When I first saw the photograph of Tori Fricks, not quite age 2, peering out of the famed treasure chest on Logan Martin’s Pirate Island, I knew instantly it had to be our cover shot for the magazine. It was like – pardon the pun – discovering treasure.
Only problem was, what story would go with it? In an instant, I knew that answer, too. Unlike Gilligan and crew who got lost on a three-hour cruise, we decided to take you on a well-guided tour of the islands of Logan Martin and Neely Henry. And we promise not to get you lost!
Island hopping Coosa style is not quite like a Caribbean excursion, but it can be a lot of fun, even educational. Take Pirate Island, for instance. The tiny island, owned by Jim and Laurie Regan, is a huge attraction on Logan Martin. Children head to its buried ‘treasure’ and adults to its festive atmosphere, where they can socialize with other boaters. It’s a natural party on and around the island.
On Neely Henry, there’s Ten Island, named for the series of islands once found there. The historical significance is evident. It’s where Andrew Jackson, Davey Crockett, Sam Houston and Hernando DeSoto were thought to have roamed. Today, it’s where visitors go to swim, fish, picnic and hike.
There’s plenty more inside the tour, but I won’t spoil it. I’ll let you read all about these island adventures yourself.
When you think about it, our lakes are adventures all on their own. There’s always a story to tell, a memory to share.
Frank Roden in Rainbow City has more than his share. He started a fly fishing club – a sport usually found somewhere else, not Alabama. But it’s thriving in Rainbow City thanks to his passion, perseverance and tutelage.
Jessica Thompson has plenty of stories to share, too. She’s a botanical environmentalist and owns Recreative Natives on Logan Martin, which specializes in the propagation of plants native to the Southeast and heirloom vegetables and herbs.
Of course, there’s more in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine. We’ll take you inside the kitchen of Judi Denard, whose sharing her culinary adventures along with an anecdote or two about her life and her passions.
And then there’s pro bass angler Zeke Gossett, whose adventures on the water up and down the Coosa are legendary. Hop aboard, and he’ll take you on a successful hunt for the big ones.
Remember When takes you back to history being made on the Coosa River and in our state when Neely Henry became an Alabama Power lake. It was part of a new era in Alabama in electric power generation, heightened recreational opportunities, improved quality of life and a sizable economic boost.
On Logan Martin, Lincoln is getting quite a boost with its newest addition now under construction – Lincoln’s Landing. This massive, 38-acre park – 10-lane boat ramp for public and major tournament use, pavilions, beach, walking trail, boardwalk and more on the lake’s main channel – is destined to be a recreational destination point.
Where you find those stories, you’ll find even more in this issue. Come along and discover them all with us.
