SHORELINES

Water Whys On back-to-back weekends in May, my wife gorgeous palette of emerald waters deepening to and I had the great fortune to visit Lake Martin cobalt. But sitting on a screened-in porch with a and Seagrove Beach, Fla. During my beach-time stunning view of Lake Martin is just as soothing vegetating, I tossed around a question to which as a chair on the beach – with no need to slather there is no wrong answer: Which is a better on sunscreen and no sand to track inside. weekend getaway – lake or beach? As much as I love the beach, I'll choose the lake. Consider: For most of Alabama, the nearest Alabama Power lake – whether it be Martin, Lay, Mitchell, Harris, Logan Martin, Those of you who own homes at Alabama Power lakes likely are nodding your heads in agreement. Since it's prime time for trips to the lake or coast, I'll further bolster my case for the lake with this issue of Shorelines. Take a quick trip to Lake Martin's D.A.R.E. Weiss or any other – is much closer than the Power Park for a family picnic; experience the Alabama or Florida coast. And a trip to the life of a pro fisherman competing in the Bass lake is definitely more affordable. Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open on Logan A friend's annual crawfish boil lured us to Lake Martin. Getting a big crowd together for a lake party has to be easier than asking Martin; or swim like young Duncan Baker in the photo to the left. Plus, with lake waters more crowded, the everyone to make the long drive to the beach. Alabama Marine Police offers safety tips to And, I'd argue, lakes are much better for most make sure you're prepared for boating season. of the kinds of recreation we love: from water Also, we take you inside some beautiful, skiing to paddle boarding, from canoeing to energy-efficient homes at Smith Lake with hiking, from swimming to just lolling around ideas you can use to save money in your home. on a float. Fishing may be a toss-up; casting a And, learn more about the Renew Our Rivers line from the shore is a great option for both campaign on Neely Henry Lake, which is not lake and Gulf, but I'll take a bass boat over a only cleaning up trash but changing lives. deep-sea rig every time. (No Dramamine!) True, a lake can't offer sugar-white sand, Enjoy! — Bob Blalock the rhythmic crashing of waves and the Gulf's Left: Photo by Joe DeSciose — Duncan Baker takes a swim at Lake Harris. S hor el i ne s | 2013 Vol:2 3

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