34 minute read
A ‘tram-endous’ lift
‘Tram’endous! Lakeside lift sets new standard
story by Brett Mclaughlin | photos courtesy of Marine Innovations
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There aren’t many homes on Lake Jocassee, but those there are include some very distinctive retreats carved into hillsides that envelop one of the Upstate’s greatest resources.
One such home is an unparalleled, lodge-style structure comprised of an estate home and guest cottage with a combined 5,800-square feet of living space. The home, which the owner frequently rents to visiting guests, features five bedrooms and six and onehalf baths. The home’s two kitchens and outdoor cooking facilities are on a par with those found in the finest restaurants. Expansive patios on four levels provide gathering spaces with unrivaled views of Lake Jocassee and the Blue Ridge Mountains. A vertical elevator provides interior access to all floors.
However, for as spectacular as the home is in its entirety, it is a newly-installed inclined elevator that puts an exclamation point on the homeowner’s claim to “luxury living” accommodations.
Marine Innovations, a privately-owned company based in Frazee, MN, completed installation of a tram last June that connects the parking level to the main house, guest house, all patio levels and a custom two-slip dock.
“Inclined elevators of 70 degrees or less is all we do,” said Marine Innovations Marketing Manager Eric Hausten, whose conversational tone confirms his stated belief that this Lake Jocassee installation may be among the company’s best efforts.
{above and at right} The tram has a total length of 250 feet with a vertical rise of 120 feet, and it stops at six levels. Galvanized aircraft cable propels the carriage at speeds up to 70 feet per minute.
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This photo shows the tram at the mid-stop of the 250-foot elevator system.
According to Hausten, when the current owner purchased the home he found a tram that was not to his liking. He reached out to Brevard-based Johnston Welding Services owner Hugh Johnston with a challenge to make an inclined elevator that matched the luxury and grandeur of the home. Johnston enlisted Marine Innovations, which started from the ground up with a custom-designed system.
That system borders on amazing.
The elevator starts at 24 degrees of incline, increasing to 36 degrees as one gets closer to the lake. The tram has a total length of 250 feet with a vertical rise of 120 feet. Galvanized aircraft cable with a 9,800-pound breaking strength propels the carriage at speeds up to 70 feet per minute.
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The system incorporates a self-leveling mechanism to keep the carriage level as it moves along galvanized steel rails secured to the terrain by a pin pile system that was installed with minimal invasion of the habitat.
The custom designed carriage has an 860-pound capacity and includes canopy risers, a built-in control station that allows for six different stops, and wood trim to match the home. Acrylic windows are set
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{above} The carriage itself features canopy risers, a built-in control station and wood trim to match the home. Front and rear seats provide seating for four people and fold up for additional floor space.
{at left} A built-in control station allows for six different stops and can be programmed by the owner to grant guests access to any or all levels.
into the lower carriage panels, allowing light into the carriage and providing an open feeling. Under-seat LED lights provide safety when entering the carriage after dark. A timer automatically turns the lights off to preserve battery life. Front and rear seats accommodate four people and fold up for additional floor space.
Since this property has multiple living spaces and is used as a vacation rental, the owner requested a system to limit access to the inclined elevator and specific landings. According to Hausten, this was accomplished by developing a combination keypad and key fob system that allows the owner to grant a guest access to any or all levels.
Each landing station has a keypad call box. This allows only authorized users to access the elevator and controls which landings they can utilize. For example, a visitor using the guest cabin may have access to the parking level, the guest cabin level and the dock levels, while other users have access to all levels. A system-ready light shows when the system is active, and a call button brings the carriage to that landing. Each landing has bi-fold gates with integrated locks that prevent access to the track area and only open when the carriage is present.
“The carriage is bigger and more detailed than any we have installed,” Hausten said. “All I can say is a lot of time was spent getting this just right.”
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CENTRE STAGE 501 RIVER ST., GREENVILLE, SC INSIDE THE SMITH-BARNEY BUILDING 864.233.6733 OR TOLL FREE 877.377.1339 TUES.-SAT., 8 P.M.; SAT. MATINEES 2 P.M.; SUN. MATINEES, 3 P.M.
Productions ofAround the World in 80 DaysandWater by the Spoonfulare cancelled. Godspellis moved to the 2021-2022 season. Contact the box office at 864.233.6733 if you have questions or need to discuss options.
JULY 16-AUG. 9 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy — giving their boss the boot. Based on the 1980 hit movie, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought provoking and even a little romantic.
AUG. 4-5 ’NIGHT MOTHER The play is about a daughter, Jessie, and her mother, Thelma. It begins with Jessie calmly telling her Mama that by morning she will be dead, as she plans to commit suicide that very evening. The subsequent dialogue between Jessie and Mama slowly reveals her reasons for her decision, her life with Mama, and how thoroughly she has planned her own death, culminating in a disturbing, yet unavoidable, climax. The production was first done on Broadway in 1983 and became a feature film featuring Anne Bancroft and Sissy Spacek in 1986.
SEPT. 10-27 BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY! We’re bringing back one of the most successful shows in Centre Stage history. Featuring over 20 of Buddy Holly’s greatest hits, this show celebrates the life and times of the young man with spectacles whose brief life was cut too short on “the day the music died.” Capturing that unique mixture of innocence, determination, humor and charm that was Buddy Holly, we’ll wrap it up into a package for an unforgettable show that has become “the world’s most successful rock and roll musical.”
GREENVILLE THEATRE 444 COLLEGE ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.233.6238 OR WWW.GREENVILLELITTLETHEATRE.ORG ALL SHOWS 8 P.M., EXCEPT SUNDAYS AT 3 P.M.
NEW DATES – AUG. 13-23 (2 P.M. MATINEES ADDED AUG.15 & 22) THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB A hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. Five Southern women, whose friendships began on their college swim team, meet every August at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. As the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another to get through the challenges that life throws at them, including some hilarious and unexpected twists and turns.
SEPT. 11-24 (NEW SHOWS ADDED SEPT. 15 & 22, 7:30 P.M.) THE PRODUCERS Broadway producer Max Bialystock teams up with Leo Bloom, a timid accountant with dreams of becoming a theater producer, to put on the world’s worst musical. The catch is that they plan to run away to Rio with the two million they raise to finance the show when it
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inevitably closes after one performance. Too bad for Bialystock and Bloom that, against all odds, the show is a total hit!
PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 300 SOUTH MAIN ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.476.3000 OR 800.888.7768
The Escape to Margaritaville performances scheduled thru July 5 and The Jesus Christ Superstar performances scheduled for August 4-9 have been cancelled. The performances of 1776 are now scheduled for Dec. 29 thru Jan. 3, 2021.
FOOTHILLS PLAYHOUSE 201 SOUTH 5TH ST., EASLEY, SC 864.855.1817 OR WWW.FHPLAYHOUSE.COM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.
AUGUST 14-30 THE WIZARD OF OZ Royal Shakespeare Company features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage. Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: There’s no place like home.
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SEPT. 18-20, 25-27 HELLO DOLLY! In one of Broadway’s biggest hits of all time, a meddlesome matchmaker brings together the young clerk of a wealthy Yonkers merchant and his assistant with a widowed milliner and her assistant, while making sure she herself gets to marry the merchant.
CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC ST., PENDLETON, S C 864.646.8100 FRI.-SAT., 8 P.M. (7:30 FOR CAYT); SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.
SEPT. 4-6, 11-13 FOUR WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS Let’s take a trip to Las Vegas where Sandy, four-times-married-three-times-divorced, owns a wedding chapel. In this hilarious, heartwarming comedy, we witness some of her most memorable clients. Bev and Stan are getting married as revenge on their exes. Vanessa and Bryce, two aging stars, are tying the knot as a publicity ploy; and Martin and Fiona, a gentle postal-worker and a tough ex-con, are in love. Most touching is Sandy’s fifth and final wedding — to the love of her life. These memorable characters, and an Elvis, make this a comedic treat not to be missed.
ELECTRIC CITY PLAYHOUSE 514 NORTH MURRAY AVE., ANDERSON, SC 864.224.4248 • ECPLAYHOUSE.COM
THE ENTIRE 2020 SEASON HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
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Every effort has been made to present as accurate a calendar of events as possible. However, current circumstances may result in cancellations and rescheduling. Please call or visit the website of all venues before attending an event. — Editor
JULY 3
Independence Eve in Walhalla, 7-10 p.m.; activities for kids; music, food and fireworks.
JULY 4
Seneca 4 th of July Celebration; 6-9:30 p.m.; visit www.seneca.sc.us for more details.
JULY 13
The Street Dances in Hendersonville start at 6:30 p.m. with the caller teaching audience members basic square dancing moves; entertainment includes the band Blue Ridge Tradition and dancing by the Southern Connection Cloggers; bring a chair to enjoy dancing and entertainment from 7-9 p.m. Audience seating area opens after 5:30 p.m.; admission is free. No pets, alcoholic beverages, backpacks or coolers.
JULY 17 THRU AUGUST 27
Annual Members’ Show at Blue Ridge Arts Council, 111 E. S. 2 nd Street, Seneca; Wed.- Fri., 1-4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; public reception on first Friday of the show; for info contact: blueridgeartcenter@gmail.com or 864.710.6593
JULY 18
Banjo Extravaganza at Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; a trek through history as we follow the evolution of the banjo from its origins as an African gourd instrument to today’s multiple and unique styles; free admission; $5 parking; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936
Mountain Bridge performs at 7 p.m. at the Pickens Amphitheater in downtown Pickens, SC.
JULY 24
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Malpass Brothers; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
JULY 25
Four weeks of creativity, imagination and fun culminate with a one-day exhibition of the talents of summer arts camp participants at The Arts Center, 212 Butler St., Clemson; for more information, contact: 864.633.5051 or visit: explorearts.org Clemson Triathlon will be held at 7 a.m. at the Campus Beach and Recreation Center at Clemson University; this is part of the South Carolina Triathlon Series and is one of the oldest triathlons in the state; to sign up, visit: runsignup.com
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Sail On: 3 Redneck Tenors; a new breed in the “tenor genre” featuring classically-trained, veteran artists, is like Duck dynasty goes to Carnegie Hall; 7:30 p.m.; dinner package available courtesy of Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
JULY 31
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute; 7:30 p.m.; dinner package available courtesy of Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 1
Country and gospel icon T. Graham Brown has 35 years of hits to his credit and is still going strong. He will perform at 7:30 p.m., at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 7
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., presents Edwin McCain; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com
Second Time Around Band performs at Westminster Music Series, 6 p.m. in downtown Westminster.
AUGUST 8
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., presents Crystal Gayle; 7:30 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. dinner package available courtesy of Meat’n in the Middle Catering; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
AUGUST 10
The Street Dances in Hendersonville start at 6:30 p.m. with the caller teaching audience members basic square dancing moves; entertainment includes the band Blue Ridge Tradition, and dancing by the Southern Connection Cloggers; bring a chair to enjoy dancing and entertainment from 7-9 p.m. Audience seating area opens after 5:30 p.m.; admission is free. No pets, alcoholic beverages, backpacks or coolers.
AUGUST 13 & 14
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents the Black Jack Symphony’s production of Prince’s Purple Rain; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 15
Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens; hosts Military History Appreciation Day and Gospel Revue; enjoy an educational tribute to America’s Armed Forces with military vehicles, historians and re-enactors; also an old-time gospel sing-along; free admission; $5 parking; for information contact Hagood Mill at 864.898.2936
World Honeybee Day in Pickens is a full day of bands, food trucks, vendors, craft beer and wine; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; hosted by Bee Well Honey Bee Supply.
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Annie Moses Band; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 16
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Righteous Brothers; 7 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 22
The World of Energy and Oconee Nuclear Station will host a virtual nuclear science merit badge course for Boy Scouts. For information visit: duke-energy.com/worldofenergy
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Chi-Town Transit Authority; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 28
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents James Gregory, live in concert; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 29
2020 Issaqueena Festival and 5K Fun Run will be held in Six Mile, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; featured bands include Wanda Johnson, Jaguar 4 and The Eric Scott Band; car show, inflatables, food and arts and crafts. Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Linda
Ronstadt Experience featuring American Idol finalist Tristan McIntosh; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
AUGUST 30
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents the U.S. Air Force Clarinet Quartet; 3 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
SEPTEMBER 4
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Cleverlys; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com
SEPTEMBER 5
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents Elton & Cher: Two Divas & A Piano; 7:30 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
SEPTEMBER 6
4th Annual Seneca Brew & Que; unlimited sampling of craft beer, barbecue competition, live music, craft and food vendors, kids’ activities; 6-10 p.m.; Gignilliat Community Center 621 North Townville St.; for tickets, visit: https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/brew-que/pre-sale
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents a tribute to Frank Sinatra featuring David Halston; 7 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
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THE MALPASS BROTHERS Friday, July 24 @ 7:30 pm
Steeped in the legacy of classic, traditional, real country music, with a little gospel thrown in! The music that comes from the heart.
3 REDNECK TENORS Saturday, July 25 @ 7:30 pm
A new breed in the “tenor genre” featuring classically-trained veteran artists, is like Duck Dynasty goes to Carnegie Hall – down home laughs with big city music!
SAIL ON: THE BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE Friday, July 31 @ 7:30 pm
Is a new show based out of Nashville, TN, that focuses on performing songs by America’s Band, The Beach Boys, to sheer perfection.
T. GRAHAM BROWN Saturday, August 1 @ 7:30 pm
T. Graham Brown has hit the Billboard, Cash Box, & Christian music charts 35 times with hits such as “I Tell It Like It Used To Be” & “Darlene”. EDWIN MCCAIN Friday, August 7 @ 7:30 pm With his authentic spirit and sense of humor, you will feel like your at an intimate party with old friends. I’ll Be There. Will you? CRYSTAL GAYLE Saturday, August 8 @ 7:30 PM One of the most popular and widely recognized female country singers of her era. A supple voice, a flair for ballads, and a crossover-friendly country-pop style that will have you swaying and singing. BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: PRINCE’S PURPLE RAIN Thursday, August 13 & Friday, August 14 @ 7:30 pm BJS will present a performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain”. Come out and party like it’s 1999! Remember putting on an album and listening for start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other. THE ANNIE MOSES BAND Saturday, August 15 @ 7:30 PM A captivating blend of folk and classical, the Annie Moses Band is a talented ensemble of songwriters, singers, and musicians, combining technical skill with exhilarating showmanship.
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SEPTEMBER 7-12
59 th South Carolina Apple Festival, Westminster; arts and crafts, baked goods, music, food and drink vendors, parade, activities for the entire family; for more information, visit: www.scapplefestival.com or call 864.647.7223
SEPTEMBER 11
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents the married musical duo of Michael Trent & Cary Ann Hearst — Shovels & Rope — performing indie, folk and rock; 730 p.m.; for information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
ONGOING Seneca’s Jazz on the Alley features America’s touring musicians, every Thursday, thru October, 6:30 p.m. on Ram Cat Alley; bring a lawn We Fix Your Panes...And Your Showers! We Fix Your Panes...And Your Showers! We Fix Your Panes...And Your Showers! chair; restaurants and vendors available.
First Saturday of every month thru October, Cruzin’ on Main at Norton-Thompson Park in Seneca.
First Friday, thru August, Music on Main in Westminster features some of the region’s top performers; free in downtown Westminster.
Ekornes • Fjords • IMG Palliser • American Leather
The ARTS Center of Clemson, 212 Butler St., Clemson, offers adult and youth classes and workshops in ceramics, painting, printmaking, mixed media, fiber, photography and metals and jewelry; information at: explorearts.org
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Millennials & the current market
The coronavirus crisis has unsettled every age group, as we are all worried about our health and that of our families and communities. And, if you’re in the millennial generation, generally defined as anyone born between 1981 and 1996, you might also be concerned about your financial future, given the sharp decline in investment prices. How should you respond to what’s been happening?
Your view of the current situation will depend somewhat on your age. If you’re an older millennial, you had probably been investing for a few years when we went through the financial crisis in 2007-08. You then experienced 11 years of a record bull market, so you’ve seen both the extremes and the resilience of the investment world. But if you’re a younger millennial, you might not have really started investing until the past few years, if you’ve started at all, so you’ve only seen a steadily climbing market. Consequently, you may find the current situation particularly discouraging, but this is also a lesson in the reality of investing: Markets go down as well as up.
But no matter where you are within the millennial age cohort, you might help yourself by taking these steps: • Enjoy the benefit of having time on your side. If you’re one of the younger millennials, you’ve got about four decades left until you’re close to retiring. Even if you’re in the older millennial group, you’ve probably got at least 25 years until you stop working. With so many years ahead, you have the opportunity to overcome the periodic drops in investment prices, and your investments have time to grow. • Invest systematically. The value of your investments will always fluctuate. You can’t control these price movements, but you may be able to take advantage of them through what’s known as systematic
investing. By putting the same amount of money at regular intervals into the same investments, you’ll buy more shares when the share price is lower — in other words, you’ll be “buying low,” which is one of the first rules of investing — and you’ll buy fewer shares when the price rises. Over time, this strategy can help you reduce the impact of volatility on your portfolio, although it can’t ensure a profit or protect against loss. • Focus on the future. You’re never really investing for today — you’re doing it to reach goals in the future, sometimes just a few years away, but usually much further out. That’s why it’s so important not to panic when you view those scary headlines announcing big drops in the financial markets, or even when you see negative results in your investment statements. By creating an investment strategy that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance and time horizon and by focusing on your long-term goals, you can develop the discipline to avoid making hasty, ill-advised decisions during times of stress.
The coronavirus pandemic has also had an impact on those currently employing their retirement savings. Specifically, passage of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in late March offered these investors several provisions worth remembering. Among them are: • No penalty on early withdrawals — Typically, you’d have to pay a 10 percent penalty on early withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s and similar retirement accounts. Under the CARES Act, this penalty will be waived for individuals who qualify for COVID-19 relief and/or in plans that allow COVID-19 distributions. Withdrawals will still be taxable, but the taxes can be spread out over three years. • Suspension of required withdrawals — Once you turn 72, you’ll be required to take withdrawals from your traditional IRA and 401(k). The CARES Act waives these required minimum distributions for 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a tax-deferred basis. • Increase of retirement plan loan limit — Retirement plan investors who qualify for COVID-19 relief can now borrow up to $100,000 from their accounts, up from $50,000, provided their plan allows loans. We recommend that you explore other options, such as the direct payments, to bridge the gap on current expenses; if you choose to take a plan loan, work with your financial adviser to develop strategies to pay back these funds over time to reduce any long-term impact to your retirement goals.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by David Adrian Jr., a Seneca financial advisor with the Fortune 500 Company that serves more than 7 million customers and has over $1 trillion in assets under management. Reach Adrian at 864.882.5763 or www.edwardjones. come/david-adrian.
Bob Thomas, AAMS®
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The traditions continue …
BY DARI MULLINS
We sold our boat last week.
My grandfather “Pa” passed last week.
Let me explain what these two things have in common.
My whole family loves boating. In fact at least eight members of my maternal family now have or have had boats in my lifetime; some of us have had multiple boats. These boats have been used for everything from watersports to deep-sea fishing.
My Pa started this tradition after a car accident in his 30s made him give up his favorite pastime of bowling. He had fished some and enjoyed it, so he bought a boat and got out on the water. He learned to water ski and taught my mom and her three siblings. They also mastered deep-sea fishing, and I loved it when Pa would bring home grouper for Ma to cook. Years later, Mom shared her love of boating with my dad, and we owned two boats while I was growing up. Many of my best memories are on the water, including several years my parents and I spent in competitive skiing.
OK, now to the selling of our boat …
Last Tuesday we brought our boat in to be serviced at the dealership where I work. My sales manager came and asked me if we were ready to sell it. We had been planning to get a new one but not until later. I told him if we could get what we owed (or close) and get into a new one for about the same payment, we would probably do it. He told me his customer would be there to see it that day or the next.
Of course, I jumped on the phone to my fiancé, Trey, and told him to call the bank. We were also trying to find one with colors we preferred, as the ones my dealership had in stock were not our favorites. We found one and started working on the dealer trade.
The potential buyer for our old boat showed up the next day, and we had sold our boat by 6 p.m. We had picked out a new one, but the final approval from the bank had not come.
Meantime, my mother and uncle had gone to visit my 91-year-old Pa in his Florida retirement home. They FaceTimed all of us so we could talk to Pa and see him. I knew it
{above} Dari & her Pa {at right} The writer’s grandfather is pictured here with his youngest grandchild, Charlie Houghton, about 20 years ago. “Pa” passed away last month. Photos courtesy of Martha Brookshire
would be my last time seeing him alive. That night Trey and I decided that if we were able to get the boat, it would be dedicated to Pa.
He passed early the following morning.
Later the same day we got approval on the boat. I knew all along, since this boat deal had literally fallen into our laps, that it was meant to be. Little did I know the significance it would have until my grandfather passed. Pa’s boat was “Joy 2.” Our last two boats were “Ms. Fireball” and “Ms. Kitty.”
Our new boat is named “Ms. Joy” in tribute to my Pa and the impact he had on my life — both as a boater and as a person. He was the most positive, optimistic person I ever met. He always taught me to find the good in every situation, and he said everything happens for a reason. I think this happened so I can keep him close to my heart every time we are on the water.
Exactly a week after he passed we took our maiden voyage on “Ms. Joy.” I’m sure Pa was looking down, happy to see that our family’s boating memories will continue.
I am sharing my story to encourage you to look around and watch for the unexpected to unfold. Even in the midst of the chaos our country has recently endured there is a reason for everything that comes into our lives.
Dari Mullins is marketing coordinator and office manager at the Seneca location of Watersports Central where she enjoys sharing her love of the water, boating and sports with people of all ages.
Crappie call Hartwell docks their home
BY PHILLIP GENTRY
Most crappie anglers only think of fishing for crappie in the spring. But, in doing so, they end up missing out on great summer fishing.
In most lakes, crappie prefer to move out into open water during the summer to escape the heat and find more comfortable water. However, Lake Hartwell is often a different story because open water is not a safe place for crappie. Because of the lake’s striped bass population, crappie feel more protected bunched up under deep-water boat docks.
While crappie may also hold on brush piles out in the main creek channel early and late in the day, once the sun gets high overhead, they often move under boat docks to escape the bright light. Once there, finding comfortable water is only a matter of a vertical adjustment for the fish. Bright sunny days will find crappie deeper under the docks because of light reflection, while partly cloudy or cloudy days will find them ranging further up from the structure.
Another crappie pattern is a tendency to suspend under a dock so shallow their backs are rubbing the bottoms of the docks. To target these fish, try impaling a 2” tube skirt on a 1/64th oz. jig head, and flip or pitch the bait deep into crappie territory. Keep it in the strike zone by reeling at a steady speed as soon as the bait hits the water.
The “splash and flee” is usually more than the crappie can stand, since the bait closely mimics shad and other baitfish that feed on the plankton growing on the bottom of the docks.
It would seem that loading the boat with summer boat dock crappie is a piece of cake. Some days it is; some days it isn’t. The determining factor is getting the bait back to the fish. Several things sway the game in the crappie’s favor. One is that Hartwell is typically a clear water lake. Secondly, boat docks amplify sound and motion so an angler has to be especially stealthy when approaching docks. Boat positioning is critical.
On one hand, you need to stay close enough to the dock to be able to reach way in the back to catch fish. The other is that
Summertime is a great time to target crappie around the boat docks on Lake Hartwell. Photo by Phillip Gentry
while the water is public property, the dock is not. Dock owners do not appreciate fishermen trespassing on their property. Always use courtesy and consideration for the property of others and avoid touching the dock in any manner. Oftentimes to fish those tight spots between the inside of the dock and a boat that’s moored at the dock, an angler may need to use a long jig pole, similar to a fly rod, to reach over and around obstacles. Other times, simply making a short cast or pitch can get the job done. Even the most experienced dock anglers agree that you should expect to leave a few jigs behind when fishing docks for crappie. Light line is no match for rusted steel or sunken brush piles. The old adage: “If you’re not getting hung up a lot, you’re not fishing for crappie.” still rings true today. Using light wire hooks and 6-10 pound line will help you pull stuck jigs loose from the structure.
The best way to retrieve a jig from an encrusted lair at the back end of a boat dock is to surround the hook with a crappie and walk the crappie back through the maze of holes and gaps you put the jig into.
Phillip Gentry is the host of the podcast radio program — The Outdoors Show with Phillip Gentry & Boat Girl. More information on the show is available at pgandboatgirl.com.
Sliding Rock Falls
Looking for a spot to cool off this summer?
Look no farther than the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, in Western North Carolina. There you will find, among other waterfalls, Sliding Rock Falls. Its name is derived from the fact that visitors can slide all the way down the waterfall into a plunge pool below.
The falls itself is on Looking Glass Creek. It features a gentle slope and is about 60 feet long, ending in a large, deep pool (6-7 feet deep) at the bottom. Be advised, though, the water is very cold, even in the summer.
The area around the falls has been developed by the US Forest Service into a popular recreation area. Parking is
available in a large lot above the rock and beside U.S. Highway 276. There are two viewing platforms, steps down to the pool and railings to help climb the rocks on the left side.
Sliding down is required in a sitting position only and life preservers aren’t a bad idea regardless of one’s ability to swim. Sliding down the waterfall is done at the visitor’s own risk. Children must be of a certain size to slide alone; otherwise, they may slide on the lap of an adult. A $3 per person fee is charged by the Forest Service to use the area between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, when lifeguards and rangers are on duty. The rock is closed to sliders during times of high water or when lightning is detected in the area.
DIRECTIONS
If you are going only for the waterfall the trip is about 90 minutes. From the Upstate take either SC Highways 11 and 130 across the NC state line where the highway becomes NC 281 and, eventually, NC 64 to Rosman, NC; or take SC 133 and SC 78 to Rosman. From there, take NC 64 to U.S. Highway 276, turn left and go approximately 7.7 miles north. En route, you will pass Looking Glass Falls and the parking area for Moore Cove Falls.
Note: Facilities and services of The USDA Forest Service may be limited at many sites. For updated information on temporary closures at National Forests including the Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests please visit:www.fs.usda.gov/goto/currentclosures
