Life at 60, (mph)

Post 3 of 4

THE SUWANNEE RIVER GRIN

Live Oak to Suwannee, Fl – The Gulf

Day 5 – Ivy Park at Branford to Gornto Springs Park (rm 76 to 55) 19 mi

Previous day

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Ivy Park, Branford

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Land food. Branford was a great night’s stop with ‘ballast’ readily available in walking distance.  After a filling ‘ballast-buffet’ last evening at Nell’s we were up early for breakfast and coffee at Hardee’s, just over the fence…

With our gear stowed and boats in the water we were once again sitting on the river before 8am.

Serenity in the mornings; the most peaceful of times.

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As I paddle on there is time to reflect on the statement that a special person once made to me – about making such a trip; “that’s the last thing I would ever want to do.”  I was stunned, immensely disappointed and even hurt by the reply (rmo).

Like ‘water under the bridge’ things work out – and at this moment I appreciate the fact that there are fewer folks on the river – fewer ‘waves’ to ‘rock-my-boat.’

– along the way there’s always plenty to ponder, how’d that boat get there? Why did they build that dock like that? – an ice machine on the dock? (honor system) – all kinds of simple stuff to keep your mind busy.  There is plenty of improvisation and creativity along the shoreline.

– along rivers I find an absence of intersections, cars, gas, work, – or doggone people.  ‘paddling’ is a fine place to ‘unplug.’

This was a Saturday morning, and even thought there was plenty of calmness – I knew from past paddles that below Branford on weekends could be an active place.

It’s not at all unusual on weekends to find the confluence of the Santa Fe river packed with partakers and party boats – on this date it was eerily deserted for our lunch break.  At the right water level the difference in with the water clarity of the Sante Fe can be stark – and inviting, jump in.

There is a restaurant/bar/pick-up point/campground an easy mile up the Sante Fe – Ellie Rays – depending on your time on the water, it might just be worth the short paddle to you.

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We continued to glide along the shoreline, observing in wonderment the simple things where people and nature clash – here trees seemingly grow from the rocks.

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Carl and Richard were now paying less attention to their paddling and spending more time observing their surroundings – sooner or later ‘the river’ can absorb you.

The ‘Mona’ twins

and then came the boats…….

the waves, the people; it was indeed – the weekend.

hydro-phonic tomato plants on a dock, neat idea.

Seawalls of cement sandbags

and this familiar boat just before the highway 340 bridge/ramp.

Just up the ramp was the Rock Bluff BBQ, so yes, we found unexpected (and welcomed) land food and cold beverage. It was around four, early for supper but we went for a sandwich and washed it down with a cold beverage.  The folks there were real welcoming and would have allowed us to camp behind their place for the night if we wanted (live music); we came close….

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but after filling ourselves with ballast and cold beverage we forged-on, to the Gonto Springs Park/ramp – this was our goal for the day.

This was an interesting stop to say the least.  For a small fee you can camp, a cold-water shower is available – plus if you make it at the right time you can listen as the ‘locals’ yell at their kids in the spring as they linger in ‘cut-off blue-jeans and dated swim suits. During our night there was even more partying across the river (celebrated by shooting guns through the night – pow, pow, pow) and cars driving through the park.  As a bonus the next morning – we found some real ‘hate’ literature nailed about –

all ‘entertainment’ – as the golf cart babes made another circle in the park…..

Dixie County, ‘fire-arms’ was blacked out – it all fit.

–  it was amusing.  Over all the ‘locals’ were friendly and really didn’t affect us much; they didn’t seem to mind a few paddlers teetering at the edge of their world.  And for us we were fine with the activity, ‘cheap-entertainment’ – that is as long as those bullets didn’t fly our way.  Life was good (and we didn’t mess with their golf-cart women!).

(more pictures day 5)

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Day 6 – Gornto Springs to Fanning Springs State Park (rm 55 to 34) 21 mi

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As I walked to the bathroom early the next morning I came up behind a gal was on her knees in front of her boyfriend – I kiddingly exclaimed ‘HEY! its waaay to early for that!’ – she slowly turned, then explained that she was inspecting/removing a tick from the big guys belly-button – this seemed the perfect memory for our visit at Gornto Park; the ‘belly-button’ of the Suwannee.

With no hot-water the shower would have to wait; at waters edge Gordy’s moments reminded me of how paddlers unwittingly begin their days in a similar manner.  While camping along the Mississippi, I observed as two paddlers (after 48-days) began their daily routine with a few moments of reflection before boarding – very much the same here.

It was good to be back on the water and thinking about something other than a chick searching for a tick in a big guys belly-button (or one of those golf-cart babes) – once back on the Suwannee we were hunting the ‘shady side’ early, Day 6.

On more than one dock there were ferns growing from the wood-work.

With the temperature in the eighties, running the shady side worked for us. When paddling there are numerous factors to consider with your direction – how best to utilize the current, where the shade is, the shortest course, the wind – and then sometimes none of it really matters at all

because boats and people create other factors.

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Hart Springs for lunch.

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With more boats,

and lots more people.

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We fought wind, waves and people on this date, making it to Fanning Springs State Park where we would camp.

Note: There are Cabins available for those that plan ahead ($100).

we had 50 Boy Scouts sharing the same camp-site.

There is plenty of ‘land-food’ at Fanning Springs too, just across the park are several choices of ballast – we chose the seafood place (The Lighthouse Rest), and loaded up – after that, the boy scouts were no bother. zzzzzz

(more pictures day 6)

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Next paddle days, Day 7, 8 – Fanning Springs to the Gulf

(Previous years paddle of same area)

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Suwannee River Mile References 

note: even though mentioned and shown on available maps – there are NO physical ‘river-mile’ indicators along the river.  For further Suwannee River mileage information, check this link – Suwannee River Mileage, Trip Agenda ideas.

Opinion; Marking existing landmarks such as bridges, ramps, and river camps with a numerical reference would provide basic orientation points (and emergency references) along the river (the Mississippi has them).

Post 4 of 4

THE SUWANNEE RIVER GRIN

Live Oak to Suwannee, Fl – the Gulf

Day 7 – Fanning Springs to Fowlers Bluff (rm 34 to 16) 22 mi

Previous day

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Day seven waters edge, Fanning Springs Park Ramp.

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Carl and Richard had moved on in the canoe, leaving Gordy and I to bring up the rear.

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Each day we had noticed trot-lines (and their hooks) dangling from the branches along the shore-line, this was the first that we had noticed the lines being attended to.  This trot-line fisherman was slowly moving along the shore with family sharing the task of pulling the hooks and checking the catch.  There was Sunday morning happiness, even glee from the kids as another catfish was gathered.  Food, income, the sustenance of life for many.

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We finally caught up with Carl and Richard contemplating ‘hitching a ride’ on one of Miller’s rented houseboats

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and soon we were at the Manatee Springs entrance.

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Manatee Springs.

with schools of mullet

a lunch pavilion too

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After a pause for lunch, this girl (Laura) on the ramp inquired about our trip

– we explained that we had been camping and kayaking for the past SEVEN days along the river – her reply; “I’d love to do that ONE weekend!” – became ‘food’ for laughs through the long day ahead, sometimes ‘a little dizzy’ can be just fine…..

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The Suwannee was now wide with a much different shoreline.

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This section to the gulf begins a slower trek with fewer and fewer ‘beaches,’ wide and slow its the place that Carl and Richards paddling skills meshed with their fortitude – mettle.

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After seven days paddling, the canoe was now pretty much second nature to them – land food and beverage remained ‘first-nature.’

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Treasure Camp at Fowlers Bluff, this place was such a great improvement over last years stop.

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Food, beverage and a little live music – camping, seven bucks each while the folks once again offered the best of hospitality.

thanks folks

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We set up camp and with full stomach and kindred spirits enjoyed the sunset and dockage along the shore, tomorrow we would complete our 150-mile paddle.

(more day 7 pictures)

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Day 8 – Fowlers Bluff to Anderson River Camp in Suwannee, 16 mi

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The last morning; there was simple conflict on exactly how many miles remained to the Gulf,

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– but it really didn’t matter, it was all a matter of strokes.  There would be very few places (if any) to stop and stretch.

and the gators were active

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Once again, no shoreline for the weary so if you are paddling through and find yourself near Fowlers Bluff in the afternoon – camp there; before facing a night in this section.

only trees to hang off of, and under

the buoy that say’s “you are close”

and the Osprey nest nearby

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will point you towards the welcome mirage of Suwannee, the town

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Take the first canal to the right, with an immediate left; signs will point you to Bills Fish Camp

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Anderson River camp is another of the stops of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, a few ‘no-see-um’s’ (“flying teeth”) here – but well worth the visit.  Good job, and thanks Suwannee River folks for making these ‘restbits’ possible….

Five bucks a night gets you a screened room and a shower

(more day 8 pictures)

Link from last years paddle of same area

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Suwannee River Mile References 

note: even though mentioned and shown on available maps – there are NO physical ‘river-mile’ indicators along the river.  For further Suwannee River mileage information, check this link – Suwannee River Mileage, Trip Agenda ideas.

Opinion; Marking existing landmarks such as bridges, ramps, and river camps with a numerical reference would provide basic orientation points (and emergency references) along the river (the Mississippi has them).

Mountain Island Lake – NC

@3200 acres

elevation – 644 ft.

Water Clarity – 7 to 9

Natural Quality – 7 to 9

perception – weekday

Fishing Report

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The water of Mountain Island Lake near Charlotte originates from the steep mountains of North Carolina, Lake James near Marion is the first of numerous lakes along the Catawba River Basin that have been dammed and utilized for recreation and hydro-power.  The water from Mountain Island Lake which is not used for public service within the city of Charlotte continues its flow into South Carolina combining with the Santee river and spilling into the Atlantic Ocean.

The folks of North Carolina, especially the western part are so fortunate with the high quality of water that passes through our landscape – we may even be spoiled and not realize it.

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With a several day visit to Charlotte this lake was only 20 miles away, so Why not?!  I have found too that along with the places and experiences that I have enjoyed over the past several years – my spirits seem to be the highest when the kayak is on the roof – something about it just feels right!  heck, it almost makes me want to just leave it there.

The lake was just off of hwy-16 north of Charlotte – even with all the doggone people out there jostling for position in the morning traffic – there was peace and patience inside this little truck.

199 Eddie Nichols Dr.

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There were two parking areas at the Riverbend ramp, the main lot for vehicles with trailers only – a sign stated that single vehicles were ‘subject’ to being towed.  With weekday traffic light and only a few spots with boat trailers (12 out of 100 spaces) taken, I would chance it and park in the larger and most convenient lot – for the most part this was the only mental ‘baggage’ that I carried for the day – the small concern for my vehicle being towed.  The key word to me was ‘subject,’ interpreted as when conditions/weekends were busy and crowded, cars in the trailer parking area would ‘lose.’

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Again while enroute I considered all of the factors of how to approach/paddle a particular lake, wind/shade/size/time/goals/and more – being able to take a few pictures along the way is good too (my ‘notes’) so having the sun at your back going and coming would be a plus, not today (stupidity in camera setting was my issue on this date).  One of those goal defaults for me has always been with the ‘headwaters,’ paddle the distance and then work slowly back.  One last factor for this day was with having a return time (doggone-it), so my half-way time would also be a factor for the ‘turn-around’ point, if needed (and then sometimes, none of these factors matter at all).

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Duck Cove or 2 pm would be my paddle objectives for the day, whichever came first.  It was 930 am and the sun was already beating down, so after a short paddle I found some shade and made a soak and calibration adjustment before continuing along the left bank.

I also wondered about the signs at the landing stating NO swimming or wading, Could these be waters like Lake Julians?

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Early on some out of place boulders led me to think of the glacial movement ‘eons ago, this came into conversation later in the day.

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North of hwy-16 was my paddle direction, homes were fewer with some coastal-like boat houses/lifts – well, they had the ”coastal‘ feel to them – it was the best choice to point traveller.

There was peace on the water and it was easy to sense the elongated surface area of the lake, at @3200 acres there was plenty more to see than in just one-day.  Along this particular area I crossed under the first (of four) power transmission lines from the plant – osprey nest included.

Not sure what my expectations were for this lake’s ‘water clarity,’ but after noticing the water quality in a couple of the rivers west of Charlotte it wasn’t a high one – ‘natural quality’ was important too and at this point I was giving them both a ‘7,’ this personal mark only improved throughout the day.

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I’ll give my camera setting a ‘2’ for this trip – one of my worst thoughts has always been to return home with useless pictures – that fear was close to happening on this trip.

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The Latta Plantation park runs along its eastern border, this is an area that has been preserved for folks to visit and view the ‘plantation life-style’ of the early 1800’s in North Carolina. While making another stop to cool I noticed the worn hiking trails that ran along the shore line, I presumed the riverside portion of the park gets well used.

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Being used-to the more abundant boulders of NC’s western lakes, the large rocks and boulders of Mountain Island Lake seemed fewer and more ‘occasional,’ again leaving that ‘glacial residue’ impression.  The boulders here resembled and showed the same stress cracks and breakage as those from the more mountainous region of the Carolina’s (time/weather/ice, etc).

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Along the way there are many coves, ideal for paddling and exploring.

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I like to see the older homes too, hiding under the shade of the large oaks.

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It was near this area that I met Pattie, it was a short but very comfortable ‘chat’ as she continued to ‘manicure’ the yard.  Pattie was articulate and well spoken, full of simple optimism and ‘happy’ with her presence in life.  A paddler also, she had an insight to what ‘life’s route’ is about – much about the simple things, much of it about the ‘quest’ – wander-lust, and correct too from all that I have found so far.  In conversation about landscape she brought up the same glacial movement of boulders that had crossed my mind earlier, she also mentioned her desire to paddle to the ocean.

Paddling to the ocean is simply about ‘doing it,’ it can/has ‘and will be done – there is a simple and very humble mindset that looks beyond the “primitive camping or potential portaging” and simply lives within the opportunity.

It’s an intrinsically settling venture (Suwannee or Mississippi River) that’s for sure – and it’s up to each person to find and take, their opportunity.

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She made me think…. ‘wanderlust,’ is best used while alive.

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Further down the lakes wooded shoreline was more protected habitat.

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Just before this point I heard (and saw) a young deer frolicking and splashing in the grasses along the shore – drifting closer a young spike was clearly (enlarge right) staring back – it wasn’t the first or last family of deer for the day.

With another stop to cool there were several varieties of fish clearly visible, mostly large bluish carp-like (pretty sure that they were carp) – natural quality plus.  The only thing that prevented a higher natural rating was the constant noise pollution, with a major city nearby and a thousand airliners taking off and landing each day, well – it had everything else (in its own way) for a 10.

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Continuing upriver, Gastonia’s Police dive-recovery team were doing some ‘work’ near a volleyball net that was set in the water.  While FD training a few years back in Charlotte, I recall some small talk about the weekend congregations around this ‘sand-bar.’

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beyond the volley ball net the ‘sand-bar’ turned out to be mostly a large shallow ‘flat’ and the water at this point was crystal clear, almost as nice as the Silver’s – nice.

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Crossing under the third set of power lines and behind the power plant it was now 12:30, three hours from the hwy-16 landing.

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After passing under the fourth set of power lines (and who knows how many landing aircraft) I noticed what appeared to be a small inside route along the river ahead – so I took it.

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and I’m really glad that I did.  It turned out to be a long dead-end cove, but within it I easily slipped up on schools of fish and more deer, in their own comfortable habitat.

under ever present aircraft (mechanical foul)

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At the end of the cove it was 1:30 – just short of Duck cove but plenty content with what I had found right here.

in my slow paddle out of the peaceful cove I noticed movement in the waters ahead – turned out to be two playful otters that were just as interested in me – for a short time anyway.

the lake ahead

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As I left the cove and paddled along the shore, Wilbur and Jeff idled up beside me – trolling.  Conversation was easy as I paddled at a simple, easy rate and we covered some distance.  Jeff is a canoe enthusiast, and we spoke a little of the technology advances within the newer construction, Wilbur – well, on this day he was a ‘feet-up’ enthusiast – good folks.

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making it back to the ‘flats’ area it was once again time to ‘cool’

this yellow finch ‘flitted’ about the tree where I stopped.

flats

All day I had noticed the fresh water mussel shells, throughout the flats the shells were ‘pooled’ in the scars made from power boats dragging the bottom.  Fresh water mussels are natural and sometimes confused with Zebra mussels which are an invasive species that migrate as ‘hitch-hikers’ on the bottoms of power-boats.  Indications of fresh water mussels were noted on the top of the Catawba river basin at Lake James the first of this lake chain and most other lakes of our region (Tugalo).

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Returning past the volleyball net a couple were enjoying the shallow water with their dog – reminding me of the other large pets I had seen through the day in other craft – yes, lets take our dog to enjoy the natural habitat! (sarcasm).  I suppose with the airliners above, maybe the wildlife can adapt to this competition, and their land-mines too!

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Water clarity 9

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The shoreline offered sandy and shady areas to stop, there were some exposed tree roots – but nothing remotely expressive as the Suwannee’s.

I did notice several tar-like spots along the river through the day, it seemed to be a dirty-natural sandy substance and being in North Carolina made me wonder if this might be the origin of how UNC got their nickname.. the ‘tar-heels’ – will research this more.

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One of several Osprey nests, I did see an Osprey early which to me was a good sign.

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Back to the hwy-16 bridge, it was 4:30 – a leisurely 7-hour paddle day.

and back to the landing.

I was not disappointed at all with what I found at Mountain Island Lake, I was impressed. The noise pollution sucked, but for a convenient place to paddle it has high qualities for multiple paddles and visits.  The water was great, there were Osprey’s, Herons, fish, families of deer, otters, and likely other animals and habitat that I completely missed – I did find what I was looking for –

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and returned to this…….

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tau, r

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Lake Lure, NC

elevation – 1020 ft.

size – 720 acres

“Touching a dream…..

a journey of depth that few may understand,

seeking paths upon the water,

and footprints past – from the sand….” tgh

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Water Clarity – 7+

Natural Quality – 6+

perception – weekday

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Lake Lure is a more than a lake, it’s a city.  The dam was completed around 1927 and the property the lake sits on was ‘annexed’ in 1965.  The population of Lake Lure is somewhere around 1,050 and with at least that many homes on the lake, if somethings stirring in Lake Lure its usually about ‘the water.’  The sense that I get, is that the community remains vigilant over the water-quality and aquatic life within their lake.  The proximity of the homes and recreational use of the waters making this effort all the more challenging..

It is a seasonal economy where the distinct mountains draw tourists from near and far to enjoy the view of the stark terrain.  Nearby Chimney Rock park provides a spectacular aerial view of the area – along with the traditional pleasures of tourist-style ‘trinket’ shopping.  During the fall of each year the brilliant colors blanket the horizon as waves of ‘bikers’ enjoy their ‘ride’ across the voluptuous by-ways.

This is at least my fourth paddle at Lake Lure, the lake that that I first paddled traveller (the 20-lbs of ice and a six-pack trip) my simple ‘appaloosa’ type of kayak.  The drawback of constantly paddling lake Lure has been the 12-buck fee to paddle ($6 a day or $12 a week), the only lake around that charges – but I guess it is a city with unique resources. Personally, I feel that where the land, docks, and homes can be private – water is a natural ‘right-of-way‘ and should be a ‘free-ride’ for non motorized vessels.

But it is what it is, and the week pass is the best deal at this time – depending on how you wish to paddle her too. The @25 mile shoreline is a good base for me, easily covered in a full paddle day – a leisurely paddle like going down the Suwannee.   With a half-a-day already shot, my plan was to spend at least two days on Lake Lure – and ‘run the shoreline.’

Permits can be picked up at City Hall (same lot as the marina), Michelle was at the window and made this as painless as possible.  I had actually ran to Lake Lure just to pick up the permit, check the landings, and then return home, but heck – “boat’s on the roof” why not go ahead and paddle some.  It was after lunch when that ‘notion came – about the same time as these two folks were taking-out their inflatables (going in the ‘opposite’ direction as others seems to be a ‘norm for me).

Put-in’s for Lake Lure are minimal, the only two public points are at the marina and/or behind the ABC store near the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and ‘the beach.’  The LL Public Beach is another resource for the town, a draw for kids and adults from the mountains to cool off in the summer heat on a semblance of sand.

The balancing act here again is with ‘animal-lovers’ – encouraging wildlife (ducks/geese) yet recognizing the risks associated for swimmers with duck-crap present (my buddy Al calls em ‘land-mines’); Lake Julian is a vivid example.  Lake Lure has a posted ordinance against feeding the ducks (they can take care of themselves) – still, watch where you step when putting your boat in behind the ABC – “don’t step on a land-mine.”

The positive note with Lure is that there is a continuous water exchange from the Broad River flow which helps to minimize this issue.

A helpful (and free) map is available when you pick up your permit – and/or at the ramp.  With the late ‘put-in’ I figured to paddle the westerly ‘finger’ of the lake to the headwaters of the Broad River – then paddle the remainder of the lake the following day.

Easy paddle out past the marina while at the same time overhearing one of the tour-boats (“Roosevelt, Coolidge, etc”), then left under the highway and up the mellow broad river.

A number of years back we got a real flush through here, a few of hurricane Jeannie’s heavily burdened rain clouds slammed into the mountainside – the gush of water from the little town of Gerton even moved some of these boulders – it’s a gentle current today.

This was the farthest that I could paddle from the lake – folks were swimming.  What I did like was looking to the shore and there was a tiki-bar with cold beverage, signs all lit up – a potential late-day stop for a paddler.

As I paddled out another paddler was working her way up the Broad – so I chatted with Anne, from Virginia Beach and Wild River Outfitters.  Anne mentioned that she and her husband had brought their own kayaks but were told by a local ‘outfitter’ that it was cheaper to rent one of theirs than pay the fee – I don’t think that’s true, shouldn’t be.  I conveyed the information about the non-motorized fee and we paddled on as we talked more – folks like to paddle their own boat.

Its was good conversation as we worked out of the river portion closer to Firefly-Cove, where they were staying.  Her husband Rich was enjoying the spacious dock while ‘Cutter’ (son) searched the shoreline and fished – more conversation.

Fire-Fly cove is the setting used in the ‘Dirty Dancing’ movie a few years back – the clearing in the background just above the front of her cockpit is where the remains of the old gym can still be viewed.

Being in no hurry we talked a bit more before I moved on, the boathouses are fewer on this end of the lake.  I am continually finding the character of these ‘little islands’ intriguing – fresh ideas and unique twists to this ‘personal-space’ along waters-edge – cool.

But the less habitated coves have their natural niche too – at times more intriguing than what folks have done or hang on their boathouses – its all relative.

Along the West side of Buffalo Bay a commercial dive barge was moored, really not sure what they were up to but after seeing it anchored and operating out in the middle later-on – I simply figured they might be working on utility lines for the city (a grid runs though the lake).

I explored Lake Lure Village cove then swung through ‘Buffalo Bay’ into the corners of Snug Harbor and Grey Log coves to begin my paddle back for the day.

What I was beginning to notice, especially after recent paddles at Lakes Rabun and Burton in Georgia were the number of older and ‘dilapidated’ boathouses scattered about Lake Lure – not that I mind for the dated structures hold stories of their own, character – there were just more than I expected to see.

Other pictures of Lake Lure boathouses.

DAY – TWO

Day-one was an easy going four-hour paddle covering the West end of the lake – tentative plans would be to park the next day near the junctions of hwy-9 and 64 to cover the larger portion of the lake.

But you know how plans are – again the public put-ins are limited.  On my last visit with another paddler we asked an employee and were allowed to park at Larkin’s on the lake, it was a steep put-in (and we had to carry our kayaks out through the afternoon crowd) but it saved some distance (and we ate there).  On this trip my hopes were dashed when I pulled into the lot, “signs, signs everywhere” and they were clear about non-patrons “would be towed!”

Not a big deal, it was early and I would continue over to the dam and look some more.

Just before the dam (life’s full of ‘little-circles‘) there was another private landing – which once again was closed to the public – it was looking like I would paddle from the ABC ramp once again – on the far end of the lake.

Broad river, “water under the bridge’

Oh well, back to the ABC ramp

and a two-mile paddle back to Buffalo Bay, my ‘turn-back’ point of  the previous day.

It was time to cool-off, so I made a stop at calibration point to enjoy a half of sub and a few ‘left-over’ wings – my paddle pace from here would be to follow the left bank and to “paddle like I had all day.”

This meant exploring the coves of the northwest

all while pondering rope-swings,

shipwrecked picknick tables,

LZS-4577

– and rocks that have been visited before

“The connection was simply perfect, the very best – and then……. like footprints in the sand.” tgh

The NW side of Lure has a peaceful and sporadically unsettled allure – interesting coves.  I think I could have just remained quietly ‘tucked into’ one of these quiet little corners for a night – not ‘camping’ because that’s probably not allowed in this city – but maybe just conveniently ‘stuck’ for a night.

soon docks and boathouses increased

and ‘Condos’ appeared, then the final cove on the Northern tip – Laurel Landing

Rumbling Bald resort at the norther-most point of the lake had a few folks mingling on the beach and playground.

Past the LL fire boat (where I noticed the 2″ gated wye and a storz supply line fitting on the nozzle – makes sense)

before going up Buffalo Creek a short distance then back, beyond this point is the much smaller Bald Mountain Lake, more lodges and rental stuff.  Once again past the fireboat and along the south shore towards the dam – taking time for a cool dip and to finish off the wings along the way.

wanna slide?

One cove was really dense with houses

– which didn’t seem to matter to this couple from Marietta, Oh – they were set at their pace, ‘feet-up.  I’ve seen sunnin turtles move faster.

There were some interesting conglomerations along with the many nice waterside docks and boathouses too, add-ons from many years.  On this date I again noticed a number of older boathouses that seemed neglected, kinda sad.

Near the dam I ran into these folks working hard to adjust, in conversation ‘John’ and I had a mutual friend (ks) at the FD – today he was hangin out with his Dad and dog kc, having (and sharing) cold beverages; good plan (and thanks).

Being near the private landing from earlier this morning when starting my day, I paddled over to ask a few questions – maybe gather some information for future paddlers.  In a make-shift structure along the water with a nice Master-Craft was a small business that catered to those wanting to simply kayak, wake-board or ski – Lake Lure Adventure.  Once again I sat dockside while simply talking about ‘stuff’ (“paddlin like I’ve got all-day”).  It was getting later in the afternoon and I wanted to visit Larkin’s soon, I had something on my mind.

Around the picknick point shoreline

and under the Yacht Island bridge (stopping for one more ‘dip)

Nope, didn’t even need the menu at Larkins – “I’ll take a big juicy burger, sweet potato fries, and a really cold beverage (or two)” – ballast (and bilge pump)!

Then with one last cove to paddle, Tryon Bay

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and up this little creek – not sure of the creeks name in Tryon Bay, but its a good place to leave you with this paddle of Lake Lure.  The paddle back to the ramp was uneventful and the same route as I had made on the previous day.

With two simple days I had picked up my permit, paddled the Broad river end of Lake Lure – and then returned to complete the 720 acres of Buffalo Bay.  Lake Lure has little patches of isolated shores mixed into some interesting coves along its banks – the bonus some could say is that it also has at least two places to stop and eat along the way (in season), not always the case in most paddles.

Its an interesting lake with lots of ‘lake-life’ character, a worthwhile visit.  Summer is wonderful, fall is awesomely vivid – the only hurtle is the fee.

“Paddle like you have all-day”

(boathouse pictures)

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atau Tamarackidd

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