Southern Vacations » Cajun Recipes » North Georgia Fly Fishing » SPECIAL SECTION:
Life Water On the Water Resource Library
on the
SOUTHERN WAYS. SUNSHINE DAYS.
escape to
Southwest Louisiana
$4.95 » WINTER 2014
LIFEONTHEWATER.COM
on the bayou with
GATOR QUEEN LIZ CAVALIER | | lifeonthewater.com
winter 2014
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presents…
Discover the South’s great outdoors…
Boats. RVs. and everything in between. January 10-12, 2014
January 30-February 2, 2014 For UPDATES and PROMOTIONS, follow us on FB and TWITTER The Boat Show Huntsville – facebook.com search THE BOAT SHOW HUNTSVILLE, twitter.com BOATSHOWHSV The Chattanooga Boat & Sport Show – facebook.com search CHATTANOOGA BOAT AND SPORT SHOW, twitter.com CHATTANOOGABOATSHOW
bkproductions.com
Visit for exhibitor applications and show details
Meet the Hooter Girls in Huntsville Frid ay, Saturday and Su n d ay
ADMISSION HUNTSVILLE - FRIDAY CHATTANOOGA - THURSDAY & FRIDAY For Life on the Water readers, Facebook fans and Twitter followers Simply show this ad…no need to cut it out… or print from your computer at lifeonthewater.com/$2off
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Check out these great shows too… The
NorthMississippi Boat Super Show
JAN 17-19, 2014
JAN 24 -26, 2014
JAN 31 - FEB 2, 2014
FEB 7-8, 2014
Life Water on the
2014
PHOTO CONTEST
CLINE JONES - 1ST PLACE 2013
SHOW US YOUR
LIFE ON THE WATER WIN $500 CASH! Sponsored by
with BK Productions CONTEST RULES • Photos must be a minimum of 1200 x 1200 pixels
ALAN WORKMAN - 2ND PLACE 2013
• Your name, address, email address, phone number and where the photo was taken must be included in the email with the photo • Limit 10 photo entries per person • Optional - tell the story behind the image include a brief explanation of the photo Deadline for entry is February 28, 2014.
Send to photos@lifeonthewater.com Winners will be notified in April 2014 LEIGH LOFGREN - 3RD PLACE 2013
Winning photos will be published in a future issue of Life on the Water magazine. lifeonthewater.com
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Life Water WINTER 2014
on the
SOUTHERN WAYS. SUNSHINE DAYS.
featured on the water
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The Beauty of Fly-Fishing in North Georgia
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SPECIAL SECTION: On the Water Resource Library
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A Southerner Heads South
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On the Bayou with Liz Cavalier
Bill Vanderford takes us to the waters of the Toccoa River and the Blue Ridge Mountains for the peaceful pastime of fly fishing.
Just a few of the titles for articles we've collected answering readers' questions, organized in a digital library online at lifeonthewater.com.
The land in Southwest Louisiana is known as America's Outback. Through hurricanes and oil spills, this land has survived and thrives as a vacation destination.
She is a mom and wife. And she hunts alligator. Meet The History Channel's Swamp People star Liz Cavalier, the Gator Queen.
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departments on the water
essentials on the water
19 Events
10 Reflections
16 Home, Boat and RV shows to get your vacation planning started early
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from Editor & Publisher Christy Martin
14 Voices
22 Flo Rivers
your letters, posts and tweets
Meet the magazine’s alter ego, Flo Rivers, as she explains how to cope “When Good Vacations Go Bad”
16 lifeonthewater.com
your online resource for life in the South... on the water
24 Products
58 Marketplace
8 ‘Must-Have’ products for your next vacation
waterfront homes, boats, clubs, services FOR SALE on the water
49 Food
Cajun recipes from the table of Liz Cavalier, the Gator Queen of The History Channel’s Swamp People
65 Resources
the companies, organizations and agencies that believe in Life on the Water
56 Scrapbook
49
66 Meditations
Our readers submit their favorite vacation photos
a final thought to leave with you... Southern Vacations » Cajun Recipes » North Georgia Fly Fishing » SPECIAL SECTION:
Life Water On the Water Resource Library
on the
SOUTHERN WAYS. SUNSHINE DAYS.
locations on the water 19 Nashville, Tennessee Cumberland River
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28 Toccoa River, North Georgia 39 Lake Charles, Hackberry, Lake Calcasieu
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escape to
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Jacksonville, Florida
Southwest Louisiana
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on the bayou with
Gator Queen Liz CavaLie r| | lifeonthewater.com
Louisiana Louisiana
56 Lake Guntersville,
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on the cover
45 Pecan Island, Alabama Douglas Lake, Tennessee
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A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana photographer Brenda LaFleur captures the beauty and solitude of the land known as America's Outback in Southwest Louisiana. See more of her work at brendalafleur.com
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Life Water
WHEELER LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER
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 BUSINESS OPERATIONS MARY CATHERINE LEE marycatherine@lifeonthewater.com CONSULTANT | FRED MYERS RESEARCH - STAFF WRITER | BETTY BOYD
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
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reflections
on the water
A vacation would do you good. A Southern way of saying you need a rest. A change of scenery. A new focus on life. Vacations are part of our fabric in the South because they are essential to growing and improving … and living. Some of us like new places. The unknown is attractive and magnetic. Others choose familiar, cozy places like their lake house, a favorite campground, a rental cabin or a quiet cove accessible only by boat. Vacations give us hope, motivation and a repayment of time we feel we’ve lost. They give us a time to talk and make eye contact. Or maybe just to listen and say nothing at all. With this issue, we wanted to achieve a couple of things…
» to spark ideas for great vacations that maybe you’ve never considered;
» to introduce you to the bayous of Southwest Louisiana – part of our Southern culture yet very different from our typical vacation spot;
» to show you the elegance of fly fishing – and the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia that provide amazing waters filled with prized fish;
» to highlight the best boat, RV and home shows in the South – so you can have a vacation every weekend;
» to introduce you to the topics we cover in our online resource library. We are proud of the many phone calls we get daily. You consider us your friend…someone you can ask questions about the lakes, rivers and coastlines in the South. So we decided to compile those articles in one place online.
Meeting Liz and Justin Choate was an extra we weren’t expecting in Louisiana. It felt like home. And that’s what a vacation should feel like. Home. By now you may have noticed our new cover, layout and design of Life on the Water. Sometimes, a makeover in look and attitude is just what we need to re-focus and rejuvenate. We hope you like it and would love to hear your feedback on this issue and its stories.
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contributors
on the water
LAKE HIWASSEE, NORTH CAROLINA
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. He can be reached at 770-289-1543, at jfish51@aol.com or at his web site: www.georgiafishing.com.
MARIAN ACCARDI is a freelance writer from Huntsville, Alabama. For the last 16 years, Marian served as business writer for The Huntsville Times. Working with Bill Vanderford on "The Beauty of Fly Fishing North Georgia" Marian was intrigued by the soothing and therapeutical side of fly fishing. Marian can be reached at marian.accardi@hotmail.com.
JEFF PROZAN is an artist from Huntsville, Alabama. In this issue, we debut Flo Rivers, the magazine‘s Southern belle alter ego. “Flo is everybody‘s aunt in the South. A long Southern drawl, a socialite but also loves to fish.” See his work and read Flo River‘s piece “When Good Vacations Go Bad” on page 22.
SPECIAL THANKS Justin Choate; Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau and Kaylen Fletcher; Anne Klenke; Angie Manning; Polly Fuqua and Swann’s Marina; Southwest Lousiana photographers: Brenda Lafleur, Dan Everett, Jim Dunn, Monsours Photography, Rex Fortenberry, Scott McClure
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
CHICKAMAUGA LAKE - TENNESSEE RIVER
CUSTOM
MARINE
CARPETS BOATS • HOMES BUSINESSES
Customize to support your favorite sports team!
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
THE RUG PILOT 423-504-6538
RUGPILOT1@HOTMAIL.COM lifeonthewater.com
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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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voices
on the water
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 Master License Towing Endorsement Sailing Endorsement License Renewal Marine Radio Operators License Test ON-SITE CLASSROOMS with licensed captains and instructors: Cincinnati, OH – FEB 1, 2014 Knoxville, TN – FEB 1, 2014 Cleveland, OH – MAR 1, 2014 Nashville, TN – MAR 1, 2014 Louisville, KY – MAR 1, 2014 Monroe, MI – APR 5, 2014 Port Clinton, OH – MAY 2, 2014 Erie, PA – MAY 3, 2014 Pickwick Lake, MS – MAY 3, 2014 Winthrop Harbor, IL – MAY 3, 2014 Green Turtle Bay, KY – MAY 4, 2014
MARINAS, BOATING CLUBS, other ORGANIZATIONS: Ask about a Skipper/Mate workshop at your marina with 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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WHAT’S INSIDE… LITERALLY I just thought I should contact you. When I gathered my mail today I saw the newest Life on the Water Holiday issue and got so excited. Sadly, when I sat down to look through it, the inside was gone! All I received was the cover. Can you mail me another one?
Jean Minton
A DEEP SUBJECT: WATCHES AND WATER I enjoyed the article from Fred Myers about watches and water. Next subject-sunglasses. I’d love to see something on that one.
Bob Sears
Douglasville, Georgia Christy Martin responds: We think that’s a great idea! Perfect for the summer 2014 issue!
Louisville, Kentucky Christy Martin responds: This wasn’t the first time we’ve heard this. Apparently, when magazines go through U.S. Postal Service machinery, they sometimes get torn…or in this case completely gutted. Usually they are returned to us, notifying us to send another magazine. But not always. If you ever have a problem receiving your magazine, definitely contact us. We’ll get another one out right away. 1-877-274-0767.
ROCKY TOP TO BIMINI Is there a chance you could send me a link to the Rocky Top to Bimini story? I just read it and wanted to share it with my daughter who is actually considering the trip next year!!!
Barry T. Slade Anchor Properties Knoxville, Tennessee Christy Martin responds: This is the kind of email we love! When something we’ve published can help a reader. We connected Barry with writer Ben Murphy as a resource for sailing the Bahamas. Now that’s SOCIAL NETWORKING.
FALL ISSUE MADE ME SMILE I loved your “Best on the Water” series highlighting the small towns. These are the places that make the South so wonderful. The cities always get recognition. So it’s great to see these small towns get some recognition. We’ve been traveling the Tennessee and Tenn Tom and look forward to stopping into these places.
Christine Lebonowitz aboard My Time Rochester, Minnesota
WE FORGOT MEMPHIS The holiday celebrations on the water section of your December issue was good. The map is wonderful. But you missed a very good event on the water. The New Year’s Eve Celebration on Beale in Memphis is especially cool. They have a Bury Your Blues ceremony during the day on New Year’s Eve , then there’s bands, fireworks and a Gibson guitar drop at midnight. We love it!
Charles Simmons
Dyersburg, Tennessee Christy Martin responds: We will circulate this on social media, Charles. Thanks for contacting us!
WE MADE A MISTAKE
(in the Holidays on the Water 2013 issue)
Page 33, Wheeler Parade is on the 14th, per ad earlier in the issue.
Joe Benson
Pulaski, Tennessee Christy Martin responds: Thank you, Joe Benson, for finding that mistake. I think we have it correct on the website but the date for the parade changed after our layout. Thanks for reading the magazine so closely! That makes us very happy.
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:
WHEELER LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER
Ãğ ĥįí įQį PıÀ ğįďįďįď©íqÖįıîį qPıĽğ
FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES
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S A T U R D A Y , J A N U A R Y 1 1 TH 2 0 1 4
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WORKSHOPS // FILMS // SPECIAL GUESTS FREE ADMISSION. EVENTS 6 A.M. - 5 P.M.
MARDI GRAS-STYLE CELEBRATION WITH EVENTS, PARADES AND MORE!
WHEELER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN DECATUR
800.524.6181
DecaturCVB.org lifeonthewater.com
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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.
LOCALS WE LOVED IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA Meet the characters and ambassadors that give this region its flare.
WATCH THE VIDEO Liz Cavalier talks about her life on the water in Louisiana.
SMITH LAKE, ALABAMA
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PAT RILEY is a houseboat broker for Houseboats Buy Terry in Nashville, Tennessee… and he’s a songwriter. Take a listen to his newest CD of Water Songs “Boats, Beaches And Babes”
The Best Place to Stay, Play, Relax and Enjoy
JUST GOT BETTER
50 TON TRAVEL LIFT
CO L O N Y CO U R S E I M P RO V E M E N T S | N E W O N - S I T E L A U N D RY FAC I L I T Y F R E E CO U R T E S Y C A R | N E W LY R E M O D E L E D C A B I N S
Surrounded on three sides by beautiful Lake Guntersville, our 360-acre complex is your complete family recreation and vacation destination.
MARINE REPAIR
LAKE FISHING
DOCKS RESTAURANT
GOLF COURSE
find us on
417 Ed Hembree Drive | Scottsboro, AL The marina is 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 lifeonthewater.com | Lake winter 2014 | 17
PICKWICK LAKE - TENNESSEE RIVER
PICKWICK LAKE AND TENN-TOM WATERWAY
Book your 2014 Vacation in Tishomingo County, Mississippi
Lakes • Marinas • Caves • Museums • Parks Arts & Crafts • Swinging Bridge • Covered Bridge
LotS oF SPECiAL EvENtS… few places are packed with so much to see & do! April 12 - Old Tyme Music Festival - Tishomingo State Park August 14 - Dulcimer Festival - J.P. Coleman State Park August 30-31 - Iuka Heritage Festival & Antique Car Show Iuka, Mississippi September 6 - Bear Creek Festival & Antique Car Show Belmont, Mississippi September 19-21 - Battle of Iuka Re-enactment Iuka, Mississippi September 27 - Waterway Festival & Antiques Car Show Burnsville, Mississippi October 3-4 - Trash & Treasures on the Tenn-Tom Waterway
1-800-FUN-HERE (386-4373) tishomingofunhere.org facebook.com/visittishomingo 18
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events
on the water
Vacation Planning 101
– Start your 2014 Vacation Season Planning Now – Visit these great shows in the South and find everything in one place!
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NASHVILLE BOAT SHOW
Nashville, Tennessee January 23 - 26, 2014
18TH ANNUAL SOUTHEAST US BOAT SHOW Jacksonville, Florida April 11 - 13, 2014
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APALACHICOLA ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW Apalachicola, Florida April 19, 2014
HOURS: Thursday 2pm - 9pm, Friday 12pm - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm
HOURS: Friday 10am - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm
HOURS: 10am - 8pm
TICKETS: $9 per adult, 15 & under admitted FREE
TICKETS: $10 for adults and KIDS ARE FREE!
MORE INFORMATION: NashvilleBoatShow.com
MORE INFORMATION: southeastusboatshow.com
MORE INFORMATION: antiqueboatshow.org or call 850-653-9419
Nashvillians can escape the winter chill and leap into summer at the 2014 Progressive Insurance Nashville Boat and Sports Show, which docks at the NEW Music City Center for the first time. This year, attendees at the Nashville show will find some of the best deals of the season, and can also experience handson activities, such as learning what it’s like to scuba dive at the show’s new “Be a Diver” pool.
Check this out…ONE TICKET gives you access to the boat show, AND the Oyster Jam Music Festival! Join them for a weekend on the water at the Metropolitan Park & Marina in Jacksonville, FL. The best venue in the boat show world boasts seven acres of dry park space, a huge fixed floating dock marina and convenient on-site parking! The show features live seminars, live music and the world’s most enthusiastic boaters. The music festival will be rockin’ all weekend with over 20 bands!
Children can meet Dora the Explorer, climb aboard Captain Mike and Calico Jack’s Pirate Ship, and learn about open-water safety from the Vanderbilt Children’s Water Wise Program. Adults can take free boater education classes, attend free fishing seminars hosted by professional anglers and participate in PaddleFest – a firsthand way to get a feel for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding.
The broad selection available includes power boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and marine accessories. If you enjoy boating and sailing you must attend. Hundreds of new boats and quality brokerage boats of all styles are displayed and available for purchase.
TICKETS: FREE ADMISSION
From 10am - 4pm, antique boats, examples of classic and traditional vessels, workboats, and fiberglass and aluminum classics will all be on display. Special highlights include authentic oyster boats, workboats, and home-built boats by skilled craftsmen, plus antique outboard engines. These unique displays make this antique show unlike any other! In addition, antique automobiles including Studebakers, Model A’s, Chevys and more will line Avenue E. The fully restored Governor Stone, a classic gaff-rigged schooner built in 1877 will be featured dockside. This beauty is a National Historic Landmark. The Apalachicola Traders’ Canoe, a hand-built, 50’ long, 17th century vessel recovered from the Apalachicola River will be on display at the Cotton Warehouse.
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events
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CHECK OUT THESE UPCOMING SHOWS (#4-#8) FROM BK PRODUCTIONS. BKPRODUCTIONS.BIZ
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Chattanooga, Tennessee January 30 - February 2, 2014
HOURS:
Friday noon - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
HOURS:
Thursday 3pm - 9pm, Friday noon - 9pm, Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 5 pm
TICKETS: $9 per adult, children 12 & under FREE when accompanied by an adult
TICKETS: $9 per adult, children 12 & under FREE when accompanied by an adult
On Saturday only, kids 12 & under will receive a FREE ROD & REEL while they last! All three days there will be a giant fishing tackle sale featuring daily specials.
The Annual Chattanooga Boat & Sport Show features all make and models of the newest boats including power boats, fishing boats, ski boats, personal watercraft, pontoon boats and cruisers all displayed in a 100,000 square foot space. Exhibitors and vendors will be offering boating products and boating accessories plus activities for everyone. Join us at the Chattanooga Convention Center in downtown Chattanooga for the longest running boat show in the Tennessee Valley area.
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CHATTANOOGA BOAT & SPORT SHOW
Huntsville, Alabama January 10 - 12, 2014
Boat dealers from across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee will all be under one big roof at the Von Braun Center for three big days. Look over the exciting new models for 2014 from cruisers to bass boats...from pontoons to wake board boats.
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BOAT SHOW HUNTSVILLE
Nashville, Tennessee January 31 - February 2, 2014
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NORTH MISSISSIPPI BOAT SUPER SHOW
Southaven, Mississippi February 7 - 9, 2014
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THE NASHVILLE RV SUPER SHOW
THE BIRMINGHAM RV SUPER SHOW
Birmingham, Alabama February 22 - 24, 2014
EVEN MORE SHOWS TO ENJOY IN THE SOUTH... 9
Memphis, Tennessee February 14 - 16, 2014
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50TH ANNUAL MIDSOUTH SPORTS, BOAT & RV SHOW
THE WHARF BOAT & YACHT BOAT SHOW Orange Beach, Alabama March 27 - 30, 2014
HOURS: Friday 2pm - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
HOURS: Friday 10am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm
TICKETS: $7 for adults, $3 for children 7-14, children 6 & under FREE. FREE PARKING
TICKETS: VIP tickets $15 or general admission tickets $7 ($5.00 with local ID on Friday only)
MORE INFORMATION: Coupon for $1 off per person at boatandrvexpo.com, call 901-867-7007, or log on to facebook.com/MidSouthSportsBoatRVShow
MORE INFORMATION: wharfboatshow.com
The 50th annual Mid-South Sports & Boat show is coming to The Memphis Agricenter in East Memphis with wall to wall boats, fishing tackle, seminars, vacation destinations and even a chance to rub shoulders with some of the Mid-South’s most well-known outdoors personalities!
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48TH ANNUAL TRI-STATE HOME SHOW
Chattanooga, Tennessee February 28 - March 2, 2014
HOURS: Friday 10am - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm TICKETS: $7 for adults, children 16 & under FREE! Friday: Senior Day $2 off, Sat & Sun: canned food drive, bring a canned good for $1 off MORE INFORMATION: hbagc.net Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga, this event boasts 100,000 square feet of venue filled with the latest products and services on the market and is one of the most respected in the construction trade, retail home products and service industry.
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DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE BOAT SHOW
Knoxville, Tennessee March 6 - 9, 2014
HOURS: TBD TICKETS: $7 for adults, children under 10 FREE MORE INFORMATION: Call 865-777-2628 or log on to downtownknoxvilleboatshow.com A fresh new boat show in the downtown Knoxville Convention Center formed by a group of long standing Knoxville boat dealers, retailers, and business people. The goal is to expose boaters to the latest and greatest the industry has to offer and to promote and provide information to current and future Knoxville area boating enthusiasts.
One of the Gulf Coast's best kept secrets! Located at the popular and unrivaled Wharf Entertainment Complex in Orange Beach, Alabama, The Wharf Boat and Yacht Show boasts 110+ in-water displays, 225+ trailerable boats on display, and over 75 exhibiting companies with a total retail value of all vessels at the show = $65 million. The Wharf is a perfect location with plenty of free parking, restaurants and entertainment options, a full-service marina and more. Special VIP preview Thursday from 2pm - 6pm.
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50TH ANNUAL ATLANTA BOAT SHOW
Atlanta, Georgia January 9 - 12, 2014 AtlantaBoatShow.com
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MOBILE BOAT SHOW
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BIRMINGHAM HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Mobile, Alabama February 7 - 9, 2014 gulfcoastshows.com/mobile-boat-show
Birmingham, Alabama February 13 - 16, 2014 homeshowbirmingham.com
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BILOXI RV & BOAT SHOW
Biloxi, Mississippi February 21 - 23, 2014 gulfcoastshows.com/ show-info-biloxi-boat-rv-show
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flo rivers
on the water
Eb says I’m a little bit crazy when it comes to vacations. Here’s to lessons learned… It’s my job to make the reservations, plan the itinerary and let the neighbors know we’ll be gone. Eb makes sure the oil is changed, we’ve gas’d up, and the bags are organized neatly in the back so I can get to my make-up if needed. But for all my planning and good intentions, we’ve had some doozy mistakes where vacations are concerned.
MAKE A LIST OF THE THINGS YOU USE EVERYDAY. AND PACK THEM. Toothbrush. Wrinkle cream. Eyeliner. I start organizing those items on the bathroom counter weeks before V-day. I make a list of everything and take sweet joy in marking them off as I pack. I remember that moment in the cabin at Smith Lake as I was unpacking and almost swallowed my tongue.
“Eb…did you pack underwear for me by any chance?” I asked. Eye roll. Head shake. The closest Dollar General is probably an hour away so I tried the convenience store down the road. Did you know that an infant XL actually works for a women’s size small?
DO NOT USE A SAFETY PIN FOR A ZIPPER ON LUGGAGE. The zipper on my favorite suitcase had snapped so I thought a large safety pin would work perfectly. Upon arrival at the Orange Beach condo, the first thing I do after checking to make sure all the commodes flush is tear open the suitcase, grab the bathing suit and head to the beach. Unfortunately, the safety pin inserted neatly into the palm of my hand. All I saw that evening was white coats and 4 stitches. I acted so pitiful that the physician on duty made arrangements with his brother-in-law, the new manager at LuLu’s, for a round of margaritas the next afternoon. 22
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DO NOT FORGET DRAMAMINE I pride myself on trying anything. Ocoee whitewater rafting looks dangerous but the guides tell you “Just do what I tell you to do.” I can follow instructions but nothing prepared me for the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. Note to self: Do not eat scrambled eggs with Tabasco just before rafting.
TELL YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY WHERE YOU’RE GOING Eb and I vacation close to home. That way, if I forget something, it’s not too much trouble to run home and get it. But I won a coupon clipping contest and got a trip to Cancun. I’m guessing that charge for a bottled water, peanut butter crackers and Ben-Gay from Nico’s Head Shop sent the credit card company into a tizzie. I had to put Nico on the phone to explain.
CHECK AND DOUBLE-CHECK THE RESERVATION There is nothing quite like being the ultimate tourist, complete with fanny pack and the smell of coconut oil only to be told by the clerk at the hotel they do not have your name and do not have any vacancies. Let me just say that when you speak in the kindest, sweetest, most-Southern tone then slowly begin raising your voice one octave at a time with contorted eyeballs, things begin to happen. Can you say upgrade?
Make the best of any situation. Vacation really is a state of mind, y’all.
Bless your heart! Flo
SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA - LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, TENNESSEE RIVER
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ALWAYS FOR ME SWIMSUITS When you’re not a size 2. This company started in 2000 on the notion that real women need real bathing suits that are comfortable, stylish and practical. Take one of these suits on your next vacation.
$49 and up Âť alwaysforme.com
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products
on the water
OIL OF OLAY WITH SUNSCREEN Finding sunscreen for your face that isn’t oily is next to impossible. Which is why Oil of Olay with SPF 15 is such a find. It helps prevent premature skin aging when used as a daily moisturizer and chocked full of anti-oxidants, vitamins E, B3 & C.
Vacation Must-Haves FANNIE FLAGG’S NEWEST NOVEL “THE ALL GIRLS’ FILLING STATION’S LAST REUNION” It doesn’t get better than finding an Adirondack chair and relaxing with a Fannie Flagg novel. Her latest is no exception. Think comedy and mystery in the South….and Wisconsin.
$19.95 » lifeonthewater.com/shop then BOOKS
MAUI JIM NEW IKAIKA 281-02 MR TORTOISE-SHELL POLARIZED LENS 64MM SUNGLASSES Dockhand-tested by Cole Martin who works at Ditto Landing Marina, Cole says “I liked the amber color better than I thought I would. But if I make a quick move, they move around too much. Maybe if they had a rubber surface on the side it would help.”
polarized/$249.00 regular/$205.95 » lifeonthewater.com/shop
COOLIBAR’S UPF CLOTHING The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a rating system that measures the UV protection provided by fabric. Coolibar’s patented fabric, Suntect, has a UPF 50+ rating, which is the highest possible rating. Shirts, hats, swimsuits and more.
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FULL THROTTLE SPEED RAY INFLATABLE 2-PERSON TOW TUBE
ALTERED LATITUDES UPF LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT WITH CHART
One of the few consistently 5-star rated tubes, here’s what Brian Smith of Elizabethtown, Kentucky says, “We had lots of fun on this tube. Well-made, should last a long time. Very good looking tube, quickly inflates.”
A t-shirt that protects you two ways. It keeps out harmful UV rays. And on the back, it has a chart of your favorite waterway if you lose your way on vacation.
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$35 » lifeonthewater.com/shop then APPAREL
SPERRY TOP-SIDERS With a tooled rubber non-skid sole, this is the one shoe accepted on any boat. Hundreds of styles for men, women and kids.
$59 and up » Lifeonthewater.com/shop then SHOES ON THE WATER
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LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, TENNESSEE RIVER
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featured
on the water
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Fly THE BEAUTY OF
fishing IN NORTH GEORGIA
BILL VANDERFORD | WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER MARIAN ACCARDI | REGIONAL EDITOR
with
T
he morning sunlight filtering through the trees along the rushing river was more than enough for my twelve year old eyes to make out the distinct shape of a huge trout suspended in an eddy across the churning water. I intently studied the trout’s occasional feeding movements until focusing on the tiny insects that were emerging from the water. With fumbling fingers, I managed to tie on a feathery offering that resembled the tiny aquatic insects that I had observed. Using all of my willpower, I calmed my trembling hands enough to make
a cast into the fast water just ahead of the feeding fish. As the diminutive artificial fly floated into the calm of the eddy, the trout made a move and my offering vanished. I swiftly raised the rod and all hell broke loose! The largest trout I had ever seen made a mad dash of more than 30 yards upstream before exploding from the surface into the brilliant sunlight in a shower of spray! Though my wispy fishing leader went instantly limp, I will never forget the brilliant crimson stripe or the power of my first encounter with a beautiful North Georgia rainbow trout on a fly! Most who have pursued the art of fly fishing have been both challenged
and inspired throughout their maniacal quest for piscatorial perfection. This consuming passion draws anglers to wild and beautiful streams and rivers in search of the elusive and colorful trout. Wonderfully, some waters in Northern Georgia still teem with the sought-after quarry and provide a picturesque habitat to satisfy the dreams of any fly fishermen.
THE VALLEY AT SUCHES Though I have fished the waters of Georgia since learning to walk, recently I discovered a trout fishing paradise that I had never seen. This hidden gem
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Bobby Still battles a trout at the Valley at Suches.
is the creation of Bobby Still near the headwaters of the Toccoa River, and was christened the Valley at Suches after the nearby mountain village. From an overgrown and almost impenetrable wilderness, Bobby Still created a perfect habitat to grow and maintain a trophy population of numerous species of trout in both the river and his two rearing ponds. It has taken years of hard work and dedication to build this beautiful and very productive trout Mecca into a place where people can come to experience the way the fishing in North Georgia was during the days of my youth. The angling is all catch and release and Bobby requires that one of his knowledgeable guides is always with anglers to both protect the trout and make sure that each fly fisherman has a memorable visit. The more than 2,000 feet of frontage on the Toccoa River is manicured of hazards like overhanging limbs in a way that doesn’t damage the ecology. The fly casting pond and the river are open and easy for experts and beginners, and all equipment and casting lessons are included at no extra charge. The trout in these waters have been raised from small fry and include huge adult rainbow, brown and brook Trout. The most prevalent species is the rainbow, but even with those, Bobby researched the many sub-species to find the best one for the North Georgia climate and water quality. He chose the Kamloops that is originally from Central British Columbia, Canada, and the Shasta from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Western USA. “The Kamloops is a much slower growing strain, but well worth the
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when the white man came. Those originals were known to the locals as “native specs” and rarely exceeded 12 inches in length. Bobby Still’s brook trout are raised in nearby hatcheries, grow very fast and are strong fighters... especially on a fly rod. This is an unforgettable place to wet a hook, but reservations are necessary. For more information or bookings, call Bobby Still at 706-747-9750, or go to his web site at: www.gatrophytrout.com
I will never forget the brilliant crimson stripe or the power of my first encounter with a beautiful North Georgia rainbow trout on a fly! wait,” stated Bobby Still. “They are extremely acrobatic and perfect for our kind of fishing operation.” “In my opinion,” continued Still, “the Shasta is the most colorful of all the rainbow trout strains. They are very aggressive feeders, making them ideal for our visitors.” Brown trout from these waters are beautifully colored and feed heavily on the rich aquatic insect population and fingerling trout. They grow to more than 10 pounds, but are not caught as often as the rainbows. The brook trout in the Valley at Suches are quite different from the native Eastern brook trout that were the only trout in these mountains
SMITHGALL WOODS The short drive from the main highway along the cascading waters of Dukes Creek to The Lodge at Smithgall Woods allows a visitor the opportunity to view the pristine beauty of the Georgia Mountains as they appeared before the onslaught of developers. Even the buildings that comprise The Lodge were built with thought and respect to blend naturally into the surrounding picturesque environment. The entire landscape of Smithgall Woods is like an artist’s tapestry that is illuminated by sunlight filtered through a misty canopy of sheltering hardwood trees. This nearly 6000-acre tract of prime mountain property near the Alpine village of Helen, Georgia, was acquired by the state of Georgia in 1994 from noted conservationist and businessman Mr. Charles A. Smithgall, Jr. It was immediately designated as a Heritage Preserve under the State’s Preservation 2000 Program, which is the highest legal assurance that the land will be protected by strict preservation and conservation guidelines in its natural condition for present and future generations to enjoy.
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THE ART OF FLY FISHING
The first and hardest thing to understand about fly casting as compared to any other method is that you’re casting the line not the lure. All other forms of fishing rely on the weight of the lure to pull line from the reel spool during the forward motion of the rod. In fly casting, the weight of the line is what propels the fly to the fish. The Lodge consists of several distinctive cottages with ample room for numerous overnight guests. Therefore, Smithgall Woods is an excellent place for individuals or corporate groups to enjoy complete privacy away from the distracting noises of the outside world. Outdoor educational programs are given to school-age children on other parts of the preserve through the Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area Visitors Center. Hiking and mountain biking are always an option at Smithgall Woods, but the real beauty is that Dukes Creek was named by Trout Unlimited as one of the “Top 100 Trout Streams in America.” At Smithgall Woods, fishing is limited to artificial lures with barbless hooks, and all trout must be promptly released into the more than twelve
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miles of pristine mountain streams on the property. Spending a night at Smithgall Woods is more expensive than going to the local bed and breakfast, but this magnificent preserve has a natural ambience that is almost impossible to find these days. The constant sounds of water cascading over rocks, birds singing and trees swaying with the wind more than blot out any distant noises of civilization. Mix that with the smells of mountain laurel, rhododendron and hardwood trees, plus the visual feast of a gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain setting, and no amount of money could give one the feeling of tranquility experienced at Smithgall Woods. If one wants to enjoy a stay at this beautiful place, however, reservations are a necessity, and they may be obtained by calling 706-878-3087.
Proper fly casting can’t be taught correctly from reading words in a book. It is a method that must be experienced and practiced until a person feels the rhythm of the rod and heavy fly line. The best place to practice is in an open field, but never while trying to catch fish. In the beginning, grasp the fly rod firmly in your casting hand and place your thumb on top of the rod guide. Pull off about 10 feet of line or enough to make very short casts while you become accustomed to the feel of the rod and line. Try to aim about 4 feet above the ground at the start and aim higher as you add more line for longer casts. Look for targets in the field and practice trying to hit them until the casting feels comfortable.
resources
on the water
Life Water on the
RESOURCE LIBRARY visit lifeonthewater.com for a library of resources and the FULL ARTICLES featured on the next few pages Âť
special thanks to BoatU.S., Scott Croft
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Want a better life? Add water. Our mission at Life on the Water is to bring more people to the lakes, rivers and coastlines of the Deep South. If only for 15 minutes a week on the shore or floating in the current, you’ll feel better and think more clearly if you’ll add water to your life. This guide was compiled from questions we’ve been asked by readers. The answers they couldn’t find. The subjects that didn’t seem to be covered. The information was out there. It just hadn’t been collected and presented in one place. We’re happy to do that in our online Resource Library.
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USED BOAT BUYERS BEWARE: ARE YOU BUYING A HURRICANE SANDY BOAT?
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AUTO, BOAT OR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE: WHERE DOES THE BOAT TRAILER FIT IN?
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10 FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC
from BoatU.S. – More than 65,000 boats were damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Some of those boats are being sold on the used boat market and protections are few.
from BoatU.S. – If a tree damages your boat and trailer, do you know which insurance policy will take care of the trailer? It depends on the circumstances…
Thank you for living life on the water.
Special thanks to Scott Croft and BoatU.S. for providing links online and photography.
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from Americanwaterways.com – If you’re traveling on navigable water, you will most likely meet one of these mammoths of the waterway. Here’s some facts you should know…
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TEN FUEL-SAVING TIPS FOR TOWING THE BOAT TO THE LAKE
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TAX TIME TIP: BOAT OWNERS MAY HAVE FEDERAL TAX DEDUCTIONS AVAILABLE
from BoatU.S. – Towing a boat can be expensive read this article to make fewer trips to the gas pump.
from BoatU.S. – A boat is considered a second home if it has a galley, an installed head and sleeping berth.
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LOCKING THROUGH ON THE RIVER from lifeonthewatertv – Watch a video to see the procedure to lock up or down to a brand new lake.
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FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR BOAT'S INSURANCE AGENT
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STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT ETHANOL AND BOAT INSURANCE BEFORE YOU PUT THE BOAT AWAY
from BoatU.S. – What makes a good policy for your boat? Boat insurance is not car insurance.
from BoatU.S. – Your insurance policy may spell it out… and it may not. Find out the rules.
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TO SURVEY OR NOT TO SURVEY…
from lifeonthewater.com editors – You want a boat. Or maybe it’s an RV. It’s pre-owned. And you’ve heard about a survey. What is it? And why you need it.
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15 BEST WATERFRONT CAMPGROUNDS IN THE SOUTH
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from reserveamerica.com – Ranked on amenities, location, budget and family-friendly.
15 TIPS FROM WATERFRONT PROPERTY OWNERS IN OUR AREA FOR BUYERS
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from lifeonthewater.com readers
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IT’S A NEW DAY IN FINANCING
from lifeonthewater.com editors – Get the facts on what banks and other lenders are really looking for when loaning money on boats, RV’s, lakehomes and other luxury items.
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4 WAYS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR WATERFRONT HOME
from lifeonthewater.com editors – Simple, easy-to-incorporate things you can do immediately to increase the value of your lakehome.
FIND THESE AND MANY MORE ARTICLES ONLINE… LIFEONTHEWATER.COM/RESOURCELIBRARY
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KENTUCKY LAKE - TENNESSEE RIVER
You’ll call your friends, too, when you read… 15 Best Vacations on a Budget in the South
by Betty Boyd
An online exclusive in FEBRUARY 2014! Lifeonthewater.com/ WATERBLOGGED
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WILSON LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER
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A SOUTHERNER HEADS SOUTH
escape to BY CHRISTY MARTIN
Southwest Louisiana Hurricane Rita in 2005. Citgo oil spill in 2006. BP oil spill in 2010. How could one region of the country sustain this kind of abuse and recover? A fisherman from Creole was interviewed just after Hurricane Rita. He summed it up in Southwest Louisiana fashion:
“Catastrophes bring out the best in us down here in the bayou. We’ll be back better than before.” monsoursphotography.com
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I
ndependent and positive, Southwest Louisiana would deal the hand they had been given. The can-do attitude of her people and leaders lured
my family and me to see for ourselves how this area
Brenda LaFleur
has picked itself up at the bootstraps and said,
“We will survive…and thrive.” THE LURE OF LAKE CHARLES AND SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA The popularity of shows like Swamp People (read our chat with Liz Cavalier beginning on page 45), Duck Dynasty, and Sons of Guns, has given the rest of the nation a glimpse of the character of Louisiana’s people and the spirit of survival this state has possessed since its earliest days. At the core of Southwest Louisiana’s resilience is her wildlife. Jake Darnsteadt, a fishing guide from Cameron Parish, told us that when a hurricane erodes the coastline or oil covers the surface of the Gulf waters, the stronger fish and wildlife will naturally migrate to better areas. And in a few years, the supply of fish and wildlife would be even better. As a Southerner that enjoys the rivers and lakes of our region, Southwest Louisiana presents a world very different from my experiences on the water. The bayou and her ways has a magnetic attraction for me. As we drove down I-10 across prairie and marsh heading to Lake Charles, we were hopeful that Jake Darnsteadt was right.
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HACKBERRY Lake Charles is small and really just the riverfront lake for the city of Lake Charles. But Lake Calcasieu spans almost 31 square miles of water. The fingers of bayou and marsh are teeming with fish, duck and alligator. Shrimp boats work alongside enormous freighters. Surprisingly, Lake Calcasieu and the Calcasieu Ship Channel produce the state’s recordsize fish every year. We were headed to the west side of Lake Calcasieu and the Hackberry Rod & Gun Club. I like their slogan:
“Ya shoulda been here yesterday.” Fishing was to begin at 5 a.m. but a thunderstorm was bearing down. While we waited, I met Jim Simmons from Missouri and asked him what brought him to this area. “You will catch fish. You just will,” he declared as he sat on the ledge of the shed waiting for the rain to pass with his bag of peanut butter crackers and bottled water in one hand and camera in the other.
The clouds lifted and the sunshine was our cue. We boarded the boat with Captain Jake Darnsteadt and Kaylen Fletcher from the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors' Bureau. We could see the Gulf of Mexico from our fishing area near a jetty. Speckled trout is the cupcake of the brackish waters of Southwest Louisiana. In less than ten minutes, we were catching fish.
Bait with shrimp. Drop the hook. Speckled trout. Repeat. In just three hours, we had our limit with only three trout that weren’t large enough.
LAKE CALCASIEU - REALLY A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE The next day we met Captain Tom Adams of Fishing Tom’s Guide Service and his son Tommy at Calcasieu Point. Today would be bayou fishing at its finest. Oil refineries line Lake Calcasieu’s waterfront. Louisianans are not ashamed of the industrial backdrop.
monsoursphotography.com
SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE
monsoursphotography.com
Clockwise from top left: Louisiana has the highest alligator population in the world averaging 2 million per year; Lake Calcasieu is known worldwide as a top speckled trout lake; Redfish abound in the bayou; black drum get bigger each year.
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monsoursphotography.com
Clockwise from top left – Crawfish fresh from the brackish waters; the signature boudin balls at Seafood Palace; White Chocolate Creme Bruleé from Pujo Street Café in Lake Charles; Mardi Gras means elaborate costumes in Lake Charles February 28-March 4, 2014.
monsoursphotography.com
SOME THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA:
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“These companies are at the forefront of water and wildlife conservation. They do a lot for the communities,” Capt. Adams told us as we reached our first destination with a row of brown pelicans guarding a favorite fishing spot. “The pelicans know where the fish are,” Tommy told us as we got our rods ready. I love that wonderful sound of the fishing line swishing over the reel. It’s redfish and they love to fight. In only 5 hours, our catch was just over 35 redfish, sheephead and even a few flounder.
AMERICA’S OUTBACK THE CREOLE NATURE TRAIL We had not seen them yet and it would be the first question asked when we got home.
“Did you see an alligator? Anne Klenke would be our guide in the Creole Nature Trail, a 180-mile trail through a wildlife preserve near the Louisiana Gulf Coast. This is a drive-through, up-closeand-personal experience that is free. The bridge walkway meanders through the marsh alive with bright colors from flowers, lily pads and butterflies. But we’re searching for alligator. Anne gives strict instruction that alligators are harmless but very protective. Do not poke, prod or provoke them. The trail curves and winds. Soon, we spot two alligators resting at the water’s edge. To me, the best location to observe alligators would be sitting in the van. Anne had another idea. She opened the door and walked less than 4 feet in front of them. No movement. That’s good. Then just as she moved toward the door of the van, the big one moved forward slowly, as if to say, “I am harmless and you’re not provoking me but I am bigger than you.” “No quick moves,” Anne whispered as she slowly lifted the car door, slithered around and closed the door quietly.
“Wow, look at the time,” Anne suggested as we crept slowly to the end of the trail.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BEACH From the Creole Nature Trail, we followed long roads through the marsh that are still dotted with signs of Hurricane Rita’s wrath. Only 26 miles long, Louisiana beaches have their own unique beauty. Holly Beach is rugged and undeveloped for the most part. The sand and surf reflect the rich content of the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf Coast here. The southeast tidal flows bring shells of every shape and size.
HISTORY, CULTURE… AND MARDI GRAS A.C. Bourdier is a colorful character in Lake Charles. He is the person every writer wants to meet who knows the history, gossip and lore of Lake Charles. A.C. shared the stories of pirates like Jean LaFitte, the infamous pirate of the Caribbean who made the Lake Charles area his hiding grounds. We cruised Shell Beach Drive and A.C. described the architecture, design and family history of almost every home. He talked about the timber barons that put Lake Charles on the map after the Civil War. And he knew the background and contributions to the community of the oil industry executives that live in the area now. Our tour of Lake Charles’ Mardi Gras Museum demonstrates the level of devotion that our Gulf Coast neighbors have for Mardi Gras. In Lake Charles, it is a costume-making religion. Room after room is filled with costumes featured in each year’s event. (Lake Charles Mardi Gras will take place this year February 28 through March 4.)
THE FOOD One of the best attractions in Lake Charles is her dedication to local flavor and restaurants. Luna Bar & Grill, combines
the tradition of Louisiana food with the live music and local culture of Lake Charles. Located in the center of downtown, their music venue across the street, Luna Live, is a main attraction for the younger crowd moving into Lake Charles with the oil industry. Chef and owner Dave Evans suggested the Louisiana Remoulade to get a taste of all things seafood…Louisiana crawfish, shrimp, and jumbo lump crab tossed in Luna’s own remoulade sauce served over romaine lettuce. To find food in Southwest Louisiana, just go to the backyard. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder. Shrimp, oysters and crawfish. Duck, alligator and garfish. At the locals’ favorite Seafood Palace, we knew we had found the place to taste Cajun. Especially proud of their boudin balls, pistolettes and of course, fried alligator, owner David Papania explained his family’s dedication to preserving the recipes handed down from generation to generation. In 1910, the city of Lake Charles was destroyed by a fire. Pujo Street Café’ is located in one of the few buildings that withstood the tragedy. Owner Dan Schaad bills the restaurant as Eclectic Cajun and it doesn’t disappoint. The Redfish Meunière, slightly floured and pan-seared, topped with a New Orleans-style sauce of lump crabmeat was amazing.
BOUDIN. IT’S A STAPLE ITEM. Southwest Louisiana is the land of rice patties…thus, boudin and gumbo are staple items on every Lake Charlesan’s table. (It’s pronounced boo-dan or if you really want to impress the locals, call it boo-day.) This tubular or ball delight can be made with just about anything Louisianan… pork, shrimp, alligator, beef or redfish. It is the rice, spices and seasonings that give boudin its signature flavor. The Boudin Trail includes more than 31 locations from Lake Charles to Cameron
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Parish, giving attendees the chance to taste the region’s spirit. We visited LeBleu’s Landing and Sausage Link Specialty Meats in Sulphur, one of the oldest companies dedicated to making boudin for commercial sale. Kevin Downs is a boudin master and welcomed us to the back to show us how boudin is made. (Watch the video at lifeonthewater.com/videos to see how it’s made.)
GROWING PAINS L’Auberge Casino Resort is an enormous attraction and employer for the area. Literally, a city within itself, another gaming resort, the Golden Nugget, is coming to Lake Charles in 2014. Contrast the influx of outside entertainment companies with downtown Lake Charles, which is owned by one family. Restaurants and retail are transforming the entertainment district.
Parking is easy and the sidewalks welcome you with gathering hubs of park benches and flower gardens. But Dave Evans, owner of Luna Bar & Grill and Luna Live says downtown Lake Charles needs more activity in order for the businesses to make it. “It’s growing pains like any other city goes through,” he says. “More shops, reputable bars and restaurants, art and music galleries featuring Southwest Louisiana culture is what our town wants and definitely what visitors want more of.” Southwest Louisiana and Lake Charles have survived. It is thriving with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. The smell of sulphur and chemicals would occasionally remind me of the heavy industry here...petroleum, chemical companies and shipping.
Yet we also caught a rare glimpse of the legendary pink dolphin that swim the waters of Lake Calcasieu, spawning conversation among locals and visitors of the good luck these mystical animals have brought to Lake Charles. This region is a strong example of how industry, wildlife and recreation…history, economic development, and tradition can be a ‘happy family’ and get along for the good of the community’s progress.
BEST SOURCE FOR INFORMATION: The Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors’ Bureau
800-456-SWLA
Kaylen Fletcher 1205 North Lakeshore Drive Lake Charles, LA
lifeonthewater.com/ visitlakecharles
Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana flourish with industry and wildlife, contradicting the skeptics who say it cannot happen. Photo courtesy breakingenergy.com
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©history.com by permission only
On the Bayou with the Gator Queen
Liz Cavalier Choate The History Channel’s Swamp People chronicles one of the most dangerous professions on the face of the earth, alligator hunting … lifeonthewater.com
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Each episode places you in the boat beside the hunters who have become legend in the Louisiana bayous. The “Gator Queen” in this land is Liz Cavalier Choate. Although alligator hunting is still a male-dominated world, Liz blends with the guys, keeping her focus on the job. She had proven herself to be one of the best on the bayou, collecting hundreds of her own tags. In one of the first seasons of the show, Liz became a part of Swamp People when one of the main hunters, Troy Landry, asked her to help him. Season 5 of Swamp People is slated to begin in February and Liz and her daughter Jessica will be the only all-female operation on the bayou.
HER BEGINNINGS Liz is from Pierre Part, Louisiana… just 3100 people in the 2010 census. For 35 years, Liz has hunted alligator in Louisiana’s version of the outback. Her parents took her on the boat for duck hunting, fishing and the family business of alligator hunting from the time she was in diapers. “They taught us to live off the land. Anything we need…it’s right here in our backyard,” Liz told me during our walk around the bayou.
AT HOME ON THE BAYOU The beauty of the bayou is unique… and something to be respected. This family… these people are so down-to-earth. They are real and it’s thrilling to see regular people make it big. When we arrived, their boys, Daimon and Destin, wanted to show our sons, Cole and Jake, their chickens and the set of new kittens that had just arrived. Justin and
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my husband Billy stepped outside to take a look at the 80 pounds of bayou shrimp Justin had caught for us that morning. Liz and I sat at the kitchen table and I sometimes forgot I was the writer on assignment. We talked about the perils of being a caregiver. Liz’s father had been very ill and she had experienced firsthand the frustration and pain of watching someone you love wither away. We talked about how
Even the issues that rise out of the bayou become a source of food. “The nutria rat is an invasive species taking over some areas of Louisiana. The state has a hunt where you can kill with no limit. My Cajun roots have helped me come up with the right way to prepare them and recipes that make them so good,” Liz explained and showed us a prized taxidermy trophy.
“Are you afraid of alligator?” I had to know. “I respect them. They are very protective of their territory…and their family. A lot like us,” she told me but went on to say positioning your feet on the side of the boat and getting your shot in just the right spot on the alligator’s head is crucial to alligator hunting. She pointed out that over 50,000 tags were issued in Louisiana in 2012. The hunt keeps the population under control and healthy. she and Justin met. Liz was a cook and waitress at a little café’ near Justin’s job site. He would come in for breakfast and Liz would maneuver her way to claiming the table as hers to serve. “That big smile and calm attitude got me. Justin is my best friend. When you find that, latch on.” She adores the bayou. To the outside world, it appears mystical and sometimes dangerous. To Liz, it is a different world every day that provides the food they need, the entertainment most people never find and the solitude of a lifestyle that is sacred. “We eat off the land here. From shrimp to fish, squirrel or alligator, the bayou gives us everything we need to survive.”
…THE TOUGHEST PART This slender, naturally pretty mom is deeply entrenched in tradition and passionately devoted to family. I asked Liz what was the toughest part of filming. I expected her to say a near fall into the swamp or an alligator leaping into the boat. “The scenes with my daughter were the toughest. I’m her mother and I want her to be safe. I’m hard on her. I know that I am. In the episodes where it seemed we weren’t getting along on camera, it was just the normal mother-daughter relationship. There were a few times when her mouth just got to be too much and I told them to stop filming. With that, I kicked into mama. Jess is a good daughter but she
Christy Martin
Watch the up close and personal interview with Liz at youtube.com/ lifeonthewatertv
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JUSTIN Sarah Palin has Todd. Loretta Lynn had Doo. And Liz has Justin Choate. When we found a number to contact Liz for an interview, it was actually Justin’s cell phone. We expected to be re-directed to a PR firm in New Orleans or Los Angeles. But when asked how we could schedule an on-site interview with Liz, Justin said, “Well, when do you want to come?” His directions to their home were a bit intimidating. On Google maps, Pecan Island appears to be Gulf-front. I asked for their home address to put in my iPhone’s mapping app. “Your GPS will probably stop working at the road. Just turn left… you’ll see alligator in the canal… keep going straight and take another left when you come to the bayou.” I thought he was being funny but sure enough, at the last line of the GPS directions, we turned left, saw two alligator in the canal as though they were the guardians to the entrance. Their home was on the left at the end of the road overlooking the bayou.
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THE FAME In the course of our conversation, it was apparent that Liz Cavalier Choate does not understand why she has such a following. “I’m just living my life. And people seem to connect to that,” she said. Liz is a mom, daughter, and wife doing extraordinary things. She is one of us, not a celebrity in an acting role. For millions of fans, she is an inspiration of strength and determination as they deal with facing their fears and handling the alligators of life. I had to ask Liz a very personal question. “Tell me you are making boat loads of money doing the show,” I asked Liz as we talked about the hazards she has encountered. “I will say this. I am making more money now than I’ve ever made nor thought I could make…but it’s not as much as people think,” she answered. She could see the puzzled look on my face. But I had to know what had changed in her life since the popularity of the show. “Our life has changed, absolutely. There’s t-shirts and key chains with my face on them. We’re traveling to an outdoor show or charity event every weekend. To
Justin Choate
Justin Choate
Christy Martin
is strong-minded. That’s a good thing but I’m still her mama,” Liz told us.
“I’m not someone made happy by money. I’m happy watching the sun come up right over there. I’m happy watching my kids, fishing with Justin, cooking gumbo. Happy is what we choose to make it.” live here, you have to be tough. We are an independent people that do not need or want a handout from the rest of the world. Sometimes, it is survival and I believe that people on the bayou could make it during times that other people might not. I am so very proud of where I come from and proud to raise our kids here.” “The fame will be over someday soon. But I’ll still have this. And I’m rich,” as she motions at the bayou she loves and the family she adores.
KEEPING IT
CAJUN FOOD FROM THE TABLE OF
LIZ CAVALIER CHOATE ADAM DeMAIORIBUS | ONLINE EDITOR
WHAT ARE THE INFLUENCES THAT MAKE CAJUN CUISINE UNIQUE? Most people know about the influence of French fare, but what other cultural cuisine has shaped the bayou’s signature dishes and cooking styles? In the 1800’s a large group of French settlers from Acadia in Canada were forced to leave when the British took over. The word Cajun evolved from the word ‘Acadian’ in the French-based Creole language. Along with settlers from Spain, Germany, Italy and England, the Acadians had to adapt their cooking styles/recipes to accommodate the foreign ingredients available in the coastal climate of Louisiana. If you ask a true Cajun for a recipe, you’ll hear a short, quiet, yet always friendly chuckle. But when I asked Liz Cavalier Choate from the History Channel’s Swamp People for her best recipes, she responded with a smile “got a pen and paper?” She was quick to list her go-to ingredients, but when it comes to measurements she says, “It’s all about taste”. In fact, when I asked Liz if it was frowned upon lifeonthewater.com
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to measure seasonings she quickly replied with a resounding “Yes, it’s all about the love of cooking and I just add things until it’s good.” Instead of a recipe that says ‘season to liking’ or ‘add to taste’ for a few of the ingredients, a Cajun recipe always includes Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning and additional spices ‘until you like it’! Liz’s husband Justin Choate summed it up. “We don’t make anything the same way twice!” He told me they cooked all of the dishes featured on their website to work out the measurements. Don’t we all wish we could’ve been there that day! A home-cooked meal is all about bringing family and friends together and that is not limited to Cajuns or even to Americans. Great food is a universal language. So my advice? Whether you’re cooking for 2 or 200, always remember to enjoy yourself and your company from full plate to full stomach!
ENJOY THESE RECIPES FROM LIZ CAVALIER CHOATE... 50
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BBQ DUCK ROULADE Seasoned duck breasts Cream cheese Bell peppers or jalapenos Bacon Italian dressing Cajun Power garlic sauce Tony's First marinate your duck breast in the Italian dressing, garlic sauce, and Tony's. Slice the cream cheese and bell peppers or jalapeno's into strips. Then cut each duck breast down the center from one side and insert your cream cheese, and bell peppers or jalapeno's. Finally wrap bacon entirely around each breast separately, insert toothpicks into breast to hold firmly together, and throw them on the grill for approximately 30 minutes, cooking them at about 325 degrees. Normally served with garlic bread, baked beans, and potato salad.
TURTLE SAUCE PIQUANTE 1 lb seasoned turtle meat 3 small onions diced 1 half bell pepper diced 1 small can mild Rotel 3 tbsp Richard’s dark roux 3 tspn Tony’s 1 tbsp Cajun Power garlic sauce 2 tspn ketchup
Start with roux, onions, bell peppers, and 2 cups of water and cook on low heat until roux is melted, and onions and bell peppers are soft. Add Rotel, Tony's, ketchup, and garlic sauce along with 6 more cups of water. Let that cook down on medium heat for up to 1 ½ hours, or until gravy is thick. Finally, add turtle (or shrimp) and let cook for 15 more minutes. Normally served over rice with potato salad and creamed corn.
FRIED NUTRIA OR GATOR 10 whole seasoned nutria hind quarters 2 tbsp mustard 1 tspn Tony’s 2 large raw eggs 1 cup buttermilk to taste: garlic powder, pepper, garlic salt 2 cups white flour 1 tbsp baking powder Mix all ingredients except flour and baking soda EXTREMELY well and then marinate the hind quarters in the mix for at least 1 ½ hours.
GARFISH COURTBOUILLON 1.5 lbs seasoned garfish nuggets 2-12 oz cans cream of mushroom 1 large diced onion 1 8 oz can mild Rotel 2 tspn Tony’s 1 tspn Cajun Power garlic sauce 3 tbsp Country Crock light butter to taste: salt & pepper, cayenne pepper
First, add onions and butter to pot and cook while stirring until onions are slightly browned.
Dip each hind quarter (or gator nuggets) in a mixture of the flour and baking powder then fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Enjoy with hot sauce. Liz likes D.a.T. Sauce, an original born and bred in Louisiana. Read their story on page 54.
Then add cream of mushroom, garlic sauce, and Tony's to pot with 2 cups of hot water and cook for 15 minutes while stirring. Finally add garfish (or other whitefish) to pot and cook for 15 to 20 more minutes. Normally served over rice with creamed corn and baked bread rolls. lifeonthewater.com
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YES, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE OF COOKING AND I JUST ADD THINGS UNTIL IT’S GOOD. – Liz Cavalier Choate, The History Channel’s Swamp People
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SMOTHERED SHRIMP 2 lbs peeled shrimp 1 half diced bell pepper 1 large diced onion 5 tbsp Country Crock light butter 2 tbsp ketchup 1 tspn mustard 1 tspn Tony’s 1 tspn garlic powder 6 oz cream of mushroom First, add onions, bell peppers, and butter to pot and cook for 15 minutes while stirring. Next, add shrimp, ketchup, mustard, Tony's, garlic powder, and cream of mushroom to pot with enough water to slightly cover shrimp. Finally, let cook while stirring on a medium fire for 15 to 20 minutes. Normally served over rice with green beans, and baked bread rolls.
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From the Bayous of Louisiana ...
A Little Bit of
HOT with a Whole Lot of
Flavor !
THE BACK STORY:
Born on the Bayou ADAM DeMAIORIBUS | ONLINE EDITOR DON TABOR | PHOTOS
W
hen I had the opportunity to interview Liz Cavalier Choate about her own Cajun recipes, I had to ask “What is your #1 favorite hot sauce?”
“Oh, there’s this NEW local stuff that I like to put on everything ... I could just drink it right out the bottle!” – Liz Cavalier Choate Needless to say, I was intrigued. With some internet research, I found D.a.T. Sauce and the founder himself, Don Abner Tabor. This Louisiana-born, water-lover created his own, true Louisiana original hot sauce after years of experimentation. Once he had the perfect balance of heat and flavor, Tabor hit the streets ... and the water ... to get the word out! This is a product truly born on the water. Cruising around the bayou with his business partner and cousin Scott Green along with the ‘D.a.T. Girls’, Tabor puts samples in the hands of anyone willing to
Check your local grocery store and if they don’t have it,
ask for it ! Or order swag and sauce at
datsaucela.com
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try the sauce. Even local celebrities like Liz tout the sauce on Facebook. With his ‘real job’ being offshore, Tabor keeps all of the rigs and work boats, such as “The Iron Horse”, fully stocked when he’s on the job...it’s now practically part of his job description to keep all the ‘D.a.T.-heads’ satisfied! This family-owned company even sponsors a drag race boat that sports the hot sauce logo as it flies across the water, exposing D.a.T. Sauce to even more water-loving Southerners! Life on the Water welcomes D.a.T. Sauce to our family of advertisers. Read the rest of the story at lifeonthewater.com and join our network on Facebook and Twitter for your chance to try it yourself ... WIN a bottle of D.a.T. Sauce!
WAYNE COUNTY, TENNESSEE - KENTUCKY LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER
Follow me to Wayne County, Tennessee You Never Know What You’ll Find at
D usty D iamonds The South’s Favorite Consignment Store
ColdeST Beer and BeST BBQ on The river hand-ToSSed pizza
Antiques • Gently Used Furniture Collectibles • Home Accessories Consignment items updated on FACEBOOK.com/dusty-diamonds
Open 1st and 2nd weekend of each month Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
532 S. Main Street • Waynesboro, TN • (Hwy 13 S)
931-722-9100
123 Main Street Clifton, Tennessee 38425 (931) 676-3939 Footsteps away from the Tennessee River MM158 and Clifton’s Dock for boaters
Visit Waynecountychamber.org or call for a FREE information packet 931-722-3575 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 lifeonthewater.com
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scrapbook
on the water
Many of the best pictures are uncontrived and all too often we see a picture in which the subject is so posed that the image appears overly disingenuous. It’s when the shutter clicks before and after the ‘1, 2, 3 smile’ that we can truly capture an image worth recognition. Perhaps this is why animals seem to be so photogenic! With our ability today to delete unwanted shots on the spot, there is no reason not to snap away. Enjoy these photos as much as the oblivious subjects enjoyed them in the moment and our advice…keep those cameras clicking!
SUBMITTED BY HEATHER SAINT » PHOTO BY CHANDRA STUBBLEFIELD A vacation can happen any weekend. Last Memorial Day, four couples decided to let our kids experience tent camping on the lake. We fished, swam and road jet skis all day. We cooked hamburgers, shared time around the campfire and ate s’mores. This was definitely family time at its BEST.
BOB HODGES » HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA We call this photo “Summer West”, taken in 2012 from our summer cottage in Seagrove Beach that has been family-owned since 1951. We’ve always looked for that special sunset. My granddaughter Amanda caught this one and I think it’s the best we’ve ever gotten.
DANNY SULLIVAN » My wife and daughters chillin on the Marlin Playas Del Coco, Costa Rica.
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JESSICA BLACKWELDER ESTESS » BELDEN, MISSISSIPPI It's priceless to see young kids become giddy with excitement at catching a fish. Taken on Pickwick Lake, Tennessee/Mississippi/Alabama
YOU COULD WIN $500! Our 2014 photo contest entry deadline will be here before you know it! The last date we can accept entries is February 28, 2014 and the winners will be on display in our SUMMER 2014 issue!
SO GET THOSE PHOTOS READY AND SUBMIT THEM VIA EMAIL TO PHOTOS@LIFEONTHEWATER.COM
SOME OF THE PHOTOS FROM THE VACATION PHOTO CONTEST AT SWANN’S MARINA ON DOUGLAS LAKE IN TENNESSEE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
» REBECCA SHEPARD » Total solitude on Douglas Lake » CARLA LAWSON » I just caught a fish! » JAQUELINE OLIVER » Kayaking into the sunset » REBECCA SHEPARD » Capturing the smile at the perfect moment » ROBERT RATCLIFF » Once-in-a-lifetime shot of riding the tube at just the right angle » MEGAN MAPLE » Bridge over Douglas Lake at sunset » REBECCA SHEPARD » Never too old to have fun!
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marketplace
on the water
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DON’T BUY NEWBUY SMART !
Marquis Yachts 4 to Choose From - 55’ LS, 59’ PH 59’ Sky Lounge & 65’ Pilot House
Sedan Bridges Several to Choose From - 30’ to 50’ Gas & Diesel Available
Aft Cabin Motor Yachts Several Manufacturers to Choose From Diesel & Gas - 30’ to 50’
Largest selection of pre-owned , late model, freshwater Carvers, Marquis & and more on Pickwick Lake! ! CAPTAIN’S CHOICE OFFERS: Certified Pre-Owned Yachts
1999 Tiara 3500 Express Twin Diesels – Private Owner’s Stateroom $149,900
Gibson House Boats Seven to Choose From - 36’ - 59’ $35,500 - $299,000
Traditional House Boats Several Manufacturers Available Gas & Diesel - 60’ - 112’
Buyer/Seller Services From 1st Time Buyers to Experienced Yachtsmen Yacht Delivery Services The Best Financing & Insurance Options
Silverton Sport Bridges 38’ Gas & 43’ Diesel $179,900 & $299,900
RARE 1989 Ocean Alexander 48 MY Diesels, Freshwater, One Owner $274,900
Car ver Super Sports Four to Choose From - 38’ to 42’ $169,900 - $299,900
Consulting Services Over 30 Media Resources Used to Sell Your Boat Over 30 Years of Combined Experience in the Yacht Industry
Sundancers & Cruisers Several Manufacturers to Choose From Gas & Diesel - 30’ to 50’
1988 Hyundai 49 Elegant MY Diesels, Inverter, Great Liveaboard $149,900
Sail Boats 2002 356 Hunter - $89,900 1965 32 Islander - $15,900
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marketplace
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marketplace
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LIST WITH US
as low as $499 for 6 months lifeonthewater.com/ marketplace or call 877-274-0767
ONLINE TrueCourses.com
1-888-STATE-DOCK www.statedock.com
Lakes 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
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GET YOUR USCG CAPTAIN’S LICENSE
With State Dock on Lake Cumberland
Water Levels Boat Ramps Marinas Maps
937-478-1947 • info@truecourses.com
nline.com Join
thousands of members
Over 1,600 U.S. Lakes Classifieds Weather Points of Interest Lake News
www.LakesOnline.com
CryeHLeike Pickwick Serving the tri-state areas of AL, MS and TN 25 Old South Road Counce, Tennessee 38326 (731) 689-8000
cryeleikepickwick.com 169 CR 33 - $629,000
12 Marina Cove - $499,999
Outstanding “A� frame in desirable Yellow Creek with walk out basement. Totally remodeled in 2008. Great lake views and your own private boathouse. David Harbin 731-926-1737
Fabulous, spacious, furnished waterfront 4 BR/4 BA home with a dock located near Grand Harbor. Open floor plan & attached garage. Micki Greer 731-926-1776
18 CR 329 - $639,000
110 Riviera Cove - $499,000
Waterfront Yellow Creek 4 BR/4.5 BA home built for family & friends on Pickwick Lake. Oversized entertainment area in the daylight basement with a custom bar. David Harbin 731-926-17347
Beautiful Waterfront home located in a cove on Pickwick Lake, AL. 4 BR/3.5 BA with 2 covered boat slips & community boat ramp. Enjoy scenic views & privacy. Hank Thomas 731-926-5051
65 Oasis Drive - $1,250,000
2307 Paradise Drive - $249,000
Expansive & stunning lake views from this 5 BR/5.5 BA town home on Pickwick Lake. Across from world class clubhouse & pool. Slip available. Randy Rinks 731-926-5058
3 BR/2.5 BA home overlooking Pickwick Lake, AL. Located in historic Waterloo, AL with 11,000 acres of public hunting adjacent to property & great fishing on Pickwick Lake. Hank Thomas 731-926-5051
55 Buck Rub - $442,000
60 Harbor View - $775,000
Beautiful 5 BR/3 BA home situated in a secure community. Boat slip, community swimming pool & tram within walking distance. Multiple large decks, perfect for entertaining. Libby Adams 731-607-1353
Fantastic waterview home located across from marina & boat ramp. Custom cabinets, granite tops, hardwood floors & wet bar. Huge master bed & bath. 3 car garage w/car lift. 2 covered boat slips and ramp. 2 fireplaces. Randy Rinks 731-926-5058
541 Bradley Lane - $279,900
325 Anchor Point - $995,000
Beautiful view of the Tennessee River. 4 BR/2.5 BA features open living, formal dining room & eat-in kitchen. Within walking distance of the marina & river. Sadonnah Gant 731-607-4422
Beautifully furnished Waterfront 5 BR/3.5 BA with rare east view of Pickwick Lake. Great outdoor kitchen with fireplace & TV to enjoy the view. Boat slip included. Randy Rinks 731-926-5058 lifeonthewater.com
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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
745 Preston Island Circle, Scottsboro, AL $299,500 Main Channel Water Access. Move-in ready, fully furnished log cabin situated on 1.70+/- featuring 2 slip open boat house, 5-6ft water depth & Great lake view 2100+/-sf, 3 BR/2 BA, foyer, LR w/FP, BR w/FP, dining, family, large eat-in kit w/all new appls. Cabin features screened porch w/FP, deck, hdwd floors, open beam vaulted ceilings, loft area, gated entry, new roof (2010).
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.
102 Goodwin Street, Scottsboro, AL $489,500 Main channel waterfront custom built home featuring 100+/- ft shoreline, 2 slip boat house with electric hoists, sundeck, seawall, excellent water, 1414+/- sq.ft. 3 BR/2 BA, living room with fireplace, hardwood floors, ceiling fans, loft area, screened porch, 2decks, large cover patio, and circular drive.
204 Lake Creek Drive, Guntersville, AL $689,500 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.
142 Polaris Drive, Guntersville, AL $349,500 Main channel waterfront lot featuring approx 1.3 acres with approx 205’ of shoreline, deep water and great view.
1470 Peninsula Drive, Scottsboro, AL $259,500 Choice Main Channel Waterfront Lot featuring 169+/- ft of shoreline, .52 acres, fantastic view, protective covenants, curbs & gutters, underground utilities, natural gas, public sewer and water. Prestigious waterfront neighborhood inside Scottsboro city limits. Can build boathouse with TVA approval.
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THE KEN WILLIAMS SALES TEAM LAKE GUNTERSVILLE REAL ESTATE YOUR LAKEFRONT SPECIALISTS
130 Pine Island Drive, Scottsboro, AL $1,299,500 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, Guntersville, AL $1,149,500 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.
4448 Leaning Beach Rd, Guntersville, AL $399,900 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.
24 Peninsula Drive, Scottsboro, AL $259,500 Beautiful main channel waterfront lot at the Peninsula at Goose Pond, ft+/- water frontage, spectacular view of Lake Guntersville/Tennessee River, minimum sq.ft. required 1800, underground utilities, curbs and gutters.
Heritage Court, Scottsboro, AL $269,500 Main cannel 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.
168 Robert Davis Road, Langston, AL $259,500 Main Channel Waterfront Lot in established restricted neighborhood featuring approximately 100+/- ft. shoreline, dock/pier, good water and fantastic view. Great waterfront neighborhood and perfect building site on level, wooded lot. Can build boathouse with TVA approval.
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BK Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Boat U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover D.a.T. Sauce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 DOUGLAS LAKE, TENNESSEE Jefferson County, Tennessee . . . . . . 13 Houseboats Buy Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 LAKE HIWASSEE, NORTH CAROLINA Mountain View Marina . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Jack Martin & Associates Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover KENTUCKY LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER Cuba Landing Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Perryville Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Riverstone Estates & Marina . . . . . . 37 KENTUCKY LAKE – Wayne County, Tennessee City of Clifton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clifton Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dusty Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ernie’s Smokehouse Grill . . . . . . . . . . Wayne County, TN Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . .
12 55 55 55 55
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES Grand Rivers, Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . 12 LAKE CUMBERLAND, KENTUCKY State Dock Houseboat Rental . . . . . . 62 LAKE GUNTERSVILLE, TENNESSEE RIVER Alred Marina & Marine Service . . . . . 3 Erwin Marine Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Freedom Marine Center, LLC . . . . . . 26 Gunter’s Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Guntersville Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Guntersville, Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ken Williams Lake Guntersville Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Somewhere on the Lake . . . . . . . . . . 27 LAKE LANIER, GEORGIA Buford, Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 lifeonthewater.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
MARKETPLACE Aqua Services, Inc. (lake & pond management) . . . . . . . . 60 Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 GDS Services, LLC (marine surveys) . . 58 Honor Marine Services (surveyor) . . . . 62 Lakes Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Merco Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 North Alabama Boater’s Assoc. . . . . . . 62 Performance Propeller . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Shinerz Showcar Cleaning Supplies . . 58 The Rug Pilot (custom carpet) . . . . . . . 37 True Course Captain’s School Online . . 62 Waterfront Property & Homes . . . . 63-64 Yacht Surveyors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Boat insurance has changed over the last few years. Listen to Life on the Water’s MARINE INSURANCE PODCAST with Jon Horton of Jack Martin & Associates. (Please see ad on inside front cover) Visit lifeonthewater.com RESOURCES page, or scan your smartphone here.
PICKWICK LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER Captain’s Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Crye-Leike Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Hardin County, Tennessee . . . . . . . . 18 Marine Sales of Pickwick . . . . . . . . . . 7 SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA – LAKE GUNTERSVILLE Angler Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Goose Pond Colony Plantation . . . . . 17 The Docks Seafood & Steak House . . . 23 SMITH LAKE, ALABAMA Smith Lake Paddleboards . . . . . . . . . 16 TENN-TOM WATERWAY Aberdeen, Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Columbus, Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tishomingo County, Mississippi . . . . 18
Who did your photography? That girl...you know who I’m talking about...That Girl.
True Course Captain’s School Online . . . 14 WHEELER LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER Decatur & Morgan County, AL . . . . . 15 Ditto Landing Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Joe Wheeler State Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 River City Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rogersville, Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Trouble Free Docks & Lifts, LLC . . . . . 61 WILSON LAKE, TENNESSEE RIVER J’s Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Waterfront Marina & Dry Storage . . . 38 YachtSouth . . . . . . . . . Subscription cards
Nichole Alred 256-706-2490 lifeonthewater.com
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meditations
on the water { Pebbles watching balloons at Point Mallard in Decatur, Alabama. Ed Crook, Huntsville, Alabama - submitted in our 2013 Photo Contest }
The wonder of water amazes. It mesmerizes and calms us. In 2014, we wish you many moments of amazement on the water. { Enter the 2014 Life on the Water Photo Contest now through February 28th. Details on page 5 and lifeonthewater.com } 66
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