| Name: |
LSUTigerFNP
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/27/2009 7:44:22 PM
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My husband and I frequently visit Lake Martin for boating and relaxation. We are coming in town for the 4th of July and will be staying through the weekend. We have never been to the 4th of July event at Kowaliga. Any input on the best way to navigate this event???
Should be drive and park?
Is there are cost to attend?
What should we bring with us?
What time should we arrive?
Can you bring in coolers with drinks?
Thanks in advance!
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| Name: |
Blue Creeker
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| Subject: |
Avoid it at all costs...
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Date:
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6/27/2009 8:34:56 PM
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...you'll miss next to nothing and will avoid death or dismemberment.
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| Name: |
lakeplumber
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| Subject: |
Avoid it at all costs...
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Date:
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6/27/2009 8:44:52 PM
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Might be best done in a helicopter..
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| Name: |
BoatsRFun
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/27/2009 9:49:59 PM
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We have been driving to the field off hwy 63 for the last few years (before that we went by boat and it is crazy to say the least, would not recomend going by boat unless you know the area very well!) it was free to park last year, bring insect repellent folding chairs and a cooler (there were police road blocks in each direction last year) if you get there by 7-7:30 you can get a good place to park. Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July.....
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Don't get mixed up in it.It's a mess. It is pretty to see from the lake. but it's a mad house and to many have more than they should and leave in the boats and at night. It's a accident waiting to happen Stay away from the 4th on the lake.
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| Name: |
laureleg
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/27/2009 10:22:41 PM
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We went one year and saw them from the Kowaliga bridge on land, not water. Left quickly to beat the traffic. Great time except the ride home, we were behind a very, very drunk driver and were very upset about his/her poor judgement. Didn't have cell phone reception to call police. Stopped at the gas station on RT. 280 to ask clerk to call and they said it was pretty common behavior. We were sad to hear their lack of concern for others on the road with the drunk driver. Their advice was to stay off the road next year on the 4th.
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| Name: |
lucky67
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/27/2009 10:56:37 PM
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its a great event for the lake, family enjoyment--we should be thankful its here--depends on where you are--i am lucky--can sit on my deck & see fireworks--if you boat, the Tallassee slough [between amplitheatre & anchor Bay] is large & safe
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| Name: |
JustAGuy
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/27/2009 11:36:50 PM
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Fireworks start between 9:00 and 9:30 (I think). Get there around 8:00/8:30 - pull off to the side away from traffic. Assign one person to have absolutely zero alcohol and to spend the entire time looking out for incoming idiots. When the fireworks end, wait a full 30 minutes before starting for home. Greatest show on earth, if done properly.
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| Name: |
Bob
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 12:01:13 AM
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I am staying a 60 second waverunner ride from Chimney Rock...is it possible I could just look up and see it from my deck and avoid driving at all...not the up close view of course but at least see it a bit???
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| Name: |
JustAGuy
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 1:04:42 AM
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Just from what you posted ... my answer is "yes ... stay home" but by road, where are you staying?
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| Name: |
kirbys dropwing
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 8:25:41 AM
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Last year there was lightening and tornado warnings . The band and people ran for their cars several times. I sure would have hated to have been in one of those boats. My neightbor said their boat had a foot of water in it from the waves. It took 2 hours to get home last year . I don't know why and we were not drinking. I will not do it again. I can see the fireworks from over the trees at my house. We are across from Veaseys. My neighbor puts on an excellent firework show, does it from his dock. Last year it lasted 2 hours . I have invited family and friends over for the show.
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| Name: |
lakngulf
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 10:42:22 AM
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Can you give more specific location? I am in Parker Creek and would feel OK taking may boat maybe that far.
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| Name: |
4thelake
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 10:43:39 AM
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As you can tell by the posts, this is amateur day on the lake. The wise stay home and watch the fireworks in their own coves. The stress and danger way out weigh the fun. Boat safe!
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| Name: |
LSUTigerFNP
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 12:00:08 PM
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We are staying close to Pleasure Pointe Marina. Seems like a bit of a drive considering you have to drive completely around the lake to get to Kowaliga from where we're staying. My husband is adament on taking the boat over there on the water, but I fear that might be a bad idea considering we will have 3 children in the boat with us. Not sure I want to risk getting hit by someone not paying attention.
Thanks for all of the input!
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| Name: |
Swimmer27
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 2:23:16 PM
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If you take the boat out just in front of the marina you will be able to see the fireworks over the tree line looking south. The local radia station simulcasts patriotic music. If you are not VERY familiar with the lake at night, do NOT attempt to go to the other side by boat. It is dangerous to say the least. It is actually amazing that there aren't more accidents each year.
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| Name: |
realfast
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 3:01:48 PM
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I am always amazed at the negative remarks on this board.Where is all the accidents or trouble you all speak of? If you wait till it is over,stay out of the main channel, watch all the boats leave then preceede with caution and remember your boat wake also, there should not be a problem. carry a strong light to signal boats that might come to close(to be used by boat operator only) Just remember the light can and will blind the other boater so use sparingly and shine at the water in their direction as not to blind. I doubt you will have to use the light but it is nice to have. Just remember it is not wise to walk on the yellow line so why would park in the middle of a channell?
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| Name: |
Aardvark
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 5:12:32 PM
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I have never been to the fireworks by boat, but I will second all of the warnings about boat traffic. The whole Kowaliga Bay will be full of boats, and many of the operators will be amateurs who have had a few too many. However, if you are careful, and everyone stays sober, you can probably stay out of trouble. Just remember that navigation at night will be tricky without the points of reference that you had going down. If you have a GPS, bring it with you to help you get home. You can also follow everyone else heading up the lake, as it will be like a highway at rush hour when everything is over. Stay in line and your ride home will be easier. Of course, watching the neighbors who spent a few hundred dollars at Big Daddy's is fun too, as is spending that money at Big Daddy's yourself and starting a war with your neighbors.(just kidding on the war part, but if someone nearby starts a fireworks war, it can be more entertaining than the "Big Show".)
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I don't know if you were asking me buttt... I know where you are by previous post. I could be wrong but I think you could see firework thru opening like willow point to the bridge. My house is on the left before eagles point with a blue metal roof. My neighbor that shoots off the works is on the left when facing my house. It would be a safe straight ride for you.
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| Name: |
lakngulf
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| Subject: |
Lakengulf
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Date:
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6/28/2009 7:12:02 PM
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Thanks. I will try to check out your neighbors show
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| Name: |
p.c.
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| Subject: |
Lakengulf
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Date:
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6/28/2009 8:48:24 PM
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Fireworks on the 3rd or 4th?
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IF you just drive out into the big water in front of Pleasure point, you will see fireworks in every direction. Glow sticks around the edge of your boat will also give you more visibility while parked.
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my neighbor will shoot fireworks on the 4th, saturday. I don't know what will happen if the weather is bad.
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| Name: |
Seaglass
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 10:03:31 PM
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I'm with realfast. What is UP with all of the negativity? Here we have someone coming to Lake Martin to enjoy July 4th. So you dash all expectations? For what it's worth, I've been here since 1973 and have never been hit or maimed by going to see the fireworks, by boat or land.
Please don't put a damper on something that is a lake tradition. Stay home and don't discourage others. Thanks!
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| Name: |
Barneget
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/28/2009 10:21:34 PM
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+1 to both realfast and seaglass. Boating to the show, at Kowliga, is a fantastic time for the entire family. Seeing that fireworks show, up close, is a blast. Have been to DC, NYC, and Philly for their fireworks on the 4th. This is usually the most fun. Watch the weather, and, expect boat congestion. Yes, it is amateur hour, and some folks get a little close. If you drop anchor or raft up, make sure to use your anchor light. Wait for the post show traffic to break, then follow the boats home. If you have GPS, get out with it early in the day and mark your waypoints. You will feel a lot better motoring through the narrows, in near total darkness, if you have the hazards and shallows identified. Have a great time.
Happy Independence Day America!!!
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| Name: |
Wakesurfer
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| Subject: |
Does anyone remember...
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Date:
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6/29/2009 10:58:29 AM
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The show that one of the residents of willow point put on? They had a show a couple of years in a row. One year they did it by hand and had a big explosion. The next year they hired pros to shoot the show and it was bigger than the one shot off at the amphitheater. Chico's Fireworks was the name of it if I remember correctly.
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| Name: |
boseefus
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/29/2009 1:18:09 PM
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My neighbor was t_boned 2 years ago coming back from the fireworks-knocked him and his wife out of the boat-then the drunk left the seen of the accident--Good Luck!
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| Name: |
boseefus
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/29/2009 1:21:01 PM
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Sorry-"scene" sp
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| Name: |
R
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| Subject: |
4th of July Question
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Date:
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6/29/2009 7:13:42 PM
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If you are going to the outer parking lot near highway 63 at the amphitheater there is no cost. If you come up to the Lake Martin Amphitheater there is a small charge, concessions will be available or you can bring your own cooler - you get the best view of the lake, some really good music (before and after the fireworks show), and the best fireworks in the southeast. There is a new company firing the show this year and they have a few tricks up their sleeves! As far as boating on the lake, before I started going to the amphitheater I boated every year from the Bay Pine area of the lake with kids. Only once did I get worried and it was from backwash off the shore. The lake is a wonderful place - I am very lucky that I can get out there on it everyday!
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| Name: |
Mack
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| Subject: |
Try to be Smart on this..
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Date:
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6/29/2009 8:08:54 PM
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At about 8:30 on Saturday night, there will be literally hundreds of boats in Big Kowaliga's big water, AND surrounding sloughs and coves.
These boats are controlled by people with experience in boating running from "Expert" to "Novice". Many, many would be BUI if checked by MP.
No problem getting to the show. Slow and easy, get into position, no anchor possible, fend off the Novice's as required, watch your rear end, Hi-Power light a good idea. Watch the show, and it is REALLY a GOOD Show.
The show ends. Now comes the DANGER!
Many, many crank up, full throttle ahead, and go in 30 different directions. Wakes are seriously freaky for a low-draft boat. I mean big wakes. Some drunk falling out of a boat, well???
1. Don't go by boat
2. If you do go by boat, station close to a protected cove where you can hide for at least 30 minutes before heading home.
IMHO. Don't go anymore. Seen too much to risk my life.
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