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Dragonfly

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Hello all,
We are thinking of taking a mini trip up to Lake Norman. Have any of you all been on Lake Norman before ? Any information would be great ! :D Thanks, Tracy
 
I've been on Lake Norman. I used to live in Salisbury. I found I enjoyed driving by vehicle around/through Lake Norman more than I did on a boat. Quite a number of ski boats and some good skiiers. They have some nice ski jumps setup and ski events are routinely scheduled. There are some quiet coves but not that many - IMO the shoreline is barren. I know some folks who love Lake Norman for the housing communities; and, many of the homes are exceptionally nice. I wouldn't consider it high on my agenda for cruising and leisurely enjoying my time.
FWIW
 
My oldest daughter had her wedding reception on Lake Norman about 10 years ago (she lived in Charlotte at the time). I visited Lake Norman with her a few times as she has a College friend that lives on the Lake. I think it's more of a ski or jet ski place. From where you are I'd think there would be far better destinations close by. Maybe the Cape Fear River or the Lumber or Little Pee Dee River?
 
Tracy,

Let us know about Lake Norman if you take that trip. Marcia's folks live in SC and we drive past Lake Norman at least four times a year and have often wondered what it be like from the water side, rather than Route 77.

Nick
"Valkyrie"
 
Drive past Norman, turn west on I-40, take the Marion hwy 221 exit, and come to Lake James! Not as big as Norman, but scenic.
 
Lake James sounds good. Maybe we could meet you there.

Larry, what are the lake levels?

Patrick
 
Lake James was my next choice..just not as big as Lake Norman. We could go to the coast as fast as we could come up to the mountains..lol. Just looking for some place new to go play.. :D Jordan lake is not all that big either.. Been there done that one..
 
pcator":2p2uwm8t said:
Lake James sounds good. Maybe we could meet you there.

Larry, what are the lake levels?

Patrick
Click to expand...

Still good! It has been dropping about 1 foot per week, but we got good rain last night (we just went down for the night) I'd guess that it's 3 feet below full pool, or less.
Even though shoreline camping now banned, there are still a few nice coves to anchor out in. Or...we have a camper on the west side, with an add-on room and a lumpy sleeper sofa. Or...the boat(s) could be beached at the campground and pay a small visitor fee ($7 I think) for use of the bath house and pool. We've had guests, with the visitor's fee waived before, just depends on the owner's mood I suppose. There's also 4 launch ramps within the campground! There's also a huge new waterfront pavillion with an ice machine and lot's of tables. We're in the upper/poolside area rather than lakefront...but we have a golfcart...or it's an easy walk.
I know the lake like the back of my hand.
Boat traffic has been way down all summer.
 
Patrick/Tracy
If you have Google Earth...go to 35deg43'55.36"N....80deg58'56.35"W to see the campground (best to view from 3000'). The campground pic is very old, and doesn't show the lower waterfront improvements. This is also the shallow end of the lake, but we put our 22 footer in last fall when the lake was 6' down...and still had access to the main lake.
 
FWIW...Lake Norman covers 32,475 acres w/520 miles of shoreline. Lake Jordan covers 13,900 acres w/ 150 miles of shoreline. Lake James covers 6,510 acres w/ 150 miles of shoreline.
Interesting that James has half the acreage as Jordan, but the same shoreline.
 
We are thinking about coming up to Lake James. It really looks pretty up there. Not sure when we will be up. Larry has a few jobs to do this week. Pat I'll let you and Donna know if we decide to come up. It would be good to see you all again ! :D Have you got the dog trained to STAY on the boat yet ? I'm sure Gene is looking forward to chasing a wild dog across an Island again..lol .
Thanks Larry for all the information ! I did go check it out on google earth. Nice spot down there ! You and Jo live close to Lake James ? Or you just live close to it ? Take care, Tracy :wink:
 
Dragonfly":3h9j7nj5 said:
Thanks Larry for all the information ! I did go check it out on google earth. Nice spot down there ! You and Jo live close to Lake James ? Or you just live close to it ? Take care, Tracy :wink:
Click to expand...

It's 35 miles from our house to the campground...just about perfect for a "get away". Add about 10 miles for Patrick and Donna.
A few movies have been filmed, or partially filmed on the lake. "Last Of The Mohicans" and "Hunt For Red October"....Kinda proud to say that we made all of the armbands and spearheads for the Mohicans, and did quite a bit of other work with the prop department...really cool stuff!
 
We were on Lake James all day yesterday. I was surprised that the water level was still fairly good considering the dry weather. Only maybe three feet down from max. as has been stated above. We use the Black Bear ramps which are excellent.

Saw a CD 19 in a covered slip at Benefield's Landing Marina yesterday for the first time.

What's the story about banning camping on the shoreline? Never have done it but was planning to.

Harper
 
jhwilson":12hxlle6 said:
We were on Lake James all day yesterday. I was surprised that the water level was still fairly good considering the dry weather. Only maybe three feet down from max. as has been stated above. We use the Black Bear ramps which are excellent.

Saw a CD 19 in a covered slip at Benefield's Landing Marina yesterday for the first time.

What's the story about banning camping on the shoreline? Never have done it but was planning to.

Harper
Click to expand...

The ban went into effect just after Memorial Day. The ban also includes the islands. Beaches and island may be used (unless posted) during the daylight ours only. No fires at all, and no use after sunset. Of course, most of the shoreline IS posted.
Where are you in Mitchel County????..I was born in Spruce Pine. Still have family up on Beaver Creek and in Altapass.
 
snal,

Thanks much for the info. Do you know if this ban is temporary or permanent?

We live in the extreme northern end of Mitchell County near the Tenn. line off NC 261 and own a business in Spruce Pine. I know Beaver Creek and Altapass well.

Harper
 
jhwilson":1r6a4y6n said:
snal,

Thanks much for the info. Do you know if this ban is temporary or permanent?

We live in the extreme northern end of Mitchell County near the Tenn. line off NC 261 and own a business in Spruce Pine. I know Beaver Creek and Altapass well.

Harper
Click to expand...

You're welcome!

Just about everybody in Spruce Pine knew my grandaddy..."Mack Swann" he passed on in 1986. I spent many a saturday at the pool up Beaver Creek...as well as the "sliding rock" up at the head of Beaver Creek. Dad is from Burnsville...still swears he picked up mom from the hood of a car down on Lower Street, and she still smacks him every time he tells that tale...LOL!
 
You're welcome!

Just about everybody in Spruce Pine knew my grandaddy..."Mack Swann" he passed on in 1986. I spent many a saturday at the pool up Beaver Creek...as well as the "sliding rock" up at the head of Beaver Creek. Dad is from Burnsville...still swears he picked up mom from the hood of a car down on Lower Street, and she still smacks him every time he tells that tale...LOL![/quote]

Larry,

I grew up in Bakersville but was away from Mitchell County from the early '60s until the late '90s and don't recall hearing your granddad's name. That's a great story about Lower Street. It is still pretty lively at certain times during the year. My office is at 167 Lower (Locust) St., stop in if you are over this way.

Harper
 
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