Lake Norman Lake Levels

We are squarely in mid-June and LKN remains only two feet off of full pond. While that seems hard to believe, we were actually a half foot higher last year at this time. Why should we care about lake levels? Well, for one thing, it gives boaters a more usable lake. Secondly, lake levels mean the locations of good fishing are different.

Certainly, good boating and fishing are more dynamic than how high the water levels are but knowing this bit of info can help anyone enjoy their day on LKN just that much more.

Happy boating out there!

Boatin' Time on LKN

It is Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of Summer is here. If you haven't done so already, go get your boat ready and head out to Lake Norman. With the warm weather and nearly full pond, traffic on LKN has really been hopping.

Just remember, you are now required so show proof of taking a boater safety class and of course have enough PFD for everyone on your vessel. I can't think of a better way to spend a summer day than on the water. Just make sure you are prepared and safe while you're out there!

Have some fun!

Spring is all over LKN

There is a bass fishing tournement kicking off on March 24th (Blythe Landing) but based on the number of bass boats out on the lake over the past week, you'd think the festivities had already started. Still, it is great to see so much traffic on Lake Norman. Spring is here!

Get out there and have some fun on LKN but be safe!

Father and Son Hurt In Boating Accidnet on Lake Norman

Folks, the 2011 Boating Season is upon us and there is no better reminder to be careful as you take to our crown jewel, Lake Norman, than this story. Today, during a fishing tournament, a father and son were thrown from their boat when they struck something in the lake. Other boaters were close by and were able to rescue them. It appears everyone will be okay.

If you haven't taken a safe boating class, remember, it is now the law. This family was lucky. Let's see if we can have a safe 2011 Boating Season on LKN. All the better for everyone.

He's baccccccccccck!

Okay, I'm back and making a commitment to do a little blogging each week. I'll be doing my views, picks, and pans for the Lake Norman region. Of course, there may be a little fun too! I hope to "see" y'all soon!

Swimming Ban on Lake Norman Lifted

Good news on LKN!

Ooooo, that smell (at Lake Norman)

If you're driving on River Highway heading west, be aware of a little bill board campaign for Bloom. Here, take a look.

Herons are Back on Lake Norman

I am sorry to say that we've yet to take the boat out this year. Nothing is really wrong, there is just too much work to do on dry land before I can feel not too guilty for having some fun on LKN. However, one of my first stops, when we do go out, which will be soon, is Heron Island.

It is between D4 and D6 on Reedy Creek. Captain Gus wrote about it today. You cannot go onto the island this time of year and you need to be very careful navigating the area because of sholes and rocks. But do try to swing by for a visit. You will not be disappointed.

Charlotte Dragon Boat Races

It's that time again, the Charlotte Dragon Boat Race is this weekend, Saturday, May 15th at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, NC.

Hope to see you there!

Safe(r) Boating is coming to Lake Norman

North Carolina has taken a major step forward and passed a law requiring manditor boater safety training for anyone operating a boat under the age of 25.

Rather than have me paraphrase, here is the link to a story in today's Charlotte Observer.

Happy Boating, ya'll!

Choplin's Restaurant - The new Lake Norman Standard has been set!

Last night, my wife and I were on the hunt for a new restaurant to try out. Boy did we ever luck out! We visited Choplin's Restaurant in the "old" Bi-Lo shopping center. For you long time LKN Locals, Choplin's is located where El Cancun used to be next to Blockbuster.

We started dinner with a Hot Crab and Spinach spread with a freshly baked French bread roll. It was great. For our main course, we both had the Shrimp and Grits entrée and WOW is the only way to describe it. Creamy southern style grits with lightly seasoned shrimp but also included sautéed squash, peppers, and broccolini, served with a sweet chili sauce. There was nothing left on our plates. We finished the meal with a wonderful Red Velvet cake with a smooth, cream cheese icing and a freshly brewed coffee. With a generous tip, we still managed all of this (no alcohol) for about $35 each ($70 total).

The menu includes most anything you would want and some items are not available if they cannot be delivered fresh, especially, the seafood. They are open for lunch and dinner and you can bet we will be heading back soon.

So, try something new and discover the wonderful flavors of Choplin's!

Wal-Mart FLW Bass Fishing League is back on Lake Norman

The Wal-Mart FLW Bass Fishing League is back next week. March 24-27. Watch for the MANY bass boats heading out of Blythe Landing each morning at 6:00 am but have some fun watching!

This is the kind of People we have around Lake Norman

Now, this isn't to say that there aren't good folks in many other places in the world but here in our little patch of heaven, this sort of story tells you why we like living here.

Cornelius Parks and Rec - There is a lot here for a town the size of Cornelius

I could really say a lot about the Town of Cornelius and it's Parks & Rec Department but for this post, I'm going to let Dave Gilroy, one of our Town Commissioners do the talking:

Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture (PARC) update. As you know, we are investing in a world-class parks infrastructure in Cornelius. With the build-out of Westmoreland Athletic Complex and Robbins Park areas (now in progress), we will have 11 Town parks and 4 major County parks (Jetton, Ramsey Creek, Blythe Landing, and McDowell Creek Greenway) in Cornelius. Including undeveloped open space in our park land inventory, we have almost 500 acres of facilities online. Our organized athletics, recreational, and cultural programs are wide-ranging, highly ambitious, and perhaps under-appreciated. Citizen awareness of what's available is undoubtedly a major concern, so I urge you to actively explore our PARC website and take advantage! Finally, special thanks to 3 citizens - Ron Kelley, Del Arrendale, and John Freese who have stepped up to conduct a detailed "Performance Audit" of our PARC department to ensure that we are working as efficiently has possible, spending every dime of taxpayer dollars effectively, and having maximum community impact. They will formally report in the next few weeks, and I will further comment on their findings and conclusions.

Road Service for the Lake

There are a lot of Good Samaritans around Lake Norman. I've been both the recipient as well as the provider. You know what I am talking about. Either you have had a boat break down or you have come across someone that needed your assistance. Certainly, Good Samaritans are great but there are times when folks aren't around and you may find yourself in need of a tow. Now there is a service on LKN that helps with those times you are all alone. Sea Tow is a for fee service and is on call 24/7. You can join for the year or call from the lake but be prepared to pay.

Thankfully, most "rescues" are not serious or life threating. But none the less, when you find yourself on the lake with a non-working boat, the annual fee for Sea Tow will seem very small and your peace of mind will be priceless.

Long Range Planning for the Town of Cornelius - Where does Lake Norman Fit?

The Town of Cornelius held it's annual planning session at the tony Peninsula Club. While from all accounts, it was a good session, there was a lot of "dreaming" going on. Not necessarily a bad thing but with so many other issues on the table, it does seem odd that so much time was allocated to a brainstorming session on how to make Cornelius a shopping and dining destination.

Hopefully, the pressing issues of schools, land development, taxes, and CMUD over billing on water rates will float to the top of the agenda (you like how I used a water reference to make a point on a blog devoted to LKN?). Certainly, long range planning needs to happen but let's put it in priority with the other issues facing the town.

Lake Norman the Coolest Place in Town?

Who turned off the warm? It was below 20 dregrees this morning and won't be much warmer today or the rest of the week.

Oh well, I am guessing I will be posting about it being too warm in August!

Happy New Year LKN Locals!

The Spirit of the Season is all over Lake Norman

It is the Holiday Season around Lake Norman and it is only fitting that we look at those among us that are doing good in our communities and say thanks. Thank you for the Red Cross volunteers, for the police and public safety offices, thank you to the individuals that make personal contributions, thank you to those that stocked local food pantries, and thank you to those that helped local charities.

Yes, thank you for making this place we call LKN a better place.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

Merry Christmas Lake Norman - Gift Ideas for the LKN Homeowner

Merry Christmas to Everyone! Here are some gift ideas for your LKN neighbors.

Now, go finish your shopping and get ready for a few days of celebrating this great holiday with your family and friends.

Lake Norman Snow!

I know, it's been a while since my last post. I have a new job and done a ton of travel, so I've not taken the time to make a post. But there is lots going on around LKN. I will do a better job of posting about happenings around the Lake but now you know why I've not been around.

But talking about happenings around the Lake, we have snow! Yes, it arrived on December 18th, the Friday before Christmas, and we have the white stuff on the ground.

I hope you have a fantastic Holiday season and for my Christian friends, Merry Christmas!