Life on the Water magazine SPRING 2014

A Boathouse Makeover » The Gulf’s Forgotten Coast » The Bucket List Trip » Best Burger Joints

Life Water on the

SOUTHERN WAYS. SUNSHINE DAYS.

on the river with

Hank

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NORTH ALABAMA - TENNESSEE RIVER

A L A B A M A M O U N TA I N L A K E S T O U R I S T A S S O C I AT I O N

text

TM

‘Lets Go’ to 44848

for weekly events & updates

Bear Creek H. Neely Henry Guntersville Lewis Smith Pickwick Weiss Wheeler Wilson

8 Great Lakes of North Alabama.

400 Amazing Things to Do. Snow skiing, waterfalls, white tigers, Civil War battles, sport fishing and tranquil cruises.

A few of the unexpected surprises you will find just off your dock in North Alabama.

Call or visit our website for a FREE brochure 800.648.5381 / www.NorthAlabama.org WAYNE COUNTY, TENNESSEE - KENTUCKY LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER

Follow me to Wayne County, Tennessee You Never Know What You’ll Find at

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Visit Waynecountychamber.org or call for a FREE information packet 931-722-3575 6

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Life Water SPRING 2014

on the

SOUTHERN WAYS. SUNSHINE DAYS.

ÂŽ

featured on the water

31

on the river with Hank Williams, Jr.

35

The Gulf’s Forgotten Coast

40

A Timeless Southern Boathouse

46

The Bucket List Trip with Betty Blackwell

Kentucky Lake is teeming with wildlife... and one country music legend.

Void of roller coasters and wild nightlife, Bill Vanderford takes us to a wildlife mecca many visitors overlook.

One of the South's favorite interior designers uses her talent to transform her own boathouse.

Being in the music publishing business in Nashville, Tennessee, Betty Blackwell knew a bit about dreams...so she decided it was time to live hers.

lifeonthewater.com | spring 2014 | 7

departments on the water

essentials on the water

18 Events

10 Reflections

21 Q & A

12 Voices

Our staff picks for Southern Celebrations

28

from Editor & Publisher Christy Martin

your letters, posts and tweets

The Tenn-Tom Waterway goes retro

16 lifeonthewater.com

24 Products

your online resource for life in the South... on the water

7 Makeover Buys for Spring

51

26 Flo Rivers

60 Marketplace

9 One-Minute Makeovers from a Southern Belle

waterfront homes, boats, clubs, services FOR SALE on the water

28 Homes

65 Resources

Beth Murphy's Restoration on Lake Barkley

the companies, organizations and agencies that believe in Life on the Water

51 Food

66 Meditations

Burger recipes that will have them running to grill...and the Best Burger Joints on the Water

locations on the water

28

19 South Pittsburg, Tennessee; Thomaston,

31

Georgia; Ocean Springs, Mississippi

21 The Tennessee Tombigbee, Mobile River; Pickwick Lake, Wheeler Lake, Lake Guntersville,

46 21

21

28 Lake Barkley 31 Kentucky Lake 35 The Gulf's

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46 19 21 40

on the cover

19

Hank Williams, Jr. on the banks of his home near Paris, Tennessee. photo: Webster PR, Nashville, Tennessee

Forgotten Coast

40 Lake Guntersville 46 Cumberland River

and Tennessee River

spring 2014

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a final thought to leave with you...

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35

Life Water

LAKE HIWASSEE, NORTH CAROLINA

on the

SOUTHERN WAYS. SUNSHINE DAYS.

Water is the canvas on which we Southerners paint our lives.

Life on the Water explores and introduces with a blend of people, lakes, rivers, towns, food, history and culture.

It’s life in the South…on the water.

PUBLISHER | EDITOR CHRISTY MARTIN » christy@lifeonthewater.com ONLINE EDITOR ADAM DeMAIORIBUS » adam@lifeonthewater.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR LESLIE FRANKLIN » art@lifeonthewater.com SALES DENICE KIRBY » 256-797-1900 » sales@lifeonthewater.com EDITING ASSISTANT MELISSA BLANK » melissa@lifeonthewater.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MARY CATHERINE LEE » marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com CONSULTANT | FRED MYERS RESEARCH - STAFF WRITER BETTY BOYD » info@lifeonthewater.com ILLUSTRATOR FOR FLO RIVERS JEFF PROZAN » info@lifeonthewater.com

DISTRIBUTION Now available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Books-A-Million stores, Hastings and other selected independent bookstores in the South. Visit lifeonthewater.com/distribution for a retailer near you. To become a distributor, call 256-882-1972 or contact Mary Catherine at marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

lifeonthewater.com | 256-882-1972 marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daymarker Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 12171 • Huntsville, Alabama 35815 3313 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite 108 Huntsville, Alabama 35801 256-882-1972 | 877-274-0767 - toll free info@lifeonthewater.com

OCOEE RIVER

experience

whitewater rafting Lake Ocoee inn and Marina Get away for a destination stay in the great outdoors.

Lake Ocoee Inn & Marina and Ocoee Inn Rafting are located on beautiful Parksville Lake inside the Cherokee National Forest. Family owned and operated since 1972. We have lakeside cabins, a small quaint motel, whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River (site of the 1996 Olympics), pontoon boat rentals, and slip rentals through our marina.

Contact us today!

800-272-7238

Escape to the beautiful mountains for a fabulous stay with family, friends, or just an intimate getaway.

2496 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307-5822 support@ocoeeinn.com ocoeeinn.com lifeonthewater.com

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9

reflections

on the water

Every Friday morning, my grandmother made the trek to Patsy’s Beauty Hut. It was a standing appointment, one that Grandma would never miss.

“It’s too hard to get another appointment with her,” Grandma would announce when everything in the world around her had to stop for Friday at 10:30 a.m.

“Are you here for your makeover, Florence?” Patsy would say as we walked in the door. “Today, I want to look like Marilyn Monroe,” my grandmother would joke.

Why do we do that? Dream of being like someone else? When the person we are is just fine ... maybe just needs a little rouge. The home we have is perfect ... maybe it just needs a coat of paint. This issue pays tribute to makeovers and the people you’ll meet on the water that have made them happen.

Reinvent » Learn a lesson about living the items on your ‘bucket list’ now from Betty Blackwell. That’s on page 46.

And travel to a place so close but yet forgotten to find the relaxation you need with writer Bill Vanderford on the Gulf ’s Forgotten Coast, page 35.

Restore » John and Beth Murphy give new meaning to restoration. Their story begins on Barkley Lake but reaches

around the world (see page 28). And read The Classic Tour, a 468-mile cruise down the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway by way of antique boats on page 21.

Revisit » You can always count on Hank Williams, Jr. to tell it like it is. From his waterfront home near Paris, Tennessee, he reminds us to revisit our roots and to remember what's important in life...and to our nation. Read the interview on page 31.

Rebuild » Beverly Farrington’s designs have been featured in Southern Living, Southern Lady and many other respected

publications. But after storms demolished her boathouse, Beverly was faced with her own rebuilding project on the Tennessee River’s Preston Island. Marian Accardi chronicles the rebirth of Beverly’s boathouse as the focal point of her home on the lake, page 40. We also take a peek at boathouse designs from other lakes across the South.

Rev Up » The hamburger is a staple item of every picnic table and local café in the South. Adam DeMaioribus gives us new ways to enjoy our favorite on-the-water menu item and gives you our picks for the Best Burger Joints on the Water on page 51.

In every makeover story, water constantly soothed and rejuvenated. That’s our ulterior motive with each issue. If one story touches just one person and motivates them to come to the water, we’ve accomplished our mission.

We wish you happy makeovers this Spring!

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contributors

on the water

WHEELER LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER

MARIAN ACCARDI is a freelance writer from Huntsville, Alabama. She was a writer for The Huntsville Times for more than 30 years. In an interview last fall with Huntsville designer Beverly Farrington, Marian experienced the tranquility of Lake Guntersville from Farrington’s boathouse.

One of the highlights of the warm fall afternoon: a ride aboard a restored 1946 Chris-Craft. Read “A Timeless Southern Boathouse” on page 40. Contact Marian at marian.accardi@hotmail.com.

BEVERLY FARRINGTON founded Accents of the South, Inc. 30 years ago, establishing her design firm as one of the first of its kind in the South. Integrating interior design with architecture, Beverly creates rooms that are both functional and masterfully detailed. One of the South’s leading interior design firms, Accents of the South and Farrington have been featured in Traditional Homes, The Washington Post, Southern Living, Southern Lady and Alabama Magazine.

The re-design of her boathouse after historic storms is the subject of "A Timeless Southern Boathouse" on page 40.

NICHOLE ALRED wanted the challenge of photographing a boathouse. To achieve her goal, she let the backdrop of Lake Guntersville carry the emotion of the photos in “A Timeless Southern Boathouse” on page 40. In addition to business photography, Nichole works with her husband Allen at Guntersville Marina. Before moving to Guntersville, Nichole served six years in the U.S. Army, including two years in Iraq. Reach Nichole at 256-746-2490.

BETH MURPHY and her husband John live in Brentwood, Tennessee. Little did they realize how the restoration project of their Lake Barkley home would come to symbolize a deeper restoration process impacting lives from Middle Tennessee throughout the U.S. and from Kenya throughout East Central Africa. Read Beth’s story on page 28.

BILL VANDERFORD loves the natural side of North Florida in Apalachicola and St. George Island and takes us there in this issue with “The Gulf’s Forgotten Coast”. He is an outdoor writer and photographer from Lawrenceville, Georgia serving as an editor with Outdoor Life magazine, contributor to Field and Stream, Sports Afield, In-Fisherman, North American Fisherman, Bassin', and many others. Reach Bill at 770-289-1543, by email jfish51@aol.com or his website georgiafishing.com.

Wet slips up to 50 ft. • Dry storage up to 22 feet 24 hour diesel, gas • Campground • Free wi-fi Pavilion rental • NEW transient docks Minutes from shopping & attractions

SPECIAL THANKS Webster PR, Nashville, TN; Phil and Linda Carman, Nashville, TN; Tyler Hergert, Accents of the South, Huntsville, AL

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS NICHOLE ALRED | BOBBY MARTIN ROBIN CONN | JESSICA ARNOLD | STEVE BABIN All rights reserved. All advertisements and documents provided by LIFE ON THE WATER Magazine and Website and DAYMARKER ENTERPRISES, LLC (publisher) are solely owned and used by LIFE ON THE WATER Magazine and Website and DAYMARKER ENTERPRISES, LLC. Publisher may use any advertisement published in the Publication for its own promotion purposes in any media. Publisher shall remain sole owner of all art, designer and photographic work produced. Reproductions or use without written permission in any manner is strictly prohibited. The information in this magazine in not intended to replace authorized maps or information from official charts, maps, guides or educational sources. ©2014

Memorial Parkway/Hwy 231 South MM 334, mid-point Tennessee River fuel dock 256-883-9420 • office 256-882-1057

dittolanding.com lifeonthewater.com

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voices

on the water EGG ON OUR FACE

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, ALABAMA

Why Alred Marina?

• BRAND NEW 40’, 50’ and 60’ in-water slips with state-of-the-art electrical & water • EXPANDED Cable TV and FREE Wi-Fi • DRY STORAGE LOT for slip renters’ runabouts, personal watercraft, trailers, etc.

• Private BOAT RAMP for launching • SECURED GATES on docks • Picnic Area & Scenic Walking Trail • Spacious Laundry Room • CLEAN and PRIVATE Bath House • FREE self-service marine sanitation pump-out • Courtesy car for transient boaters • 90 Octane ethanol-free gasoline and marine-grade diesel • Preferred VALVTECT© performance-enhancing fuel dealer, proven to increase fuel efficiency and engine performance

I have a concern about your magazine's information gathering about Columbus, Mississippi (the Fall Best on the Water issue).

On page 35, the description of Columbus as #9 on the Waterway states that Nancy Carpenter is the Executive Director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Actually, Mrs. Macauley Whitaker is the XO of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce housed at the office of the Golden Triangle Development LINK in Columbus. Nancy is the XO of the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. When she is quoted as saying there are "900 hotel rooms" in Columbus, she may be accurate, but there are also SIX bed and breakfast inns in town (excluding those listed on the CVB website which do not serve breakfast and are not true "B&Bs").

Accuracy in reporting and writing is critical to your reputation of Life on the Water being the wonderful magazine that it is.

Thank you for "listening."

• Lake Guntersville’s ONLY complete marine parts & Ship’s Store on the water

GUNTERSVILLE’S ONLY ON-SITE REPAIR FACILITY

Christy Martin responds: Thank you for pointing out the mistake in the Fall 2013 issue.

Ask about our Alred Rewards Card EXCLUSIVE TO MARINA SLIPHOLDERS Russ Cranford, CMM

351 Marina Road • Guntersville, AL 35976 Tennessee River mm 357.4 across from Guntersville Municipal Airport

256-582-4400 info@alredmarina.com Alredmarina.com

FOLLOW US ON…

12 | spring 2014 | lifeonthewater.com

Ray Slatton

SecureWaters Inc. Tullahoma, Tennessee Christy Martin responds: Ray Slatton! So glad to hear from you…we love getting suggestions from readers and will contact Kate for her story.

NOT HAPPY WITH THE NEW SIZE OF THE MAGAZINE I wanted to tell you that I do not like the new sizing (9x11) vs the old sizing (8 1/2 x 11).

I file each addition of Life on the Water in a 3 ring binder using sheet protectors. The sheet protectors only come in standard size of 8 1/2 x 11. I am fine with the glossy paper being eliminated. Just a complaint with the size.

Connie Hines

Marleen B. Hansen

The Cartney-Hunt House Bed & Breakfast Inn, ca. 1828 Columbus, Mississippi

• 24 HOUR fueling available

Marina Service of Guntersville

A STORY IDEA Christy – Happy New Year!

I would like to introduce you to Kate Steward.

She is developing a project to document a kayak journey from Chattanooga to Mobile.

When she told me about this, I immediately thought of you, your magazine and your connections on the river. By way of this email, I hope to connect you two.

We strive to always get our titles and facts correct... but are not immune from occasional ‘egg on the face’. I reviewed our notes from the Fall 2013 file and it does in fact refer to Nancy Carpenter as the Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce rather than the CVB. We should have caught this error and I am truly sorry.

Although we used the Chamber and the CVB as sources for our story, most of the comments and information came from our readers…those who voted in the 2013 BEST Small Towns ON THE WATER survey. We had over 4000 responses to the survey…and the passion and love for Columbus was intense.

We appreciate all you do for Columbus, Mississippi, the Tenn-Tom Waterway…and the South, doing your part to preserve what we believe to be the greatest region on Earth.

Indianola, Iowa Christy Martin responds: We appreciate your honesty…and the fact that you keep every issue means a great deal to us. The new size is better for design. It’s also better on store shelves…but we will definitely take your comments to heart.

I’ve asked my assistant to find sheet protectors large enough to hold the magazine for you.

TRIED A RECIPE Great issue....cooked one of the shrimp recipes and it was divine. :-)

Jennifer Banks

Huntsville, Alabama Christy Martin responds: Now this makes us happy! That’s what we love to hear…

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? Submit a letter, email, facebook post or tweet that we use in VOICES and we’ll send you a Life on the Water tote bag.

editor@lifeonthewater.com

FOLLOW LIFE ON THE WATER:

D

estination…

ALRED MARINA Lake Guntersville

…because Alred Marina offers more.

ALREDMARINA.COM

VISIT ONE OF THESE SMALL TOWNS IN THE SOUTH… VOTED BEST ON THE WATER 2013!

T he Tennessee River lives here.

Clifton, Tennessee

Smoke on the River BBQ Cook-Off The Horseshoe Riverbend Festival Cruise to our day dock and walk to Main Street’s shops, restaurants and the ALL NEW Pulitzer Prize winning author T.S. Stribling Museum

Cityofclifton.com 931-676-3370

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lifeonthewater.com Subscribe to the magazine. Browse our resources library. Shop for products on the water.

Watch videos. Look at photo galleries. Y'all come see us online.

WATCH THE LATEST MUSIC VIDEO

READ OUR BEYOND THE STORY

from Hank Williams, Jr. with Merle Haggard

with Betty Blackwell’s picks for best marinas and restaurants, as well as her advice on extended cruising and more. See photos from her Bucket List Trip on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers.

TEST SOME RECIPES

More delicious BURGER recipes...

– and –

COMING IN THE SUMMER 2014 ISSUE...

SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA - LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, TENNESSEE RIVER

The Best Marina Just Got Better

ALL THINGS WATERMELON

Got a favorite drink? If we publish it, you get a free LOTW book bag.

LAKE FISHING

–plus –

ENTER THE CONTEST

Moms & Dads on the Water

DOCKS RESTAURANT

50 TON TRAVEL LIFT MARINE REPAIR

find us on

Marina located on the Tennessee River at mile marker 378.2

800.268.2884 | 256.912.0592 | www.GoosePond.org

Named by Life On The Water Readers Best Resort, Best Marina, Best Restaurant, Best Marine Repair, Most Beautiful Lake

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Send your photo and story about your Mom's or Dad's passion for the water and you could win them a dinner for 2 at The Docks Seafood & Steakhouse.

And we'll feature them in the magazine.

SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA - LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, TENNESSEE RIVER

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Robin Conn | photography

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events

on the water

Southern Celebrations LOTW STAFF PICKS

18TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL Saturday, April 26th • 9am-6pm Sunday, April 27th • 9am-5pm 221 South Cedar Avenue South Pittsburg, Tennessee For more Information:

nationalcornbread.com “Come See What’s Cookin’ in South Pittsburg” • Arts & Crafts • Children’s Corner • Jam Tent • Carnival • Beauty Contest • Classic Car Show • Historic Tour • Pancake Breakfast • National Championship Cook-off

Courtesy of festival marketing

Gizdast Photography

Robin Conn | photography

We really know how to throw a Festival in the South… here are a few Southern celebrations we like. Visit lifeonthewater.com and vote for your favorite Festival in the South for our BEST ON THE WATER edition in the Fall.

BATTLE ON THE BAYOU V Saturday, March 29th

7TH ANNUAL SMOKE ON THE WATER BBQ COOK-OFF & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Old Fort Bayou Watershed Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Friday, April 4th • 4pm-11pm Saturday, April 5th • 10am-11pm

For more Information:

Bickley's Lake 197 Rock Hill School Road Thomaston, Georgia

battleonthebayou.com This kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard race course runs approximately 9.5 miles along black-water bayou through an estuarine marsh and maritime forest. The starting gun will sound at the Gulf Hills Resort and the checkered flag will wave at The Shed.

For more Information:

sotwfestival.com As seen on Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters!

Smoke on the Water is a charity event raising money for local volunteer fire departments. The celebration raises thousands of dollars each year with help from the Florida BBQ Association, the gracious sponsors, and YOU!

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you’re invited to

A LIFE ON THE WATER EVENT LOOK FOR THE WINNERS IN THE SUMMER 2014 ISSUE! 1ST PLACE WINS $500 CASH!

ST CLINE JONES - 1 PLACE 2013

Toast of the 'Tiques Wine & Cheese Reception

May 17 • 4-6 pm Lake Guntersville Yacht Club Antique & Classic Boat Cruise-In public welcome RSVP by May 10

ALAN WORKMAN - 2ND PLACE 2013

LEIGH LOFGREN - 3RD PLACE 2013

Sponsored by

877-274-0767 20

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with BK Productions lifeonthewater.com

READER QUESTION:

q&a

on the water

Last year, we passed some beautiful antique boats on Pickwick Lake. Do you have any dates and locations for shows this summer?

– RAY DAVIS BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW MAY 15-18 30TH ANNUAL JOE WHEELER BOAT SHOW JULY 17-20 23RD ANNUAL PICKWICK LANDING RENDEVOUS OCTOBER 17-19 VISIT OUR EVENTS PAGE AT LIFEONTHEWATER.COM FOR MORE DETAILS ON THESE SHOWS FROM THE ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SOCIETY.

Classic Tour

on the Tenn-Tom

Like floating museums on Southern waters, these boats are icons of American spirit and craftsmanship. Their owners are part of the attraction, meticulously giving you a detailed dissertation about the history of their boats.

Meet John P. Thompson. He was a part of that group on Pickwick last year. This is his story about traveling to Mobile via the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway in his antique boat. »»»

lifeonthewater.com | spring 2014 | 21

John P. Thompson | photography

A READER’S STORY…

BY JOHN P. THOMPSON

485 miles, seven days and a dozen locks in our wakes earned us an open view of the Gulf of Mexico from our cruise’s southern most point – halfway through Mobile Bay. In 19-foot and 24-foot restored classic wood boats, vintage 1965 and 1984 respectively, we proved that even relatively small craft can safely navigate these wonderfully rural stretches of water where America finds her heart and soul.

We started this voyage on the Tennessee River at Pickwick Landing State Park near the meeting place for Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. After attending the Antique & Classic Boat Society’s (ACBS) Dixieland Chapter Fall Rendevous, our two-boat fleet began our journey south.

In a few miles we found ourselves at the mouth of the largest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project in their history: The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

In the 19-foot Carver, Wave Toucher II, were Captain Dick Baner and friend Gary Weiss from Eureka, Illinois. In our 24-foot Skiff Craft, Lily Pad, I was piloting alone this 22

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trip. My first mate, Carolynn opted to sit this one out. Our home port is on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri.

OBSERVATIONS Fewer marinas and facilities – like hotels and restaurants – exist along the route than most of the miles we have cruised, particularly on the lower half of the waterway. Since restaurants were in short supply, we had to provision for some meals while underway.

Hotels were spotty. I slept in the bow’s cabin of our 24 footer. A warm sleeping bag, WIFI, shower and restroom facilities at the marinas made this a very comfortable experience. In each case motels were available, but it was easier for me traveling alone to just stay on the boat. In fact, both boats had portable fuel tanks on board to ensure we could make the longest stretch – the last day – about 130 miles plus one last lock without a place to refuel in between. Facilities ranged from topof-the-line to “rustic and well used.”

The serenity and beauty of the green, glistening waterway was our welcome companion through miles of snaking through lightly settled or unpopulated and naturerich countryside.

The middle stretch of the Tenn-Tom included passing by the “White Cliffs” of Alabama. They are part of the Selma chalk deposits and were reportedly deposited about the same time as the more famous and

“Time is less important on the water. News and events don’t seem to matter. It is enough to be on calm waters in our old wooden boats in the company of good friends.

The moment is sublime and to be relished.”

– John P. Thompson

taller “White Cliffs of Dover” in England.

As we cruised farther south, we saw alligators soaking up the late season sun.

Though time consuming and schedule confounding, the 12 locks are a necessary evil, connecting the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. Even working solo in our 24-foot boat I had no trouble locking through. Large fenders well-placed, a boat hook and twenty feet of dock line to hook the floating bollards in these locks made passage relatively easy on boat and crew.

After more than 470 miles on the Corpsmanaged waterway known as the Tenn-Tom, the channelized Tombigbee, Black Warrior and Mobile Rivers, we found our wooden vessels dwarfed by the sea-going military and commercial ships of the Port of Mobile.

On this trip through the heart of the American South, we could almost feel her yawn as we cruised through her peaceful, color-changing backwoods. She embraced us through her people’s welcoming and inclusive ways. In the midst of her busy port of Mobile, she kept one hand busy in peaceful trade with the world and the other maneuvering production of the most modern technological wonders for the defense of liberty.

A week of my life well-spent.

SEND YOUR STORY TO …

LIFEONTHEWATER.COM/READERSTORIES

WHEELER LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER

Spring WeekendS are made of thiS…

Plan a weekend visit to Decatur and Morgan County, Alabama and enjoy our many attractions, festivals and special events!

CONTACT ThE DECATUR MORgAN COUNTy CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU AND LET US hELp yOU pLAN yOUR pERFECT SpRINg gET-AWAy!

may 16-17 Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cookoff

may 23

Daikin Festival

may 24-25

Alabama Jubilee

year round

Riverboat cruises on the Pickwick Belle

may 16-17

opening day - may 24

SoulStock Christian Music Festival

Point Mallard WaterPark

CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION!

800-232-5449 • www.decaturcvb.org SMITH LAKE, ALABAMA

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MAKE A FEEL-GOOD PURCHASE Made in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee near Clarksville on the Cumberland River, Pure Joy Soaps is a sweetie-pie of a company with their products still made right in Janis Emery’s home. All natural ingredients and selections range from Pink Lemonade to Bay Rum and more.

Contact Janis@purejoysoap.com

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products

on the water

DE-STRESS…WITHOUT PILLS Aculief is a great way to relieve stress by simply positioning the clip on effective acupressure points for immediate tension relief and restoring your body's natural flow of energy.

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flo rivers

on the water

Spring.

The time we prepare for the most-loved season… yet the most dreaded.

Summertime. We love it, don’t we? Warm sunshine. Riding across the lake with the wind in your hair. Bathing suits. Shorts.

Pasty-white skin.

Every other commercial this time of year points out my shortcomings.

Over the decades, the Ghost of Spring Past has deposited 17 work-out videos stacked neatly on the bookshelf, nine “light” cookbooks in the galley, four bottles of Fat-Be-Gone in the medicine cabinet and the latest version of mineral make-up on my bathroom counter.

STAND UP STRAIGHT…“Chin up. Shoulders back. Stand up straight.”

I remember those words distinctly from my 3rd grade teacher, as she asked us to walk across the room with a book on our head. “If you stand up straight, the world knows you’re confident. Plus, you’ll look 10 pounds lighter.” To this day, she is right.

Spring is here and summer is around the corner. So unless I decide to attend a boot camp, I will have to adopt the makeover tips passed down from generations of Southern belles scurrying in the spring to make their debut in summer. Here are some one-minute makeovers you’ll love…

DRINK WATER… Since we’re a magazine that proclaims life is better

FRY THOSE WRINKLES… Crisco is one of those items like white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice that are staple items on my grocery list. Fry up a chicken or erase some wrinkles, Crisco is the bondo of the Southern home. Smooth it under your eyes and watch the transformation. But steer clear of direct sunrays.

SELF-TANNING LOTION… Sunbathing and tanning beds rank just below getting a root canal on my to-do list. I’d rather watch wallpaper dry. So when spring rolls around, I’m off to the beauty aids aisle to pick up selftanning lotion. Start applying now for a healthy glow by summer.

DIP IT…We can buy a tube of toothpaste that promises a gleaming

WALK IT OFF… Find the closest body of water and go for a walk.

Breathe in. Breathe out. You’ll be surprised how much better it makes you feel.

smile in 10 days. Baking soda can do that in three. Dip your toothbrush in a box of baking soda daily. It also works great on the stainless steel rail of your cruiser.

THE WALKING DEAD DARK CIRCLES…They can be caused from not getting enough sleep…or heredity. But sometimes, you just can’t use enough concealer to cover them. Pat lemon juice twice a day under your eyes. Cold water, cold tea bags, or cold spoons can also make dark circles go away. Goodness, add Jack Daniels and you can have a toddy.

PASS THE MAYONNAISE…Yes, mayonnaise. The eggs and oil are perfect for making your skin soft and your nails beautiful. Apply, leave on for 10 minutes and wash with warm water. While you’re waiting, make your potato salad for tomorrow’s picnic.

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on the water, we highly recommend drinking the liquid magic, too.

Eight ounces eight times a day will make all the difference in the world.

Better skin, digestion, and weight management.

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SMILE AND THOSE WRINKLES DISAPPEAR… Flo, you always seem so happy…always smiling,” say the gals in my bridge club. I’m thinking, “I smile all the time so my wrinkles won’t show.” Smiling helps any situation, whether you’re happy, sad or angry. It automatically makes your mood better and, yes, the wrinkles fade away.

A very wise lady once said, “Wherever you are, be there.”

Summertime is happy…fun and alive. Dark circles, pasty white skin and signs of cellulite won’t keep me away from the water. That’s why God invented cover-ups.

See you on the river, Flo

KENTUCKY LAKE - TENNESSEE RIVER

PICKWICK LAKE - TENNESSEE RIVER

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homes

on the water

“

The restoration at Rock House Way symbolizes much more than a quaint old rock house on Lake Barkley. Our family’s lives have been changed as much as the rock house has been restored.

“

VISIT lifeonthewater.com/spring2014 for before and after photos of The Rock House.

on Lake Barkley BETH MURPHY | WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

T

he rock house that inspired the street named Rock House Way on Lake Barkley in Cadiz, Kentucky did not look especially inspiring when our family first saw it in 2003.

We had moved our ski boat and lake life to Lake Barkley from picturesque Center Hill Lake. We were drawn to the Land Between the Lakes area and the ability to have our own dock, access to open waters for sailing and the appeal of being on navigable water.

Our search began for an affordable lake house that could serve as a vacation every weekend. Our realtor was irritable and admitted he didn’t enjoy showing this house, because it looked so unappealing from the outside. I was especially slow to warm up to the idea of taking on this project, but my husband and our sons recognized it to be exactly the lake house we had been looking for.

All of the windows were on the back with a panoramic view of the lake. The ‘deep water’ dock and the amazing view of the Lake Barkley State Park land had never been developed. At ages 10 and 13, Rob and Ben weren’t concerned with the

condition of the 40-year-old decks and roof.

My husband John’s prevailing “I can fix that” attitude was most persuasive.

Black mold on decking can be scrubbed.

Roofs can be repaired.

Rust is not terminal.

I did ultimately agree this house was just what we had in mind; hence, the restoration project of the rock house of Rock House Way began.

Over a decade later, we look back and see how this decision influenced our lives more than we could ever have guessed at the time. Most of our summers have been spent on the lake without internet or television. Skiing and wake boarding, sailing, cliff jumping, and fishing off the dock replaced electronic disruptions. Our sons explored in kayaks the first season and discovered a

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path through a natural spring to the local general store, which led to summer days taking friends to throw darts and drink root beer on the front porch of the country store.

We’ve even spent a few memorable Thanksgivings and icy February weekends at Lake Barkley when bald eagles and migrating birds are the focus. These experiences developed a love of water sports for both our sons and probably initiated Ben’s interest in college sailing for the University of Tennessee, working this past summer as a sailing instructor at Sea Base, the Boy Scout Camp in the Florida Keys.

Most significantly, it shaped our family’s relationships with shared experiences, peaceful summer days and meaningful unplanned conversation that only happens outside the tyranny of schedules.

HOME RESTORATION LEADS TO RESTORING THE SOUL Throughout the restoration project on Rock House Way, we have had a ministry focus running concurrent with careers in business. Ultimately, this led to full-time work in restoration of another sort.

“After many years in marriage and recovery ministries”, John explains, “we had reached a point of great frustration over the relapse rates in recovery programs, both Christian

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and secular, and began seeking God for the solutions. Over time, the answers came and developed into a book expressing the transforming work He had done in our hearts and how to develop that into a process for others.”

John published his book, Be Transformed, New Life Awaits, and then later a workbook edition and videos in the publishing company he formed, Rock House Way Press. The name has a double meaning as the address of our lake house, but also tied to the admonition from scripture to “build your house upon the rock, which is the way, the truth and the life.”

As people read the book and heard John speak and teach, they began to seek him out for counseling. The remarkable results from counseling eventually led to founding Rock House Center and Rock House Ministries in Brentwood, Tennessee. It is a biblical counseling center where people come to resolve every sort of life struggle from marriage and parenting problems to depression, anxiety and any addiction or emotional suffering with a process based on biblical truth and prayer.

Our mission of restoration didn’t stop there. These same principles are the foundation of Rock House Ministries Computer School and Transformation Center in Kenya, ministering in the English speaking countries of east and central Africa. The resulting testimonies of radically changed lives are the real story of restoration.

You could say the restoration at Rock House Way in Cadiz, Kentucky symbolizes much more than a quaint old rock house on Lake Barkley. Our family’s lives have been changed as much as the rock house has been restored, and Rock House Center continues the work of restoration in providing the pathway to rebuild lives.

JOHN AND BETH MURPHY ARE FOUNDERS OF ROCK HOUSE CENTER IN BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE, which provides biblical counseling and programs that transform lives.

615-369-0668 contact@rockhousecenter.com www.rockhousecenter.com

on the river with

Hank

AN INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTY MARTIN

If you explore the Kentucky Lake waters around Paris, Tennessee, you just might cross the path of Hank Williams, Jr. His home on the Tennessee River blends with the backdrop of the rolling hills, a lake teeming with fish and wildlife and the quiet, peaceful surroundings he loves to roam.

We asked Williams about his music, his direction and his life on the water…

photo courtesy of Webster and Associates PR

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Steve McAdams

Your home now is near the water…what does life on the water mean to you?

I am a hunting and fishing kind of guy! I love taking those little ones out on the lake to throw that bait in the water and catch their first fish.

That’s such a great feeling.

S

Patriot.

Fisherman.

Hunter.

Legend.

ome consider him a lone voice. Others would nominate him for President. Either way, he’s a man based on principal not afraid to speak his mind. And in the land of the free and home of the brave, you just plain have to respect that.

Kentucky Lake is teeming with fish and wildlife…and one American legend who effectively reflects the values and beliefs held sacred by many Southerners…Hank Williams, Jr. Of all the music you’ve made, what is your favorite song?

Songs are different in so many ways.

Some I have written are more special than others, while others may have been bigger hits. Songs that daddy wrote are also always special.

If you could change one thing in the South, what would it be?

Well, if you have heard my song “If The South Would Have Won We’d Had It Made” you can understand my

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thoughts on the South. I have places in Montana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. 3 of the 4 are in the South!!!

What music entertainer turns your head today?

I really like Eric Church. I got to know him when he was opening shows for me a few years ago and he was just a good guy. His wife and her family are from close to where I live now in Paris, Tennessee. I taught Eric about going metal detecting for Civil War artifacts.

LOVE the video you did for “A Country Boy Can Survive” on the towboat. Really loved the theme…

The record company handles that stuff. It was a cold day on the Cumberland River in Nashville, but it was a great concept for a video.

Lots of people related to the video.

What’s your favorite pastime on the water?

Well, I only get on the lake when I am fishing. I have a place in Florida where we go out on the ocean and deep sea fish or on Kentucky Lake where we just go out trolling.

Your favorite meal?

Soft shell crab and some good sushi or jambalaya.

Favorite drink?

Jim Beam and Coke Advice for parents?

Well that is tough one, I have a 16 year old and its hard enough for me to always be there when I am needed much less give someone advise on how to raise their kids.

Are you still writing songs?

Yes, I write all the time. Things just come to me and I grab a pad and write them down.

T What’s your latest project?

I am not working on a project right now, my last one is still doing good.

Old School New Rules is on my own label, Bocephus Records, in a partnership with Blaster Records.

October 2011…

If you ask Hank Williams, Jr. a question, he answers honestly and boldly. But in a guest appearance on FOX Network’s “Fox and Friends”, he was angry about the way the country was headed, concerned that politics is staged and politicians forget they serve the American people. A comparison of President Obama to Adolf Hitler fanned the flame. His honesty sparked a turn of events that would end his 20-year run as the voice of Monday Night Football.

Williams’ latest release, Old School New Rules speaks bluntly about that appearance, Williams’ opinions on the state of the nation and revisits some of his father’s classics in an effort to bring the listeners back to their roots. The highlight singles, a duet with Merle Haggard on his classic “Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” and a duet with Brad Paisley “I’m Gonna Get Drunk and Play Hank Williams” give fans the Hank Wiliams, Jr. sound they love.

What are Hank Jr.’s goals?

Don’t really have goals. I am happy where I am right now.

Best day fishing and where?

Apalachicola, Florida. I love to go deep sea fishing. I had a great time when I took my manager Ken Levitan, my agent Greg Oswald, and my publicist Kirt Webster out on a fishing excursion.

What were you catching?

Ken was fishing for red fish and brought in a shark! Then we ended up having a nice dinner with scallops, oysters, and shrimp once we got back to the house.

Best day hunting and where?

Well that is a toss-up. I have a place in Montana, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. I have hunting spots at all of them except Florida. I love to go to Maine on a bear hunt. I love to go to Colorado on elk hunts. I really love it. But the best thing is to take a young boy or girl out and let them get their first deer or turkey…now that is fun!

You performed at the Bash on Broadway this past New Year’s Eve. Our readers that attended say it was the best ever. What was your favorite part of the concert?

New Year’s Eve was a special night for me, as that was the anniversary of daddy’s passing. I normally don’t do shows on NYE, but this was a special year – the 60/90 year. Daddy would have been 90 years old and NYE was the 60th anniversary of his passing. We are now in the 61st year of his death. What an amazing artist he was. The crowd was into it also, they had about 85,000 people in the street and they all seemed to be having a good time.

hat same night, at the “Bash on Broadway” concert, Hank Williams, Jr. received yet another award that tops the list of those he’s most proud. Operation Troop Aid (OTA), a nonprofit organization based in Hendersonville, Tennessee supports deployed U.S. troops. They honored Hank with the prestigious “2013 Patriot Award.”

Well known for his role as an American patriot, Williams, has performed at various military bases and continues to meet military personnel at every concert appearance. This is an award that embodies a sense of service, supporting our American troops and an overall outlook of honoring our constitution and promoting the freedom that our troops provide.

It was extremely fitting that the southern rock and country legend was awarded the Eagle Trophy for his countless endeavors to support troops overseas and at local hospitals and for supporting numerous military charities.

Williams joins past Patriot Award recipients Toby Keith, Darryl Worley, Aaron Tippin, Gary Sinise, Charlie Daniels, Mark Wills, and KISS.

What are your thoughts on receiving the 2013 Patriot Award?

I don’t think I need to explain what I do for the military ‘cause those folks already know what I do. I support our troops 100% and help anytime that I can. Getting this honor is great, but really our soldiers deserve the honors. They allow me to do what I do and allow all of us our freedoms.

If I say ‘Hank Wiliams, Jr.’ what would you say?

Patriot.

What should that mean or how should it be defined?

Love America and support the founding principles. lifeonthewater.com | spring 2014 | 33

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The Gulf s’

orgottenCoast BILL VANDERFORD | WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

S

lightly south of the Sunshine State’s Capital City...Tallahassee, one enters a natural world where little has changed for a century. This forgotten part of Florida extends south and east from Apalachicola through the Big Bend to Yankeetown. » » »

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Huge condos or perfectly manicured golf courses don’t command the horizon in this ancient paradise. The land is still dominated by small fishing villages that have survived the passing of time from the fruits of the Gulf of Mexico and the abundance of its marshes, rivers, trees and wildlife.

Though some commercial fishing is still done, seafood harvesting laws tend to favor sport fishing. Therefore, the unbelievable revival of spotted sea trout, redfish, flounder and sheepshead has made this part of Florida a Mecca for anglers with rod and reels.

The fertile, spring-fed, saltwater flats of the Apalachicola, Wakulla, St. Marks, Steinhatchee, Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers have also made the saltwaters of the Big Bend one of the most popular scalloping areas in the world.

It all begins in the enchanting seacoast town of Apalachicola that was once just behind New Orleans and Mobile as the third most active port on the Gulf of Mexico. This tiny village has a quaint appeal similar to that of a number of New England fishing towns...but without snow in winter. Fresh seafood eateries and historic lodging are an important part of the mix, but none are more famous than the Gibson Inn (www.gibsoninn.com). This Victorian style structure was constructed in 1907 and still retains the beautiful wraparound verandas that beckon visitors to lay back in “Apalach Style.”

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Historical lodging in Monticello leads sojourners to the Avera-Clarke House that was built in 1890 by Judge Thomas Clarke who fought in the Battle of Atlanta during the War Between the States. His son, S.D. Clarke, who became a judge and later President of the Florida Senate, was the last Clarke to inhabit the house. Many historical photos and artifacts can be viewed in and around this unique inn. For more information, check their website at: www.averaclarke.com.

Within easy driving distance, miles of gorgeous, white sand beaches are available at St. George Island.

Old plantations, historic homes and natural beauty are synonymous with the forgotten town of Monticello. This area contains much of the more than 100,000 acres of forest, swamp, lakes and rivers know as the Flat Woods. As far back as the time of the Paleo Indians, men have

hunted, trapped and fished in this prehistoric environment.

The quiet calm camouflages the mind boggling possibilities that are available in this rustic area! If you don’t mind some exercise, guided kayak trips into the saltwater flats with Robert Baker (www.tnthideaway.com) can be both scenic and educational. If it’s windy or if you want something a bit different,

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“

It would be hard to find a better area anywhere to visit than this forgotten part of natural North Florida!

photo courtesy of Plantation on Crystal River

TREASURES OF THE GULF’S FORGOTTEN COAST:

Clockwise from top left – turtle with two dragonflies in tow; swimming with the manatees at The Plantation at Crystal River; nesting herons along the Withlacoochee River; the Steinhatchee Falls; fly casting under trees on the Wakulla River.

Robert can guide you up into the picturesque beauty of either the St. Marks or Wakulla Rivers. These trips will have you grabbing for cameras constantly!

One of the highlights of any visit to this section of Florida’s Panhandle is the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge that was established in 1931 as a wintering habitat for migratory birds. It encompasses 68,000 acres between Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties along the Gulf Coast of Northwest Florida.

This refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven North Florida rivers and provides a home for a diverse community of plant and animal life. The refuge has strong ties to a rich cultural past, and includes the famous St. Marks Lighthouse, which was built in 1832 and is still in use today.

Though not one of the wonders of the world, after leaving Wakulla County, stop by Steinhatchee Falls so that you can say that you’ve seen it.

Any kind of sudden drop in elevation in Florida is noteworthy, but this one was made famous when Andrew Jackson rested here during one of his Indian campaigns.

Redfish, sea trout and scallops are the main reasons that visitors come to the sleepy little town of Steinhatchee. Nevertheless, it boasts one of the best lodging facilities in the Big Bend of Florida ... Steinhatchee Landing Resort (steinhatcheelanding.com). Steinhatchee also has a fantastic eatery that will “cook your catch” in ways that you could never imagine! The place is Fiddlers Restaurant (fiddlersrestaurant.com) and Chef Jim is an absolute seafood cuisine magician!

The summer scalloping in the nearby flats is among the best known.

The sheer numbers of scallops in Steinhatchee can be amazing!

the Withlacoochee River. The best lodging is at the Pine Lodge Bed and Breakfast (pinelodgefla.com) a few miles back in Inglis. The innkeepers are from Brazil and offer service and cleanliness not often found here in the USA anymore!

Yankeetown still has that Old Florida look with magnificent oak trees decorated with long veils of Spanish moss that shade the winding lanes leading to the Withlacoochee River.

The best way to see both the river and the surrounding area is by boat out of B’s Marina and Campground (bmarinacampground.net/ Fishing) with one of their guides.

Both fresh and saltwater fishing is excellent in this area, but the 30 minute ride down the river to the Gulf is absolutely breathtaking!

Anyone who likes birding or has an interest in ospreys and eagles will simply go nuts taking pictures of birds and nesting areas!

The Nature Coast offers something for everyone who loves and appreciates nature and the outdoors, and the diverse fresh and saltwater fishing opportunities are great (visitnaturecoast.com).

Regardless of the reasons for coming to this Gulf Coast paraphoto courtesy of Plantation on Crystal River dise, the trip is guaranteed to be memorable! With so much violence While heading farther south, stop in in the world today and stressed economics, the town of Chiefland to visit the Dakotah close by or “staycations” have become more Winery (dakotahwinery.com/main) for great the norm. Therefore, it would be hard to wines, historical artifacts and the best colfind a better area anywhere to visit than lection of live wood ducks you will ever see. this forgotten part of natural North Florida!

An hour at this winery is well worth the stop!

Any visit to the Nature Coast of Florida would be incomplete without spending a couple of days between the historic town of Yankeetown and the natural beauty of

For more information about these and other opportunities, check this website: www.naturalnorthflorida.com

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SEE the photo gallery lifeonthewater.com/spring2014

A Timeless Southern Boathouse with designer Beverly Farrington

BY MARIAN ACCARDI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLE ALRED

ust a couple of hours after an April 2009 tornado hit Marshall County’s Preston Island – a community tucked between Grant Mountain and Guntersville – Beverly Farrington hitched a ride by boat to reach her lakeside home there.

She found that the house had sustained minor damage.

The boathouse, however, was destroyed when waves lifted her ski boat and slammed it against the sides of the structure.

Farrington felt completely helpless that day.

“I was numb. Numb is the word,” she said. “Not only does your house look bad, but others looked even worse.”

Farrington, a Huntsville designer who launched Accents of the South 34 years ago, didn’t start rebuilding immediately.

“It really took me about a year before I did anything,” she said. “I had to grieve for the loss.” Farrington eventually saw “an opportunity” in the destruction and sketched out a design for a boathouse to replace the structure that was built in the 1970s.

The construction project, which lasted a year, left Farrington with much more than a utilitarian building to protect a new 19-foot fiberglass Chris-Craft, a Jet Ski, fishing and water skiing gear and a restored 1946 all-mahogany, 22-foot Chris-Craft named “Yesterday.”

She has a relaxing retreat and entertainment destination that takes advantage of the beautiful views of Lake Guntersville. And it’s only a 45-minute drive from Huntsville.

“Once you get on (Alabama) 79 and drive down that shade tree-lined road,” Farrington said, “your whole disposition changes.”

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Winding your way around the south side of Preston Island, you can’t miss the boathouse. The 1,800-square-foot footprint features a deck on the second level that’s connected to the main property by a bridge held in place by steel trusses and spanning more than 30 feet.

There’s no yard along the river bank, which is planted with a lush mix of dogwood, crepe myrtle, ginger lilies and rhododendron, and Farrington wanted more entertainment space. “That’s why I built the bridge,” she said.

Next to the boat slips on the lower level is a handy mini-kitchen equipped with a sink that’s surrounded by a concrete countertop. Cabinets were made from tool storage bins purchased at a home improvement store.

The lower level also has a six-foot-wide covered porch and a fishing pier. The water between the boathouse and the bank is shallow enough for children to swim.

Farrington believes that the most important consideration in designing and decorating a boathouse is “to know what you want to accomplish from it.” Her own goal was to create “an extension of the house and not a separate entity.

“I accomplished that.”

Farrington’s own firm designed the boathouse. A Guntersville builder, Kevin Linn, was the contractor, and Farrington relied on him for advice on the project. It’s helpful, she said, to have a professional who will look objectively at your construction project and make suggestions.

Farrington was required to submit a construction permit to the Tennessee Valley Authority for its approval. That process took a couple of months.

“The TVA is very strict about what you can do,” she said.

The Tennessee River system has 11,000 miles of public shoreline, and the TVA has the authority to regulate land use and development along that shoreline. Docks, boathouses, piers and boat ramps are among the structures that must have TVA approval.

In choosing materials for the boathouse, Farrington insisted on using those that would hold up well to the sun, wind, rain and insects.

“I wanted (the building materials) to look as natural as possible,” she said, “so I went with durable concrete board with embossed

wood grain so it had the appearance of natural wood when it’s painted.

“The boathouse was painted dark green (so it would appear) to recess into the water and not look obtrusive.”

All of the handrails on the deck and bridge were made from durable, lowmaintenance polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Farrington’s meticulous attention to detail can be seen throughout the project.

The exterior stairway that connects the deck to the lower level of the boathouse has a small landing in the middle to break up the long run of steps. She added a swing gate on the lake side of the deck to provide easy access to the water about 16 feet below.

Farrington wanted the boathouse roof to look flat, though it actually has a 1 in – Beverly Farrington 10 slope that allows water to drain from the deck.

“The siding goes up to the deck so you can’t tell I have a slanted or angular roof,” she said.

There are splashes of color around the boathouse, like the blue and white chevron-stripe pillows on the deck furniture and a couple of red Adirondack chairs on the lower level’s covered porch.

An American flag and Bonnie Blue flag fly from the deck.

A unique table that Farrington added to the deck is built from an old hatch cover off a cargo ship, and she had another table built that’s an exact duplicate, including the metal straps, rivets and handle.

The boathouse project, Farrington said, “involved a fair amount of work for the space it has because everything had to have its place,” including the roll-up doors on the lower level that provide lots of ventilation during the hot summers.

“I can’t say this project went without a hitch,” she said. “It was probably built a lot slower because I couldn’t devote the time to it.

I tend to put my projects off and work on my clients’ projects first.”

One glitch during construction occurred when a storm ripped the roof off the covered porch “just after everything was done,” Farrington said. Still, the bridge held.

Farrington wouldn’t change anything about the boathouse.

“It works for my needs really well,” she said. “It’s a great place to sit and relax.” And, because the deck can accommodate as many as 30 guests for dinner, “it’s a great place to have a party.”

“It works for my needs really well. It’s a great place to sit and relax. And, it’s a great place to have a party.”

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Fort Loudon Lake, East Tennessee

Lake Burton, North Georgia

Lake Martin, Alabama

Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama

Boathouses in the South can be more than just a place to store watercraft... they can be the focal point of entertaining. see more photos at lifeonthewater.com/spring2014

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WHEELER LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER

tiful

Visit Beau Fort Loudon Lake, East Tennessee

ER L E E H W JOETATE PARK

S

a

, Alabam

le Rogersvil

This boathouse was built by Knoxville-based Dock & Deck. With a 1,000-squarefoot footprint, the structure was built with all composite materials including HardiePlank siding. It has LED lighting, automated watercraft lifts and a remotecontrolled audio system. (submitted by Jason Varney, Dock & Deck--Dock 8)

Lake Burton, North Georgia Built by Mountain Works Service Co. of Clayton, Georgia, this boathouse replaced one destroyed by tornadoes in spring 2011. It sits on a permanent foundation and is wood framed with white pine board-and-batten siding. It has an open timber roof with white pine tongue-and-groove ceilings, and two-thirds of the top floor is covered. Electric boat hoists hold a ski boat, pontoon boat and canoe. (submitted by James Dunlap, Mountain Works Service)

Lake Martin, Alabama This boathouse constructed by Lake Martin Dock Co. of Eclectic, Alabama has a 12-foot by 28-foot slip, with a HiTide 8,000-pound, all aluminum/stainless steel gear drive boatlift with remote. The covered area is 22 feet by 25 feet. The structure has TimberTech PVC decking with a picture-framed pattern. It has standing seam metal roofing with a pine tongue-and-groove ceiling. Rope details and handrails were added for a nautical touch.

(Carroll family boathouse, submitted by Jim Bain)

Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama This triple-slip, double-deck boathouse was designed by King Quality Boat Docks of Crane Hill, Alabama. It has the largest footprint for residential use allowed on the lake

by Alabama Power Shoreline Management. At about 3,500 square feet, the structure was built with hot dipped galvanized steel and EverGrain weathered wood decking. It has two HydroHoist boat lifts and two HydroPort wave runner drive-on pads. (submitted by Daryl Slate, King Quality Boat Docks)

What would you like to do this weekend? boating

fishing

hiking

camping

swimming

golfing

paddleboard rental pontoon or fishing boat rental dine at Daniella’s Waterfront lounge by the waterfront pool stay on your boat poolside take a run soak up some rays RELAX

JOE WHEELER

STATE PARK RESORT A Vacation Anytime!

RESORT

256-247-5461 STATE PARK

256-247-5466 ALAPARK.COM/JOEWHEELER For upcoming events, visit

www.lifeonthewater.com/joewheeler lifeonthewater.com

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VISIT lifeonthewater.com/spring2014 for our Question & Answer Session with Betty and more details of her Bucket List Trip on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers.

BY CHRISTY MARTIN BETTY BLACKWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE he snow was just starting to fall. The General Jackson Showboat was sneaking by an Ingram towboat as I watched from the sun-room of Betty Blackwell’s riverfront home on the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee.

We talked about her life and her experiences in the music business. But early on, I knew this would not be a story about country music. It would be a story about living your dreams, a story about living for today, not yesterday. This would be a story about not waiting until everything is in place and the timing is right. Betty Blackwell had developed her “Bucket List” of dreams. And she would tell you, “If you wait until everything in life is perfect, you will most likely never live your dream.” lifeonthewater.com | spring 2014 | 47

Number one on her Bucket List was to travel by boat to the beginning of the Tennessee River. She wanted to see beyond the Cumberland River. She wanted to experience the South by way of the ancient waterways, that in many ways have not changed except for the locks and dams built in the 1930’s.

HER LIFE Nashville is the city that means music. Betty Blackwell, or Betty Holt as she was known then, was there when country music began its international explosion. After a career with American Airlines in Dallas, Texas as a flight attendant, Betty returned home to Lebanon

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and Nashville. A girlfriend asked her to come to the first Disc Jockey Convention in Nashville. Within a few days, Betty was offered a job with a record promotion company. In the 1970s, she was offered a job with MEGA Records. Betty was doing promotions at the time Sammi Smith cut her hit single “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” one of Kris Kristofferson’s first #1 pop crossover hits in country music.

“It was as simple as calling radio stations and asking them to play our songs. Making friends…that’s what my job was for years,” Betty told me from her home on the Cumberland River.

Later, Billy Davis, Worldwide Music Director with McCann Ericson in New York hired Betty. The company produced commercials for Coca-Cola such as “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” and Dottie West’s hit commercial and song “Country Sunshine”. After that, Betty became the manager of the Nashville offices of Chevis and Shada Music Publishing Companies.

“It was an exciting time to be in the music business,” Betty tells us as we scan the magazine articles and newspaper clippings of her life that day at her home on the banks of the Cumberland River.

HER LOVE Betty married her friend and soul mate Charlie Blackwell in 1993.

He owned a cash register company and a respected boat dealership, Nashville Marine. After selling the business in the mid-2000’s, they both retired. Married for 20 years, the couple roamed the waters of the Gulf Coast and Florida’s west coast on a 53’ Hatteras Sportfish.

When they decided to slow down, getting a houseboat on the Cumberland River became their focus.

THE DREAM Dreams come in all shapes and sizes. Betty’s was in the form of a 67-foot houseboat built by Fantasy Houseboats in Monticello, Kentucky, the only company at the time that would allow her to design her dream boat. After four months, she and husband Charlie took possession in August 2007.

For Betty, the dream had another chapter. She wanted to take The Dog House to the beginning of the Tennessee River…where the Holston and French Broad Rivers meet. Charlie felt it was just too

far to travel so Betty had to put her dream on a backburner. Hoping he would come around, she waited.

In April 2013, Charlie passed away. Friends from all over came to console Betty. One of those friends was towboat Captain Jimmy Jackson from Slidell, Louisiana. He persuaded Betty to start making plans to live her Bucket List dream.

Betty and The Dog House began their trip September 1, 2013 and it would be the most unforgettable season of her life.

These pages are a photo journal of Betty’s dream.

“The sights and solitude of the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers can only be experienced by boat.

I would do it all again. I absolutely have river water running in my veins. I don’t know when it happened, but I am happiest when I’m living my life on the water,” says Betty.

We feel the same way and wanted to share her dream with you.

VISIT lifeonthewater.com/spring2014 for Betty's extensive photo gallery and inside scoop about marinas, restaurants, sites to see and more. lifeonthewater.com

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CONTRIBUTING CAPTAINS ON THE TRIP: Captain Mark and Anita Chadwell from Cedar Creek Yacht Club from Nashville to Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

Captain Jeff Wilcoxen (owner of J’s Landing in Muscle Shoals, Alabama) from Grand Rivers, Kentucky to Florence, Alabama.

Captain Jimmy Jackson and wife Cindy from Florence, Alabama to Knoxville, Tennessee then on the return trip from Knoxville, Tennessee back to Nashville, Tennessee.

Capt. Bill Easley from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee piloted from Rock Harbor Marina to Cedar Creek Yacht Club.

THE PREPARATION Capt. Jimmy plotted the stops at marinas for fueling and overnight stays using an estimated fuel range of 220 miles, traveling an average distance of 80 miles per day, at 9 mph average cruising.

Betty planned a menu for each day and made her grocery list accordingly, knowing that some things would have to be purchased along the way. An oversized cooler on the top deck of The Dog House served as a pantry for non-perishables and things not needed frequently.

THE TRIP

BY THE NUMBERS: 9/1/2013 to 10/21/2013: when the trip was taken

25: days it took for the trip 1780: miles traveled 2380: gallons of fuel burned $ 4.25: the average fuel prices during the trip *$ 10,115+: total trip cost in fuel + all the extras “But honestly, the trip was so wonderful, it was (priceless).” – Betty Blackwell *

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I UNDERSTAND NOW HOW PEOPLE GET ADDICTED TO BEING ON THE RIVER. – Betty Blackwell in our Beyond the Story segment online, including her extensive photo gallery.

food

on the water

BY ADAM DeMAIOROBUS

WE LOVE THE CLASSIC BURGER, BUT LET’S GRILL SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR »»»

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Q: HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A BURGER IS TRULY HOMEMADE? A: IF THE INGREDIENTS YOU LOVE ARE MIXED IN WITH THE GROUND MEAT! These recipes are full of flavor and worlds apart from the traditional burger. At the same time, we wanted to give you options that are easy to prep ahead of time, throw in the cooler, and then grill later… on the water, at the campsite, or wherever you can take a grill! Don’t forget your favorite bread or buns, condiments, and toppings. And keep in mind these recipes are merely suggestions…so have fun with them and add your own twists!

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STEAK AND SWISS STUFFED BURGERS some things just sound good!

1 1/4 pound ground at least 80/20 sirloin 2 tablespoons horseradish 3 tablespoons steak sauce 4 ounces Swiss cheese, small cubes salt and pepper to taste Mix the horseradish and steak sauce into the ground beef and then form into about half of the desired burger size. Gently press the Swiss cubes into the patties.

Top each with another patty and press the edges together to form a seal. Cook on a hot grill until desired doneness.

JALAPEﾃ前 CHEDDAR BURGERS

burger with a kick?

2 lbs ground beef 4 oz chopped cheddar cheese 2 jalapenos, finely chopped salt and pepper to taste Sautﾃｩ jalapenos until soft and let cool. Mix with ground meat and cheddar and form into burgers.

Season each side with salt and pepper. Cook to your liking on a hot grill. The longer you cook them, the more cheddar will ooze out and crispy cheese will coat the burgers.

lifeonthewater.com | spring 2014 | 53

TURKEY & BLACK BEAN BURGERS and mushrooms, too!

2 pounds ground turkey 16 oz cremini mushrooms 1 clove garlic 1/4 yellow onion 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup refried black beans sea salt and pepper to taste Mix mushrooms, garlic, and onion in a food processor until finely ground. Cook the mixture in a sautĂŠ pan until very soft, about 5-7 minutes on medium. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Add black beans, ground turkey, salt, and pepper then mix all ingredients until very well combined. Form burgers and grill until cooked all the way through. These go great with avocado and/or pico de gallo!

CURRY CHICKEN BURGERS

these go so well together!

1 1/4 pound ground chicken 2 tablespoons mild curry 1/2 cup scallions, sliced 3/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped 2 tablespoons ginger, minced 3 tablespoons mango chutney 1 1/2 tablespoons Sriracha chili sauce salt and pepper to taste Mix the curry, scallions, cilantro, bell pepper, ginger, and ground chicken. Form small patties then make an indentation to hold mango chutney and Sriracha. Top each with another patty and press the edges together to form a seal. Cook on a hot grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until done. For less spicy burgers, cut down on the Sriracha sauce.

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GRILLED SHRIMP BURGERS yes, you read that right!

OVER-THE-TOP STUFFED BISON BURGERS

for that almost beef taste

2 pounds ground bison 1 cup pomegranate juice or cranberry juice 1/2 cup chopped dried figs 1/2 cup shallots, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons milk 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 slices Gruyere cheese salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 lbs raw shrimp, peeled & deveined 8 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup minced onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon celery salt 1/2-1 teaspoon chili paste 2 teaspoons dried chives 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme white pepper to taste Chop shrimp finely in a food processor then gently but thoroughly mix with remaining ingredients. Form into 3/4-inch-thick burgers.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Grill burgers until fully cooked. About 5-6 minutes on each side, basting with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce per burger. Top with whatever you like with shrimp i.e. cocktail sauce, tarter sauce, BBQ sauce, and fixings.

Bring pomegranate juice just to boiling in a small saucepan then add figs and remove pan from heat. Leave for 15 minutes then drain figs. Cook shallots in butter until tender then stir in figs and honey and reduce heat to low. Cook 6-8 more minutes until shallots are golden brown then stir in thyme. Allow filling to cool slightly. Then in a separate bowl, combine egg, bison, bread crumbs, Worcestershire, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form half of the mixture into patties then spoon filling into a small depression. Top with remaining bison patties and pinch down edges to seal. Grill until fully cooked (160ยบ) then melt cheese over the top!

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CRUISING AROUND THE SOUTH, OUR EDITORS SEARCHED FOR THE RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFÉ’S WITH THE BEST BURGERS ON THE WATER. HERE ARE OUR FAVORITES…

ALABAMA

KENTUCKY

TENNESSEE

LAKE GUNTERSVILLE

KENTUCKY LAKE

KENTUCKY LAKE

Located and named Somewhere on the Lake in Guntersville, Alabama, this destination offers the Somewhere Sunrise Burger, a little bit of breakfast on a burger with cheddar, bacon, and a fried egg. Other options include the Somewhere South burger with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, and salsa and the California-style Somewhere Else Burger with Swiss cheese and avocado.

Ralph’s Harborview Grill found at Moors Resort & Marina on Kentucky Lake boasts 11 different burger options on their menu including the Luau Burger with grilled cabbage, grilled onion, Monterey jack cheese, and 1000 island dressing.

Meo Mio’s Cajun Restaurant located at Paris Landing near Kentucky Lake in Tennessee has the Voo Doo Burger. With options to add ‘Magic Voo Doo Dust’, cheese, and/or mushrooms you can enjoy this Cajun-style burger with fries or onion rings.

Moors Resort & Marina 570 Moors Road Gilbertsville, KY 42044

Meo Mio’s Cajun Restaurant 130 Tate Drive Buchanan, Tennessee 38222

Somewhere on the Lake 3370 Hwy 69 Guntersville, AL 25976

270-362-8361 1-800-626-5472

731-407-4926

256-505-3463 Somewhere2b.com

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Moorsresort.com/restaurant

Meomios.com

From the Bayous of Louisiana ...

A Little Bit of

HOT with a Whole Lot of

Flavor !

TENNESSEE

SOUTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND RIVER

ATLANTIC COAST

Located in Rock Harbor Marina along the Cumberland River, the Blue Moon Waterfront Grille menu has the Venus (4oz) and Neptune (8oz) burgers both made with Black Angus beef, with several topping options, and served on unique bread options like Brioche or fruit buns.

River City CafĂŠ is a favorite in the Myrtle Beach area, with six locations along the Grand Strand. Their menu brags an overwhelming 36 different burgers including turkey, chicken, and veggie burgers along with burger platter options.

If you like making a mess, the peanuts are free and the shells go on the floor.

Blue Moon Waterfront Grille 525 Basswood Ave Nashville, TN 37209

5 locations on the South Carolina coast

615-356-6666

800-365-1773

Bluemoongrille.com

rivercitycafe.com

Check your local grocery store and if they don’t have it,

ask for it !

Or order swag and sauce at

datsaucela.com lifeonthewater.com

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THE BACK STORY:

GET YOUR CAPTAIN’S LICENSE Advanced Education To Be A Better Skipper USCG APPROVED COURSES!

We arrange the requirements for all licenses: • Drug Test • Medical Exam • Oath • First Aid/CPR • Fingerprinting • USCG Application Filing Process

OUPV (6-Pack) 56 hours course Known as the “6-Pack’. Limited to 6 charter passengers on uninspected vessels (pleasure boats) up to 100GT.

Master

For boats carrying more than 6 charter passengers for USCG inspected vessels.

Towing Endorsement

(4 hour course including test) This course allows the OUPV and licensed Master up to 200-Tons to acquire a “towing endorsement’ that permits them to engage in commercial assistant towing services for hire.

License Renewal

A one-day class to replace vessel time, to maintain your five-year license.

Sailing Endorsement to Master License

(4 hour course including test) Allows the Master Captain to operate a sailing vessel for more than 6 passengers or inspected boat.

Marine Radio Operators License Test

Recommended for the Master Captain to be licensed radio operator on a USCG inspected vessel.

We provide study guide and FCC test.

Take one of these courses FACE-TO-FACE with licensed captains & instructors: Grand Rivers, KY – APR 5, 2014 Monroe, MI – APR 5, 2014 Port Clinton, OH – MAY 2, 2014 Pickwick Lake, TN-AL-MS – MAY 3, 2014

A Peaceful, Easy Feeling Life on the Water’s THE BACK STORY highlights our resource companies that truly live their life on the water. Capt. Jeff Wilcoxen and J’s Landing Marine Service is a charter member of the Life on the Water family of advertisers, supporting our magazine media continuously since our launch in Spring 2007. For more of Jeff’s amazing underwater photos, visit lifeonthewater.com/backstory.

BY BETTY BOYD

O

n the job at J’s Landing Marine Service, you just might see the owner, Capt. Jeff Wilcoxen, rise up from the murky waters of the Tennessee River in full commercial diving gear. He may be checking props on a commercial towing vessel or examining the bottom of a 70-foot yacht.

“Somebody has to do it. I wouldn’t say I enjoy it. It’s uncomfortable with the equipment you have to use. It’s part of the job.”

But Jeff ’s passion for recreational diving has taken him to the clear, blue waters of the Caribbean. He’s lured his wife Angie and son Jeffrey to the mysterious life under water, taking trips with Black Beard Cruises, living aboard an 80-foot sailboat for a week. They explored sunken ships, coral reefs and schools of vibrant, colorful fish. He’s fed sharks via cage-diving and encountered mammoth sea turtles diving off the coast of Saba and St. Kitts.

Although it appears complex, Jeff says anyone can dive. “You don’t have to be an expert swimmer…or even know how to swim for that matter. The diving equipment regulates the pressure so all you have to do is float.”

Winthrop Harbor, IL – MAY 3, 2014 Erie, PA – MAY 3, 2014

HOST A CLASS

Take the MATES Course from Capt. Beverly Reed

Call CAPTAIN RON GETTER at 937-478-1947 or

captaingetter@truecourses.com

TrueCourses.com

MENTION LIFE ON THE WATER for reader discount

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Jeff and Angie Wilcoxen

Jeff Wilcoxen diving off the coast of Saba and St. Kitts

“There is a freedom in diving that I don’t feel anywhere else. It’s a peaceful, easy feeling,” – Jeff quoting The Eagles’ hit song Jeff admits that he is very safety-conscious and would be considered a “fair-weather diver.”

“There is a technical aspect to this sport.

This shouldn’t keep you away from learning to dive. But getting certified under a great trainer is key,” he tells us, mentioning that he was certified in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee by Todd Lubbitt.

“There is nothing else like diving. It helps you broaden your horizons and opens your mind to what’s out there…beyond what you see on land, ” adds Jeff.

WILSON LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER

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marketplace

on the water

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marketplace

on the water

“

Let our passion for boats work for you!

“

– Terry Miller

606-340-8652

lifeonthewater.com | spring 2014 | 61

marketplace

Swim with the manatees!

on the water

LIST$ WITH US

as low as 499 for 6 months lifeonthewater.com/ marketplace or call 877-274-0767

The place to stay & play along Florida’s Nature Coast

800-632-6262 PlantationOnCrystalRiver.com

PERFORMANCE PROPELLER Expert Propeller Repair and Sales

With State Dock on Lake Cumberland

Contact Tim Hackney 8365 Dayton Pike • Soddy Daisy, TN

800-572-5527 or 423-842-PROP

performancepropsinc.com

1-888-STATE-DOCK www.statedock.com

CUSTOM MARINE CARPETS BOATS • HOMES • BUSINESSES

THE RUG PILOT 423-504-6538

RUGPILOT1@HOTMAIL.COM

Lakes Water Levels Boat Ramps

Join

thousands of members

Marinas Maps

nline.com

Over 1,600 U.S. Lakes Classifieds Weather Points of Interest Lake News

www.LakesOnline.com

62 | spring 2014 | lifeonthewater.com

J. Nichole 256-706-2490

Waterfront Homes It’s a perfect time to live Life on the Water...

237 Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976 • Cell: 256-302-1510 Email: Ken@DiscoverOurLake.com Visit Our Website at: DiscoverOurLake.com

24 Cloister Lane, Scottsboro, AL $1,799,500

THE KEN WILLIAMS SALES TEAM LAKE GUNTERSVILLE REAL ESTATE YOUR LAKEFRONT SPECIALISTS

130 Pine Island Drive, Scottsboro, AL $1,299,500

Custom Built Waterfront Home 5 BR/3 full BA/3 half BA, 8,478+/-SF, 2 slip boathouse w/power, water, cable, vinyl interior, Trex decking & covered deck. One-ofa-kind home features Gourmet Kit w/Sub Zero & Wolf Appls, Island & bar eating area. Master suite w/FP, BA w/heated tile floors, soaking tub, walk-in tile shower.

B‘ment offers family rm, kitchen area, home theater, play rm & exercise rm. No detail was spared with this home – from granite thru-out to the elevator.

1293 AL HWY 79, Scottsboro, AL $1,499,500

Main channel waterfront home featuring 3 BR/2 BA, gated entrance, full guest house, 2+ acres, 450 ft water frontage, 2 slip boathouse w/electric hoists, electric roll-up doors & panoramic view of Lake Guntersville. Amenities: lakeside screen porch, 26x18 aggregate patio, 32x10 deck, hot tub, 15x15 stone patio at water, stone seawall, lake fed irrigation, professionally landscaped yard, 2 car garage, metal roof, & split rail fence.

364 Island Drive, Scottsboro, AL $995,000

Main Channel Waterfront Home features 330+/-ft of water frontage, 2 slip boathouse w/power lifts, 7-9ft of water, surrounding decks on 3 sides, 5 power doors, main house features 4700+/-SF, custom built full brick 4 BR/4 BA,spacious rooms, wood floors, crown molding, 2 full kitchens, 2 1/2 car garage. Guest house offers 950+/-SF, 1 BR/1 BA, stone patio front porch, GR w/stone FP, 3 sets of Anderson French Doors opening to deck to enjoy the b’ful view of Lake Guntersville.

204 Lake Creek Drive, Guntersville, AL $689,500

Fully Furnished Main Channel Waterfront Home 4 BR/4 BA, 2,742 +/-sqft, on level 2+/-acre lot with 215+/-ft of water frontage. One-of-a-kind lake home offers oversized 2 slip boathouse w/deep water. LR w/vaulted tongue & groove ceiling, stone FP, kitchen w/granite, SS appls, MBR w/walk-in, MBA w/jet tub & sep. shower. Lake side screened in cook rm w/custom built wood smoker. 2 car garage, 2 car carport, AND guest house.

2266 Clemons Road, Scottsboro, AL $679,500

Waterfront home under construction in one of the most desired locations in Guntersville. Amenities to include hardy plank, tile, granite, custom cabinets, crown molding, 9 & 10’ ceilings, vaulted ceilings & exposed beams in LR, will have 1100 SF boathouse, new waterfront Subd. w/underground utilities, curb & gutter, street lamps, sewer, wooded lots w/great view. Homeowners association fees $1000/year for aquatic weed control.

60 Goodwin Street, Scottsboro, AL $599,500

Main Channel Waterfront home with 226+/- ft of water frontage on 6.8+/- acres with over 5,300+/- SF. 5 BR / 4.5 BA. Granite counter tops in large eat-in kitchen with pantry & wet bar area, Hdwd floors, Master on main level with glamour bath, study, dining room, media rm, laundry rm, 4-car detached garage with Rec Rm above garage. Great home for entertaining with large screened in porch overlooking in-ground pool, Could build boathouse with TVA approval.

1026 Evans Road, Langston, AL $369,500

Main Channel Waterfront Custom Built Home featuring 102+/- ft shoreline, 2 slip boat house w/electric hoists/ doors, stacked stone seawall w/flagstone shoreline patio, excellent water, 2516+/- SF. 4 BR/3 BA, GR with gas log FP, family rm w/gas log FP, b’fast/dining, open kitchen w/island & dining bar, laundry, hdwd floors, ceiling fans, 9 ft. smooth & vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet, metal roof, Anderson windows, screened porch, deck & patio, stone walks & circular drive.

492 Drew Road, Hollywood, AL $449,500

Relax and have fun with this Main Channel Waterfront Retreat. This cabin offers 4 BRs / 2 BAs, 1552+/- sqft.

2 slip boathouse with electric hoists, 5-6 ft water depth, and amazing views of Lake Guntersville. Inside features an eat-in kitchen with island, bar eating area, living room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, 2 bedrooms on the main floor, 1 bedroom upstairs, and the basement offers 1 bedroom, laundry room, storage, and single car garage.

4448 Leaning Beach Rd, Guntersville, AL $399,900

4 BR /2.5 BA Waterfront Home offers 2,400+/- SF, 102’ of water frontage, Hickory hdwd floors, LR w/masonry FP, Kitchen w/tile floors, granite counter tops, stainless appls & windows opening into large family rm offering lake views. Master Suite features vaulted ceilings, glamour BA w/tile floors, whirlpool tub, sep. tile shower, double vanities & walk-in closet. All new interior paint, laundry rm w/built-ins & sink, 2 car garage, lake side deck. Can build boathouse w/TVA approval.

330 Bryant Mill Road, Scottsboro, AL $429,500 4 BR/3 BA Waterfront cabin renovated in ’07 featuring 1 slip boat house w/electric hoist/door, 24x10 side deck w/lake view, rock seawall, 160+/- ft. of shoreline & water depth at boathouse 5-6 ft. at normal pool. Offers 1641 +/- SF, 3 levels, GR w/vaulted ceiling, hdwd floors & FP, eat-in kitchen w/ SS appls, game rm & laundry, lakeside sun rm/family w/sky lights, large lakeside deck, flagstone patio w/fire pit & 1 car attached garage.

Waterfront home perfect for weekend retreat or full-time home for a couple or small family featuring 2 slip boathouse w/jet ski lift, electric hoists, 5 roll up doors, stone seawall, & sundeck. 3 BR/2 BA home offers beautiful hardwood floors, Living Room with fireplace, Open eat in kitchen with island. Screened in lakeside porch, and lakeside deck/patio Great for relaxing, eating and entertaining.

Heritage Court, Scottsboro, AL $269,500

SOLD

Main channel waterfront lot at the Promenade.

100ft +/- of water frontage, deep water 10 ft+/(per seller) spectacular view of Tennessee River/ Lake Guntersville, boathouse with lift & sun deck on top, min sq.ft. required is 1800, restricted waterfront gated community, inside city limits of Scottsboro.

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marketplace

Capt. Bill Easley

on the water

USCG 100 Ton Master Captain

nEar CoaSTal Florida ~ GUlF CoaST ~ inland

SHOP on the water Comfort Colors Life on the Water Pocket T-shirt $ 95 + free shipping

24

dElivEriES ~ lESSonS ~ TowinG

615-973-7129

lifeonthewater.com/shop

BEasley331@tds.net

INVITATION FOR RFP’S ON NEW MARINA

GET YOUR USCG CAPTAIN’S LICENSE

ONLINE TrueCourses.com

937-478-1947 • info@truecourses.com

64 | spring 2014 | lifeonthewater.com

The City of Winchester is offering RFP’S for construction/lease opportunity for Winchester’s new projected Marina. Deadline for receiving RFP’S and RFP opening is Monday, April 21, 2014 at 10 a.m.

If interested please contact Beth Rhoton at 931-967-4771 or email: bethrhoton@winchester-tn.com

Beth Rhoton, City Administrator CITY OF WINCHESTER

JOIN the North Alabama Boaters’ Association NABA is a non-profit organization established to give North Alabama boaters a network on the water.

Promotes Safe Boating • Give Back to our Community Network with other Boating Clubs • Host Social Events Donate to Local Charities • BoatU.S. Discounted Membership

northalabamaboating.com

RESOURCE DIREC TORY

marketplace

on the water

THANK YOU for doing business with the companies that support Life on the Water. Find our magazine at these locations and Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Hastings and other water-loving bookstores.

Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Life on the Water SURVEY Best FESTIVALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Boat U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

MARKETPLACE Aqua Services, Inc. (lake & pond management) . . . . . . . .

Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capt. Bill Easley, USCG 100 Ton Master Captain . . . . . . . . . . . .

City of Winchester, TN request for proposal MARINA . . . . . . .

GDS Services, LLC (marine surveys) . .

Honor Marine Services (surveyor) . . . .

Houseboats Buy Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lakes Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Life on the Water SHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Merco Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

North Alabama Boater’s Assoc. . . . . . .

Performance Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shinerz Showcar Cleaning Supplies . .

That Girl Commercial Photography . . .

The Rug Pilot (custom carpet) . . . . . . .

True Course Captain’s School Online . .

Waterfront Property & Homes . . . . . . .

Yacht Surveyors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D.a.T. Sauce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA The Plantation on Crystal River . . . . 62 DOUGLAS LAKE, TENNESSEE Jefferson County, Tennessee . . . . . . 15 LAKE HIWASSEE, NORTH CAROLINA Mountain View Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Jack Martin & Associates Insurance . . . . . . . . Inside front cover, 65 KENTUCKY LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER Cuba Landing Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Perryville Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 KENTUCKY LAKE – Wayne County, Tennessee City of Clifton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Clifton Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dusty Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ernie’s Smokehouse Grill . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Wayne County, TN Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 LAKE BARKLEY, KENTUCKY Grand Rivers, Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . 14 LAKE CUMBERLAND State Dock Houseboat Rental . . . . . . 62 LAKE GUNTERSVILLE Alred Marina & Marine Service . . 12, 13 Freedom Marine Center, LLC . . . . . . . .3 Gunter’s Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Guntersville Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Guntersville, Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ken Williams Lake Guntersville Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Somewhere on the Lake . . . . . . . . . . 34 LAKE LANIER, GEORGIA Buford, Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 LAKE OCOEE Lake Ocoee Inn & Lake Ocoee Rafting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 lifeonthewater.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Life on the Water CONTEST 2014 Photo Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Life on the Water EVENT Toast of the ‘Tiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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meditations

on the water

“It is life, I think, to watch the water.

A man can learn so many things.”

– Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

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