Virginia Dare Marina-Moneta, VA

alone on a country road

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Country Church

Pond #2

Pond

Farmhouse

Stone Mountain

January 2005 is coming to a close and the first snow of the year finally arrives at Smith Mountain Lake. It is early morning and I fire up "Bertha, " my faithful Jeep Wagoneer and together we go in search for something...not knowing what. The inner child in me wants to play. But the spirit needs something more substantial. A inspiring drive over Stone Mountain in Huddleston provided direction and much needed comfort. Not knowing the mountain I was afraid of what I might face around each bend...much like life. Nervous, yet excited . Sort of like a first date, but this date was with destiny.
My journey produced a new friend and greater respect for the beauty that surrounds us. Things we take for granted. It also produced a quick poem that was finished after a few stops to jot down lines and snap a few photos.
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Strawberry Banks #7

Strawberry Banks #6

Strawberry Banks #5

Strawberry Banks #4

Strawberry Banks #3

Strawberry Banks #2

Strawberry Banks #1

Strawberry Banks Campground

Strawberry Banks holds a special place in my heart. It was a summer retreat for my family back in the late 60's and early 70's. The lake was new, virtually untouched by the hands of water lovers . You could take a Jon boat out safely and catch crappie until your arms or the fish grew tired . Most coves were uncharted and you had to be careful in some areas because of underwater debris. The dammed waters covering homes, barns, bridges, large bull pines and whatever else was in its way. Night fishing was done only by locals who knew the waters.
The weekends consisted of cookouts, Saturday night square dances or just sitting by a campfire with other families. Some from as far away as North Carolina, all friends who shared a common love for this new man-made wonder. The same families returning year after year. Life was simple. There were no Airstream trailers or speedboats, just tents, pop- ups and if you had a little money, maybe a nice ski boat or a small Shasta trailer. A canoe the boat of choice.
Unfortunately, the years as well as real estate development took its toll on these special places. The family camping trip became passe. Families began vacationing at popular beach resorts. Soon campgrounds would become nostalgic like drive-in movies, curbside service restaurants and duck pin bowling.
By chance in December of 2004 I searched and found Strawberry Banks . It was hidden by new homes and subdivisions. It was a little weary due to old age, but nevertheless a stubborn soul not willing to compromise. A diamond in the rough. How it survived through the years is beyond me. Almost as if it were in God's plan. One step on its red clay soil and I felt like a child again.
(Complete story in the Smith Mountain Eagle Feb. 16, 2005 edition)
www.smithmountaineagle.com

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Sunrise at Bridgewater Plaza 1/31/05

The Bridge

pier

Seagulls on boat slips 

sunrise

Sunrise at Bridgewater Plaza

Another weekend...Another forecast for snow. This was to be the big one. Instead of mounds of fresh snow , we received our 4-8" in sleet and freezing rain. The lake became an ice palace. Once again I ventured out against my better judgment. After a few slips on the icy roads especially the bridge I found a store open, grabbed a hot capuccino and waited in the warmth of my Jeep for the sun to rise at Bridgewater Plaza. Bridgewater is the hub of summer activities at the lake. Restaurants usually overflow with hungry boaters as young jet skiers wander the boardwalk looking for summer love. But today it belonged to me and the gulls. Footing was a little treacherous for some photo shots...but man and camera avoided a nasty fall from the glistening boat slips. (click on photo to enlarge)