Boating Tips for Holiday Weekends

Wednesday, 22 May 2013 21:56 Written by Robert Sutherland

DNR Ranger First Class Mark Stephens (left) and Corporal Jason Roberson -- 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

It’s better to meet DNR Ranger First Class Mark Stephens (left) and Corporal Jason Roberson — 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year — on land than after a boating accident. ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

Tip #1:  Don’t Drink and Drive — Cars or Boats

Those new laws governing blood alcohol limits while operating motor vehicles in Georgia — including boats — are now in effect.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and TEAM Georgia remind you to refrain from drinking alcohol while operating boats.

“Alcohol, mixed with boating activities, can create dangerous conditions that can lead not only to an arrest, but also to tragedy so we want to emphasize responsibility and safety, especially during the increased traffic expected on holiday weekends,” says Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver, assistant chief of DNR Law Enforcement Division.  “Boaters also need to be aware that the legal limit for boating under the influence has changed from 0.10 to 0.08, equalizing boating legal limits to driving legal limits.”

The marine environment – waves, engine noise, water, sun and wind – accelerates impairment and fatigue in recreational boaters.  Hazardous situations abound when fatigue is combined with the effects of alcohol.

“It is not illegal to have alcohol in an open container on a boat, nor is it illegal for a person operating a boat to drink.” says Weaver.  “However, if a person is over the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, they are presumed to be less safe and may be charged with boating under the influence.”

People arrested for BUI may lose their privilege to operate a boat.  These privileges are not reinstated until the successful completion of an approved Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program.

The offender will be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable with up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 12 months in prison.

“Operating a boat is as complicated as driving a car, and a boating incident is as dangerous as an automobile accident,” says Ron Fennel, chairman of TEAM Georgia.  “However, many people who would never drive a car intoxicated think it is okay to operate their boat after drinking.  Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal and hazardous to themselves and others on the water.”

To help emphasize safe driving and boating, TEAM Georgia will reward those who register as a designated sober operator with a chance to win prizes.  To Register Online Click Here

Be wise.  Don’t drink and drive.

Click Here for GA’s New Boating Regulations

 

Lake Lanier Association’s Annual Meeting

Tuesday, 21 May 2013 15:51 Written by Robert Sutherland

Photo by Robert Sutherland

(left to right) Lake Lanier Association Director Joanna Cloud, Board Member John Richardson and LLA President Val Perry ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

The Lake Lanier Association (LLA) is a nonprofit advocacy group whose goal is to keep Lake Lanier clean, full and safe.

LLA’s 1,700 member households and businesses, representing over 3,000 individuals, promote community education and awareness about the state of Lake Lanier and what can be done to improve it.

Their annual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2013, from 5:15 PM until about 8:30 PM.  This year’s gathering includes innovative additions.

From 5:15 until 6:45 PM, a business expo will be held to introduce attendees to merchants and services available to those who visit Lake Lanier.

Starting at 5:30 PM, four “breakout workshop sessions” will focus on these topics:

  • Dock maintenance and technology panel discussion – Tom Child/Marine Specialties, Brad Wiegand/Boat Dock Works, Tom Vivelo/LLA moderator
  • Navigating Lake Lanier with GPS technology – Humminbird representative
  • Addressing water quality concerns at a private dock or cove – Duncan Hughes/Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Bev Nicholls/LLA
  • Creating a fish habitat at your personal dock – Patrick O’Rourke/DNR

 

The “business portion” of the membership meeting begins at 6:45 PM.  There will be a review of accomplishments in 2012 and a discussion of plans for 2013 and beyond.

Agenda items include:

  • Status of Corps of Engineers Water Control Manual Update
  • Lake Lanier Water Safety Alliance Update, including new Boating Safety Stickers and Lake Marker Solar Lighting Program
  • Clean Lake Projects with Flat Creek Restoration Project Update and Property Owner Pledge Agreement
  • LLA Financial Update
  • Recognition of service for Jackie Joseph

 

Members are encouraged to attend.  The public is invited to attend and join the Lake Lanier Association.

This year’s meeting will be held at Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Tech, located at 3410 Ronald Regan Boulevard in Cumming, Georgia.

Click Here for Lake Lanier Association’s Website

Bridge Near Lake Lanier Washed Away

Monday, 20 May 2013 19:55 Written by Robert Sutherland

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The former bridge over Stephens Road in Hall County. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Hall County declared a local state of emergency Sunday evening, May 19, 2013, after downpours poured down seven inches of water over the weekend.

Lake Lanier — which was already over its full summer pool level of 1071 feet — rose by 1.24 feet to 1073.35 between Friday, May 17th and Monday, May 19th.

Stephens Road runs parallel to Lake Lanier in the area between Old Federal Park and Sunrise Cove Marina.

At least it used to … before the road washed away on Sunday night and took the bridge with it.

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Stephens Road in Hall County — where the bridge used to be. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

No matter how good you think our local road crews are it’s going to take some serious fixin’ to reconnect Stephens Road.

I am not a professional, but I don’t think duct tape, WD-40 and Vise Grips are going to put it back together any time soon.

The bridge is a popular spot for the curious and for film crews.

The short time that I was there a TV reporter was on the far side of where the bridge isn’t doing a news report.

I don’t think the crew was getting along.

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TV news team filming on Stephens Road by the washed out bridge. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

I kept hearing the director telling “the talent” to step back …

back … back … just a little farther … back, back.

Local residents don’t have a clue how long it will take to replace the span.

Not to worry.

Gainesville has a dandy bridge that they could probably spare for a decade or two.

Nobody uses it.

Maybe they’d let Hall County place it over Stephens Road for awhile?

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Could the Bridge to Nowhere find its purpose in life? ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Lake Lanier Promotes Safe Boating Week

Saturday, 18 May 2013 19:57 Written by Robert Sutherland

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Stacey Dickson and the happy crew from Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

National Safe Boating Week runs from May 18-24, 2013.

Many of the stalwart defenders of our beloved lake gathered at Lake Lanier Islands’ Sunset Cove to inform folks about ways to boat safely.

Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show that drowning was the reported cause of death in 75% of recreational boating fatalities in 2010.  Of those who drowned, 88% were not wearing life jackets.

That’s why boating safety advocates continue to push for increased and consistent life jacket wear on the water.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division Ranger First Class Mark Stephens and 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year Corporal Jason Roberson were there to prove that Rangers are professional law enforcement officers and nice guys too.

DNR Ranger First Class Mark Stephens (left) and Corporal Jason Roberson -- 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

DNR Ranger First Class Mark Stephens (left) and Corporal Jason Roberson — 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

Georgia was one the few applicants who received money from grants dispersed by the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It!” campaign.  The $3,400 grant will allow DNR to produce stand-up banners, plastic signs with the “Wear It!” logo, large custom banners and more.  The items will help rangers promote safety during National Safe Boating Week and all year.

About the National Safe Boating Council

The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com.

About Safe Boating in Georgia

For more information about boating in Georgia, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com/boating.  Several new videos have been created on recent and upcoming boating-related changes in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/new-boating-regulations-2013 to view.

Click Here for Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau

Click Here for Lake Lanier Association

Click Here for Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Lanier

 

May 18th: Lake Lanier Boating Safety Awareness Day

Friday, 17 May 2013 06:19 Written by Robert Sutherland

Lake Lanier rowing venue

Lake Lanier won’t always be this quiet. Be prepared to be safe this summer. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

 

Lake Lanier is at full summer pool.  Summer is right around the corner with sunburns, bass fishing, skiing, sailing, people watching, moonlight cruises, parties (or noisy neighbors, if you’re not invited) and the potential for boating accidents.

[Please Note: I did not make any snarky comments about the lakeside morons who fire up their blasted leaf blowers at dawn on Saturday and Sunday mornings when normal people are either asleep or fishing.  Forget making honest citizens pass umpteen tests to own a gun.  We should license these "people" in the same way docks are licensed and taxed and limited in number.  In a survey I took, when asked how many leaf blowers should be allowed on Lake Lanier the unanimous answer was "One."  Thank you.]

The Lake Lanier Association, Lake Lanier Islands, TEAM Georgia and the Lake Lanier Water Safety Alliance have dedicated their resources to bring you Boating Safety Awareness Day on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  The public is invited, but please leave your dang leaf blowers home.

With almost 8 million visitors each year, Lake Lanier is one of America’s favorite lakes, in spite of a few deadly wrecks on the lake that made national news.  Keeping boating safety in the news will certainly help in the prevention of accidents in the future.

A portion of the gate fee proceeds at Lake Lanier Islands will be donated to the Lake Lanier Water Safety Alliance to help them continue their efforts in making Lake Lanier safe.

What:   Local law enforcement agencies, lake partner agencies and local retailers will be on hand with safety related information and promotional items.  Complimentary vessel safety inspections will be conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

When:   Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Where:   Sunset Cove at Lake Lanier Islands

The Lake Lanier Association is a non-profit advocacy group that works toward a Clean, Full, and Safe Lake Lanier.

Click Here to Download pdf Event Flyer

 

Iron Pig: World’s Best BBQ Beans

Thursday, 16 May 2013 23:17 Written by Robert Sutherland

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Iron Pig BBQ in Jefferson, GA. Home of the galaxy’s best beans. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Iron Pig BBQ in Jefferson, GA, is owned and operated by Hunter Garner and his wife, Farrah.

Iron Pig BBQ was recently awarded the honor of Best BBQ Beans in the Entire Galaxy — by a unanimous vote.

Dr. Crawford Long — the first to use ether as a surgical anesthetic — lived and worked in Jefferson.  We’ll long remember how Dr. Long’s personal dedication and ingenuity changed modern medicine.  The nearby museum honoring Dr. Long has historical artifacts and displays detailing the life and discoveries of Dr. Long.

Click Here for the Dr. Crawford Long Museum

Now, I never met Dr. Long.  For all I know he made great beans too.  So, we’re not taking anything away from him.

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Mrs. Farrah Hunter. She and her husband, Garner, own & operate Iron Pig BBQ. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

But I have met Hunter Garner and Farrah.  They are two of the nicest people you’ll find anywhere.  The kind of folks you hope will do well in business, in the community and in their personal lives.

Once a week or so, I hop on my motorcycle and happily travel 35 miles for a dose of “my” beans.  That’s how good they are.

Truth is … you might not like them, especially if you like cans of soggy boring beans in a brown sauce with flecks of mystery goop floating around.

Iron Pig BBQ beans come from Hunter’s grandmother’s recipe.  They’re sweet, but not too sweet.  They’re meaty, delicious and blended with a bunch of different types of beans.

They’re thick enough to hold a fork straight up and (hmmm, how SHALL I say this???) they don’t … I mean, you won’t … ummm, the beans aren’t going to give you … well, they’re as easy on the tummy as they are on the tongue.  How’s that?

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Iron Pig BBQ’s Main Dining Room ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

Sure, Iron Pig BBQ has amazing ribs, but they’re sold out late in the afternoon by the time I get there.  I love their pulled pork and slaw.  Their sweet tea is sweet, their stew is super and their chicken will make you dance.

But for my money, it’s all about the beans.

It’s not a fancy place.  It ain’t for the snooty.  I like that.  People who are too snooty for Iron Pig BBQ are too snooty.  Period.

Worried if the person you’re dating is too snooty?  Take them to Iron Pig BBQ.  If they don’t like the beans, send them back to Newark.

The Part You’re Not Going to Believe

I’m not getting paid to write this.  I buy my meals there, same as everybody else.

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Iron Pig BBQ’s Cool Cooker ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland

Nobody asked me to write this or gave me any suggestions on what to say.  I never listen anyway.

This is all about helping good folks who have great attitudes and a fabulous product.

I think you should give them a try, if you like BBQ.  I think you should give them a try, even if you don’t like BBQ … yet.

This is America.  Folks like the Garners took a shot at starting a small business.

For me it’s worth a half-hour drive.  In my humble opinion, it would be worth a trip for you and your family too.

Hours & Stuff

  • Open Wednesdays from 10 AM until 6 PM.
  • Open Thursday — Saturday from 10 AM until 7 PM.
  • If you want their succulent ribs, don’t wait until closing time.  There won’t be any left.

Contact Info

Directions

  • Down the street from the Crawford Long Museum.  Just head west on Rt 11 toward 129.  It’s on the left.
  • Look for the old locomotive on the hill.  That’s their cooker.
  • They’re located near the intersection of GA 11/Lee Street and Epps Street.
  • They’re across from the goofy old building that has a roof made out of what looks like a tent frame with no fabric.  Laugh, but you’ll know what I mean when you see it.

 

Just one thing.  Please don’t buy all the beans.  Thank you.

Butterflies Flutter By Wilshire Trails Park

Thursday, 16 May 2013 15:12 Written by Robert Sutherland

The Friends of Gainesville Parks and Greenways will beautify the skies over Gainesville (a.k.a. Poultryville and/or Chicken City) on Sunday, May 19, 2013, during their 17th Annual Butterfly Release.

The fluttery fun takes off around 1 PM and hovers until 4 PM.

Every kid will be given a Painted Lady Butterfly to release at 3 PM – rain or shine.

This colorful event is free.  T-shirts, food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Fun Stuff

  • Paper Sailboat Races
  • Face Painting
  • Playground
  • Hiking Trails
  • Friendly Folks
  • Butterflies!

Other Stuff

  • Wilshire Trails Park is at the corner of Wilshire Trails Road at Pearl Nix Parkway in Gainesville.
  • Parking is free.
  • Shuttles will run from Gainesville High School and Woods Mill Academy.

 

Friends of Gainesville Parks & Greenways, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as a cultural, educational and recreational resource to develop, beautify, maintain, restore and preserve passive and active leisure pursuits in Gainesville, Hall County.  They also release butterflies.

Click Here for Friends of Gainesville Park & Greenways

Literary Trailfest at Reece Farm & Heritage Center

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 21:24 Written by Robert Sutherland

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The lovely grounds at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center in North Georgia. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

The Byron Herbert Reece Society is sponsoring a Southern Literary Trail “Trailfest” event Saturday, May 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Reece Farm and Heritage Center, one mile north of Vogel State Park on Highway 129.

Admission is free and the public is cordially invited to participate and help celebrate Georgia’s Appalachian poet/novelist, Byron Herbert Reece.

Among the day’s activities will be musical and dramatic presentations, storytelling, culinary art, poetry readings, and visual art.  Most of these presentations will take place in or near the group pavilion.

Rev. Keith Jones will emcee the program and will contribute to the storytelling segment.

Presentations

  • Reece’s nephew, Terry Reece, will share recollections of his Uncle Hub.
  • David Brose, a folklorist associated with the John C. Campbell Folk School and an accomplished musician specializing in the banjo, will provide music.
  • Jackie Elsner, a vocalist who has set many of Reece’s poems to old ballad tunes.
  • The poetry reading will feature five of the winners in previous poetry contests sponsored by the Society.
  • A dramatic presentation of Reece’s works is planned, including a special visit by an actor portraying the poet.
  • Al Garnto, a Union County outdoor and folk artist, and Dick Aunspaugh, retired chair of the Young Harris College Art Department, will display and discuss some of their works.
  • A culinary artist will be on hand to demonstrate and explain the art of cooking with an Appalachian flavor.

 

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Only John Kay can identify all the tools and implements on display at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Refreshments will be available for purchase, provided by the Union County High School Swim Team Booster Club.

The Welcome Center’s gift shop and museum will be open for visitation, as will the Farm’s exhibits area.  The admission fee for touring the exhibits will be waived in lieu of a donation by visitors.

The center is dedicated to one of North Georgia’s most famous writers and poets, Byron Herbert Reece, so you won’t be surprised to find many items pertaining to his life and works on hand in the gift shop.

Contact Information

Hours: Thursdays — Saturdays,  April — November; 10:00 to 5:00.  Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00.  Other weekday visits by appointment only.

Phone:  706-745-2034

E-mail: reecesociety@gmail.com

Website: ByronHerbertReeceSociety.org

Address: 8552 Gainesville Highway, Blairsville, GA  30512

Click Here for the Byron Herbert Reece Society

Click Here for Heritage Center Information

Trail Days: The Biggest Appalachian Trail Festival

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 20:46 Written by Robert Sutherland

Damascus Roads

All trails lead to Damascus, VA, during Trail Days. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

If you cannot imagine what it’s like for a town of 900 or so people to throw a party for 20,000 folks for five days, come to Damascus, Virginia, and find out how they do it.

Trail Days — which officially runs from May 17th through the 19th — is already cranking.

A zillion Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, wannabes, outdoorsy folks, off-road bicyclists and an occasional normal person will gather for a fabulously good time.

Note: Please bring your own motel room.  Thank you.

The fun has begun.

Click Here for the Official Trail Days Schedule

There’s the regular festival stuff — food, music, cuties, Trail gizmos and plenty of people to stare at (but don’t, please).

Trail Days has irregular stuff too:

  • free gear repair services
  • hot meals served by churches
  • medical screenings
  • concerts and a
  • humongous town-wide yard sale.

Note to thru-hikers:  Please don’t abandon your “great deals” on the AT.  Thank you.

The hiker parade is still planned for Saturday.  Organizers hate to rain on anybody’s parade, but “tossing” water balloons at beauty queens, antique and restored cars, children on bikes and/or the mayor … as has been done in the past … with … shall we say “gusto” … will no longer be allowed.

Squirt guns, however, are welcome — if aimed at hikers.  In fact, the town’s beautification committee will thank you, as will everyone else downwind of the thru-hiders.

If you insist on throwing water balloons at someone, go to a nearby park and throw them at yourself.  Thank you.

Trail Days 2013 in Damascus is simply going to be a blast.

Hope to see you there.  I’ll be the bearded guy in jeans, boots and a T-shirt.  Make sure you say hello.

Click Here for Trail Days 2013

Click Here for a Quick Tour of Damascus

Groups Discuss Renovating Rowing Venue

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 16:36 Written by Robert Sutherland

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Lake Lanier’s Olympic Rowing Venue at Clarks Bridge Park ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland

Discussions are underway again to see what can be done to breathe new life into the site of the 1996 Olympic Rowing events at Clarks Bridge Park on Lake Lanier.

Participants representing the city of Gainesville, Lake Lanier Rowing Club, Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club, Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Gainesville/Hall ’96 Foundation are hoping to find funding to bring their hopes to fruition.

Money — estimates vary from $1M to almost $2M — is needed to renovate buildings and docks at the rowing venue.

Other potential expenditures would include a facilities manager, maintenance of the site and a few capital improvements.

Grants might be available to meet some of the needs.

It all boils down to money.

That’s not an attack or an insult.

It’s reality.

We would all love to see regattas return to the rowing venue.  We’d love to see more events for the public there.  The site represents a highlight in the heritage of Gainesville and Hall County.

There are just too many ways to spend too few dollars.

We’re grateful to all who are putting their dreams and efforts into this project.  We hope money will be found to accomplish their goals.

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