stern sonar’s will even provide you a anchors for different types of mispicture perfect view below the sions. keel, in real time.

The subject of anchoring is Gravity is best used to advanvast and the best introduction to tage when the anchor is posithe history, equipment, and techtioned to drop over the desired niques can be found at location with a direct up and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andown aspect. If your vessel has a chor. Inspecting your anchoring heavy anchor operated by a wind- gear and ground tackle should allass, slow down to bare steerage- ways be part of your pre-underway and pay out the hook to the way checklist. As with anything water’s edge before letting go. related to boating, preparation This will ensure a straight descent and knowledge is the vital key to to the bottom without the added success and safety. Anchors stress on all the systems. What away! holds your vessel to the bottom is Steve Johnson, US Coast not the weight of the anchor, but Guard (ret). is with CPO Johnthe catenary and the scope in the son, Inc. line, sometimes described as the MORE INFO: curve. Holding your intended postevejohnson@navteach.com sition will also require obtaining

Lanier and all that follows nets a delicate balance Balance is the byword for managing the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin that runs for nearly 300 miles and serves Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The federal portion of the ACF system includes Lake Lanier at its headwaters, then West Point Lake near LaGrange; Walter F. George Lake at Eufaula, AL; George W. Andrews Lock and Dam close to Dothan, AL; and Lake Seminole at the confluence of the Apalachicola and Flint rivers.

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Corps makes every effort to manage these federal reservoirs in balance.

That means that we strive to keep them in balance as far as water levels and operational zones. In the spring months we work to refill the reservoirs to their summer pool levels. However, climate and hydrologic conditions don’t always allow that to

E. Patrick Robbins US Army Corps of Engineers

happen in harmony.

Because each reservoir has a different size drainage basin (the area within which flows reach the lake) and rain doesn’t always fall consistently throughout the basin, it's possible to see great differences between the reservoir levels. While Lake Lanier has the largest storage capacity, it draws its water from the smallest drainage basin in the system.

Lanier stores more than 65 percent of the water, but its basin comprises only six percent of the total basin collection area.

Our goal is to bring each lake up to its summer pool level, but

unfortunately, rain fall may not allow that to happen. Because of where rain falls and the size of the drainage basin, the impoundments (lakes created by dams along the system) on the lower end of the system may fill more rapidly than those farther up the system, such as Lanier.

The Corps continually examines long-range predictions for rainfall and does everything it can to conserve water throughout the system while still meeting the needs below each reservoir.

We are very aware that folks would love to see us halt all releases from Lake Lanier until the lake is full. However, there are needs downstream, such as water supply and releases for endangered species that must be met as required by federal law. The Corps can’t meet those needs by See COE, page 54 MORE INFO: 770-945-9531 www.sam.usace.army.mil/lanier

52 LAKESIDE

March 2012

EXIT 17 EXIT 16

General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ........770 945-9531 Water Release Schedules................770 945-1466 Recreation/Water level Info .............770 945-1467 DNR, Law Enforcement Division .....800 241-4113 Lake Lanier Association Inc. ...........770 503-7757 Boating Safety Courses US Coast Guard Aux. Flotilla 29 ......770 891-6362 Atlanta Sail & Power Squadron .......770 734-6412 Marinas 1. Aqualand...................................770 967-6811 2. Bald Ridge ................................770 887-5309 3. Gainesville ................................770 536-2171 4. Habersham ...............................770 887-5432 5. Holiday .....................................770 945-7201 6. Port Royale...............................770 887-5715 7. Lanier Harbor............................770 945-2884 8. Aquamarina Lazy Days .............770 945-1991 9. Hideaway Bay ...........................770 967-5500 10. Sunrise Cove ............................770 536-8599

March 2012

LAKESIDE 53

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54 LAKESIDE

March 2012

My ‘Man of Action’ shirt purchase hits pay-dirt Phillip Sartain is taking a break this month. Enjoy one of his ‘Best of’ columns during his absence.

As a male living in a house full of females, I’ve always had to explain my wardrobe selection to the Wardrobe Committee. My explanations are never satisfactory.

Just when I was on the verge of giving up and letting the girls pick out frou-frou clothing for me, I hit Man Clothing pay-dirt.

Or so I thought.

The funny thing is that I wasn’t even on a wardrobe mission at the time. Like any other guy, I don’t “shop.” I make a “purchase.”

In other words, when I want to buy something to wear, I walk straight to one rack in one store in one mall and pick up one item, and I pay for it and then I leave, fully intending to wear said item until the day I die.

This time, I was just taking a shortcut through a department store when something caught my eye. I dragged a salesman over to the rack. “Is this what I think it is?”

He cocked an eyebrow and

your shopping meddle. And you know what that means, don’t Phillip you?”

Sartain Of course I knew what it meant. The less time I had to Break spend making and explaining from the wardrobe purchases, the more Lake quality time I would have with my remote control. It all made me a little dizzy.

Flush with clothing victory gave me a conspiratorial nod yes. when I got home, I celebrated by “It’s a Man of Action shirt, slipping on my new shirt and deisn’t it?” I whispered, afraid I’d fiantly striding into the den to break the spell. All my life, I’ve show the girls my defining known that I was a man of action, wardrobe selection. but I’d never had the right shirt to Initially, there was a moment prove it. of silence as I waited on the girls “How’d they get all those to pounce.

And then my oldest pockets on that thing? There must daughter said, “Dad, that shirt has be two dozen.” a frou-frou look to it.”

“To be exact,” he cleared his I started to explain that no, this throat, “there are thirty-seven was not a frou-frou looking shirt, pockets, buttons, tabs, and pulls but a real Man of Action kind of all designed by a crack team of shirt that real men wear until they clothing engineers with a view todie. But no one was listening. ward holding every Man Gadget Instead, they all jumped up known to gadgetkind. It’s the and ran out the door toward the Swiss Army Knife of shirts.” car.

“Where are you going?” I “It’s heroic,” I admired. hollered after my wife.

“It’s indestructible,” he added.

“I’m taking the girls to get us “It will never wear out and you all one of those shirts. When we can wear it with everything. No get back, we’ll take a family picmore wasted effort trying to prove

Serving all of Lake Lanier

ture with our shirts on. It’ll be so cute. You’re really starting to get the hang of shopping” No man can ever really know when, where, or how frou-frou will strike. If it weren’t for the quality time with the remote con-

trol, all would be lost.

Phillip Bond Sartain is a Gainesville, GA lawyer and freelance writer.

MORE INFO: Email: attypbs@mindspring.com

• COE Continued from Page 51 simply shutting off all flows.

But we do look at what is coming into the river below Buford so that we can only release the absolute minimum required to meet flow and water-level needs in other parts of the ACF system.

The flows from the Flint River, which enters the Chattahoochee just above Woodruff Dam, play a big role on releases from all federal reservoirs in the ACF system. If it’s raining within the Flint River basin, then much of the needs in the Apalachicola River regarding endangered species can be met from the Flint. But, since there are no impoundments along the

Flint to store water, when there is no rainfall in the Flint Basin those flow needs can only be met from water released from the Chattahoochee.

The Corps was recently directed by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to legally examine its water supply authorities and capabilities under the Rivers and Harbors Act and Water Supply Act. Once that legal review is complete, the Corps will resume updates to the water control manuals for the ACF. For regular information about water levels along the ACF system and other US Army Corps of Engineers’ news, visit www.sam.usace.army.mil.

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March 2012

LAKESIDE 55

Get a taste of the lake all year long at area restaurants

By Pamela A. Keene Sure, the spring and summer season is upon us, but locals know where to go all year long for lakeside dining.

Three lake restaurants keep things tasty even on the coldest weekends – Fish Tales at Hideaway Bay, Pier 29 on Browns Bridge and Skogie’s at Gainesville Marina.

It’s a safe bet that you’ll be transported to the tastes of sum-

mertime with these three triedand-true Lanier favorites. Each has its own style and trademark menu items; all are best-bets to shake off the winter doldrums.

Fish Tales begins its third year on April 1. Owners Dale and Jessica Ozaki have continued to made improvements to the restaurant and the menu. The side patio has been expanded and is frequently the site of private parties.

Favorite menu items include fried

• Wilsons Continued from Page 22 who may be more accustomed to Elbow Reef Lighthouse visit the convenience of being on the www.elbowcaylighthouse.com mainland.

- Until next time, Note: If you want to learn Bob & Carolyn Wilson more about Hope Town and the

LAKESIDE CLASSIFIEDS DOCKS New and used docks for sale. Call Hendrix Dock Service, 770 8890929.

Used boat docks. Check out our news page on our web site at www.amaysingdocks.com or call 678 450-4212.

BOAT LIFT New and used boat lifts for sale.

Call AA Dock Supply, 678 8077777.

Thanks for using Lakeside classifieds.

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grouper, the Cuban salad and the Gulf mix: pick two from shrimp four ways, fried oysters and fried group fingers. Tropical slaw is an original. Steak fries, onion rings and black beans and rice are popular sides. Fish Tales brings in some of its desserts from Calliope’s Sweets in downtown Flowery Branch, including coconut cake.

“We’re planning more music this season,” Ozaki said. “Come out and join us.”

Hours through the end of March are Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit www.fishtaleslakelanier. com.

Pier 29 serves third-pound burgers, fish tacos and fried haddock. The eatery is also known for its hash-brown casserole, onion rings and Asian slaw.

Owner Kerrie Martin plans to continue regular entertainment and weeknight specials. Handspun milkshakes are a hit with regulars, and Pier 29 has offered fund-raising Milk-Shake-AThons for several groups and worthy causes.

“Even when the lake is down, we’re the only commercial dock on the lake that’s not part of a marina that still has plenty of water,” she said. “We get lots of boat traffic, even in the cooler season.”

Hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

Visit www.pier29onlanier.com.

Last fall, Skokie’s changed ownership. Tony and Heather

Dale Ozaki shows off one of his dishes at Fish Tales, located at Hideaway Bay Marina.

Jonovitch from Florida took over the popular year-round restaurant, added table service and china plates and metal silverware. From fish taco appetizers to grouper, shrimp and crab cakes, the menu also includes 8- and 12-ounce Angus burgers and both sweet potato chips and sweet potato tater tots. Seafood gumbo and homemade banana pudding dress out the menu. Saturday and Sunday

brunch feature five different types of eggs benedict.

“We’re having a great time bringing our restaurant experience to Lanier,” Tony said. “Don’t forget to check us out for breakfast.”

Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Visit www.pier29onlanier.com.

Poster contest celebrates conservation Teachers and students across Georgia are invited to celebrate Georgia’s wildlife and students’ artistic interests by participating in the Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest. Whether exploring their schoolyard and backyard environments or taking a field trip to a nearby park, nature center or botanical garden, students are encouraged to share their plant and animal discoveries through art in the 22nd annual conservation poster contest. This year’s competition theme, “The Art of Conservation – Discovering Georgia’s Natural Heritage Through Art,” spurs students to learn about the state’s native plant and nongame animals through drawing, following in the footsteps of famous naturalists and artists like William Bartram, John James Audubon

and Roger Tory Peterson.

Nongame species (those not legally hunted or fished for) vary from rare animals and plants such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the hooded pitcherplant to common species such as the northern cardinal and flowering dogwood.

Entries in the state-level contest must be postmarked by April 6. The contest is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Environmental Resources Network, or T.E.R.N., friends group of the Nongame Conservation Section.

The contest is open to kindergarten through 5th-grade students in public, private and homeschool groups. Participants enter

at the local school-level with drawings that depict their observations of Georgia’s native nongame animals and plants. Top school-level entries proceed to the state contest at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens.

First-, second- and third-place winners are chosen there for four divisions: kindergarten, first and second grade, third and fourth grade, and fifth grade.

The top 12 winners will be featured in the 2012-2013 Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest school-year calendar. All statelevel contest winners also will be on display on weekends April 20May 7 at Georgia DNR’s Go Fish Education Center in Perry.

MORE INFO: www.gofished ucationcenter.com

56 LAKESIDE

March 2012

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