The Lake
Shells in the Sands Series #4
The intention for this series is to share cherished thoughts and reflections of life in bite-size pieces. I have been an avid journal writer since my early teens, and most of the original writings were initially captured in my personal journal. I have chosen the most pertinent ones to share with the world through this series. This joy is similar to picking out beautiful shells while walking on a sandy beach.
Today marked a special occasion on Lake Hartwell as the Corps of Engineers conducted tests on all the spillway gates at Hartwell Dam, conveniently located five minutes from my house. Entranced by the spectacle, my husband and I dedicated the whole morning to witnessing this local marvel, from the resonating warning horn signaling the gates opening, the rainbow emerging from the froth of the cascading water to the quiet closure of the last gate. This was my inaugural experience at this grand community event. I found joy not only in the picturesque surroundings but also in the camaraderie of our neighbors.
Here are some noteworthy facts about Lake Hartwell that fill me with pride as a homeowner on the Lake:
1. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in beginning in 1955 the lake reached full pool elevation of 660ft in March of 1962. Designed for flood control, hydropower, and navigation, the lake stands as a testament to human ingenuity, similar to the technological marvels of today such as SpaceX rockets and ChatGPT.
2. One of the largest manmade lakes East of the Mississippi with a sprawling shoreline of 962 miles, 56,000 acres of water surface, forty-nine miles up the Tugaloo River in GA and forty-five miles up the Seneca river in SC. It boasts a spectacular scenic landscape that I am fortunate to call home.
3. Ranking among the most-visited lakes in the country, Lake Hartwell welcomes over eleven million visitors annually.
Having lived here since 2015, sharing my life with my beloved husband and our pup Sadie, my affection for the lake has deepened over the years. Lake Hartwell holds a treasury of cherished memories, particularly our engagement on a shoreline point by the dam in March 2017 and the total solar eclipse from the center of the lake that August. We affectionately named the beach where we were engaged the “Rendezvous Point”. It remains a frequent destination for walks and bike rides. During the solar eclipse, we joined thousands of other boaters in our boat on the lake, reveling in the unique vantage point. I recall the drastic temperature change and the sudden tranquil water when the sun briefly disappeared, prompting contemplation on what would transpire if it never returned, followed by immense gratitude for the sun’s steady presence.
Numerous boat rides with family and friends, along with countless sunset cruises as our nuclear family of three, have further etched the lake into our hearts. As the wind caresses my face during our boat rides, I let the wind sweep away every hint of worry from my heart. Regardless of the expression I wore as I stepped onto the boat, a broad smile unfailingly graces my face when we disembark from the dock. The lake serves as a sanctuary, offering solace not only to the myriad creatures that call it home but also to my tired body and weary spirit when life becomes challenging.
Today, as I witnessed the powerful rush of water through the spillway gates, creating roaring streams and powerful sounds reminiscent of Niagara Falls, my heart swelled with gratitude once again; for the Lake, for my home, and for the love that permeates these cherished shores. It is true that “life is better on the lake”.
What are your favorite lake memories? Is there a special place that holds sentimental value for you?
