Finding Lulin

A comet discovered in 2007 is visible tonight in the eastern sky. Comet Lulin is named for the Lulin Observatory in Taiwan. Go have a look see!

Take it Outside, LKN

There is a new biking, hiking, and running trail in the Denver area. The site of the old R-Anell homes plant in Denver has been converted by Denver Baptist Church and a group of volunteers. Denver Baptist acquired the property when R-Anell consolidated their operations in Cherryville a few years ago. The church converted the plant into a skateboard park as part of their ministry and then a fellow named Keith Isenberg of local bike and skate shop, Blood, Sweat, and Gears came up with the idea for the trails. 

So, GET OUT and enjoy some fresh air on the west side of Lake Norman!

Summer Camp Season is here (well, almost), are You Ready?

Growing up in the 60s and 70s, we didn't do much in the way of summer activities. My folks both worked and aside from the annual one week vacation in North Myrtle Beach, SC, we stayed pretty close to home. Add a week of bible school and chores, we just never did the summer camp thing. Today, kids chores aren't nearly as consuming as they were when we were young (do I  sound like my parent yet?) and finding something to entertain your kids is a job all by itself. Our daughter has attended the Davidson College Lake Camp for the past few years. It is really a great way for kids to get the real outdoor experience in a day-camp environment and is a really well run camp. 

Well, believe it or not, now is the time to be registering your child for 2009 summer camps. It seems there is no shortage of camps in the greater Charlotte area and enrollment is usually limited. Therefore, the reason you need to register now is so you can pick your week and guarantee a slot in your camp of choice. Of course, we still recommend the Davidson College Lake Camp but there are plenty of options in the area. 

So, plan your summer activities and get out and enjoy the LKN area, summertime is calling!

Boating Season is Coming to Lake Norman. Are you Ready?

I know it is still too cold for many of us to think about getting out on the lake and cruising the shoreline but Memorial Day will be here before you know it and we will all be ready to hop in our boats and head out on the water. However, before you pull to the boat launch or cast off from your private pier, now is a good time to think about preparing your boat for a summer of fun. 

Nothing can ruin a day on LKN like being stuck out in the middle of the lake with engine problems. Did you have your boat serviced last fall? Have you checked to make sure everything is in working order? What about an inspection of all the safety equipment? 

Yes, this is the stuff boredom is made of but it won't feel so boring if you have a great day out on the lake. And now is a great time of year to put just a little effort into maintaining your vessel. Boat mechanics are usually slower this time of year, so if you have been putting off maintenance or just didn't get around to it this fall, don't wait until boating season is here because you will be sitting on the shore wondering what a fun day out on the water would have been like!

A Toast to and in Huntersville

If you are looking for a good dinning experience, try Toast. This is a great little place in the heart of downtown Huntersville. We've had breakfast and a Valentine's Day dinner there. Both meals were good and the service was good. Aside from the glass of tea spilled on me during Valentine's dinner, things were really good (Note to the owners, good form would have been to offer dry cleaning). 

One thing, this is not a cheap joint, so bring some coin. However, for a special occasion dinner, like Valentine's Day, don't go on the cheap and Toast is a good choice. 

Fishing Devices on LKN?

There is an interesting story in the Charlotte Observer today about a plan to deploy fish attacking devices on Lake Norman. Basically, these are PVC contraptions that act as a submerged Christmas trees but won't snag fishing lines like the proverbial Christmas tree. I suppose this isn't a bad idea but the real rub is that the LKN Marine Commission, the governing body for LKN had no idea it was happening until Gus Gustafson, local fishing guide and LKN celebrity mentioned it to a member of the Marine Commission. Let's just say, surprised isn't the best word to describe his reaction. 

Now I am not much of a fisherman but I'm not too sure I even I want the kind of help a bunch of PVC pipe can give me. I mean really, if fishing is so bad here, why does Wal-Mart host a Bass tournament every year? 

NASCAR Racing and Lake Norman

NASCAR and Lake Norman go hand in hand and today is the running of the 51st Daytona 500. As a newbie to NASCAR racing, I still have a lot to learn but I can tell you that hearing those cars rumble by at 190 mph on Fox is a rush you just can't explain. But how does this tie to LKN? Well, you are hard pressed to spend much time on the lake and not see or visit some locale on LKN that doesn't have a NASCAR story to it. 

So as we start the 2009 NASCAR season, let's also remember the role that this sport and it's family of drivers, owners, crew, and fans play in living, working, and yes playing at LKN!