Why I need to work:
So my crew arrives and we prepare to leave for Carvins Cove.
I have planned meticulously: Life jackets, dry sack with all manner of necessary items, running lights should the sky turn dark, new boat battery, bottled water, gasoline obtained on the way, jacket, sweatshirt, hat and so on.
Out toward Hollins, left on Reservoir Road, tingling with the excitement as we approach one of the valley’s least-known joys — an afternoon in a little boat on the waters of the cove, savoring the fall foliage on the wooded slopes and ridges that surround us.
Down to the entrance, and the thrilling sight of an empty parking lot. No other boaters are there on this partly cloudy Monday.
Only then do we discover the reason: The lake is down 12 feet owing to a lack of rain. This puts its shoreline well past the floating docks and boat ramps that we’d launch from.
Somehow, I overlooked that detail.
That’s what six weeks of random behavior can do to you.
The fellow in charge tells us that those who can carry their boats from the parking lot to the water may launch at their own risk. Typically, this means kayaks, canoes or jonboats with two people to carry them.
My jonboat is 14 feet long, wide of beam, and equipped with a 9.9 horsepower outboard motor that weighs 90 pounds. Carrying it is out of the question. That’s why I bought the motor — so I wouldn’t have to carry it.
My crew and I sigh. We discuss taking a cruise next week, starting at the Hardy Road boat ramp on Smith Mountain Lake.
Then we notice that it still is a beautiful day. We pay a buck apiece, and we go for a hike.
4 responses so far ↓
I told you that the two happiest days of a boat owner’s life are when they get the boat & when they get rid of the boat. It seems like a great thing–sort of like the freedom you feel when you get your first car. You have access to places that you want to go & it is fun! Unlike a car, there is a lot more maintenance involved w/ a boat and in my limited experience, eventually the fun outweighs the hassle. Hope this is not the case for you being the nature man that you are. I hope you find a nonmuddy place to launch.
Joe,
You better take a drive to Hardy to make sure you can put in before you go. Depends on how much rain we get this week. It is very low also! It’s low everywhere. I didn’t see Hardy yesterday but often, there, it’s better than alot of other places.
I usually go there often, so let me know when you plan on going & I’ll check it out for you so you’ll know if you can put the boat in. I have a feeling I’m headed there come saturday.
Gosh, that was only one little detail. I would have never thought of that either. Sounds like you still ended up having a nice day, so it wasn’t a total bust! The bottom line was R & R! When you start your new job, you can reflect back on this day, laugh, and say to yourself, what a pleasurable day it ended up being.
Joe, I have not heard from you in such a long time. You say you have a new job- what are you doing? I still miss your articles in the RT. Parke C. Bogle
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