The Blue Ridge Chapter restarted its schedule with a great weekend in the mountains.
Boats rumbled back to life in pure, flat water, ringed with boathouses and surrounded by green mountaintops. Just like they have for the greater part of the last 100 years. As our historic craft passed by, the modern boats wait their turn to host families and fun. Waves and appreciative nods from homeowners. Lake visitors dotted the Gazebo area and at the docks to get a glimpse of the past. Magnificence in mahogany, and free formation in fiberglass.
That’s Lake Lure from the outside. The REAL Lure was the joyful feeling on the inside.
“Wow, it is so good to see you!” The quote heard often around the Lake, The Inn, and the dinner table, meant more this time than it ever has before. Like perennial flowers in Spring, the friendships blossomed and regained their warm beauty after the cold COVID winter that was the year 2020.
Of course, we had all gathered for the Lake Lure Spring Classic Boat and Auto Show. Approximately 25 boats and 75 cars were displayed in the brilliant sunlight along the beach fronting the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. According to the turnstiles, nearly 2,500 people walked the docks to view our floating time capsules. Many of us noted the wide variety of boats gathered for a small-sized show. A sailing canoe, gentleman’s racer, sporty performance boats, classic fiberglass, traditional utilities, triple cockpits, Italians, a Canadian. Something for everyone.
We signed up to offer rides to show goers. My first group was a family of seven. Normally, six is the comfortable limit. “Can we all go?” Several small children. They can squeeze in. “Sure. Small ones get life jackets and ride up front. Mom and Dad in the rear seat.” Engine roared to life, throttle back, and we burbled out onto open water. “Have you ever ridden in an old boat?” I asked. “No, Ma’am.” said the nine-year-old girl next to me. “None of us have ever been in a boat at all.” It took a minute for that thought to register. “Do you live near here?” “Yes, my grandma works in lots of these houses. Sometimes I help her clean, too” Throttle up, the engine responding with an eager tenor voice. A quick look back, and the kids and parents are looking around, wide-eyed, and holding each other’s hands. Past more houses, the lake opens up, and a little more throttle. “Hands up! Like a roller coaster!” Smiles appear, and I can see they are enjoying the rush of wind and water. “Big turn coming!” and I rotate the wheel, the 72-year-old boat leaning into a long sweeping curve. I look back. Smiles, and cheers. Fun like they have never had. Flip the rudder the other way, forming a figure 8 out in the middle of the lake. More smiles. I aim the bow back toward port, and ease down the throttle a bit. Lots of chatter among the family. Everything calms as we near the dock, and each child remembers to put out a fender, and prepare for landing. We get lots of dock help backing into an impossibly narrow slip, and I cut the ignition. Lines tied; life jackets unsnap. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’ll never know what this ride means to our kids and our family.”
I remember both my first time in a boat, and my first time in this boat. Both times, great memories. Through a 15-minute boat ride, I was able to share a joy I’ve known for years. The joy of sharing the good things in life with others.
Lake Lure was a “Welcome Back to Life” in a comfortably familiar setting. Mountains, water, friends, good food, maybe a cocktail.
We have already reserved a room for next year … please join us!
In all over 8 boats participated in giving over 200 boat rides to the public. I know personally that some people enjoyed rides in two or three boats over the day. On Friday night during dinner there was a DJ keeping us entertained and he had two very acute daughters ages 10 and 8 with him. We told them to see us tomorrow morning for a boat ride. They showed up at 9:30 and hopped into my Coronado for their first ever boat ride.
After leaving the harbor area, I stopped the boat and asked which girl want to drive first. After very startled looks one said OK and climbed on my lap and off we went. I told her see that white house way down the lake just aim the boat for that house. I had to reminder a couple of times “are we headed for that house or the green one on the left.”
When we reach the middle of the lake the girls switched positions. Once back at the dock they ran to the next boat and asked for a ride and told the owner, we know how to drive, so can we drive your boat too. That afternoon they came back for and asked for another ride. After saying “of course”, the younger one yells, “I drive first.” What a wonderful memory they will have of their day at Lake Lure.
The dates for next year are May 20, 21 2022 the hotel is open for reservations so make yours today.