Lake Martin Magazine

It’s a tiny island with a lone pine tree, and it’s been a Lake Martin landmark for years. But now, the island also known as Sand Island has another claim to fame. A light was recently installed inside the pine tree on the island, lighting the island up for all to see.

My head swelled with a rush of wonderful memories when I read your recent article about “Uncle Bob Island.” I am Uncle Bob. Why the island name and how did it get on the lake map? Well, way before we all had cabins and kids had their own watercraft, family and friends would gather up at the “unnamed” island and hang out all day – and most of the evening – ending with a bon fire. Over the years, as nieces and nephews came along, I was obviously called “Uncle Bob” and their friends and family started calling me Uncle Bob. And they all called the island “Uncle Bob’s Island.” It was THE place to gather up and hang out.

Some people collect primitive archery equipment. Jeremy Kelley prefers to make his own. The Lake Martin native has combined his passions for hunting and ancient history with a unique hobby: handcrafting bows, arrows, bone-handled knives, quivers and more.

The one big thing that happens every year in the dead of winter is The Atlanta Boat Show. The boat dealers from all around put together pretty extravagant booths where we can see the new 2012 boats. Most of the dealers offer up some nice “boat show specials” and you can score your new ride at a sizable discount.

Is building on Lake Martin back in style? My answer is yes. Why? Lake Martin, like the entire country, experienced an abrupt shut off of home construction from 2007 to 2009 as the banking and real estate bubble finally popped. Much of that bubble was fueled by “spec homes” – defined as homes built by a builder, as a speculation to sell.

A few short years ago – like 12 now I guess – I was fishing with my bass club in January on Lake Martin. I had fished on Lake Martin my whole life, but I would learn a valuable lesson that day. When your boat’s torn up, you have two options: fish how your partner wants to fish, or don’t go at all.

Happy New Year to everyone! The holidays are officially over and now it is time to take a deep breath and de-stress. November through December is such a special time gathering with family and friends, entertaining, shopping and cooking. However, I think we would all agree that it is difficult to find time for ourselves.

  Olive Relish 1/2 cup chopped green olives with pimento 1/2 cup chopped black olives 1/2 cup small diced celery Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon 2 cloves of garlic minced 1 tablespoon dried Oregano 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Place all in a bowl and mix [...]

Knowing what, when and how to decant wine can have a huge impact on our ultimate enjoyment of a particular wine. Here’s a review of the basics and some things to think about before we pull the next cork.

For my last article each year, I normally write about how my year went. For me, 2011 was a very solid year. I played very consistently from start to finish. I played 2011 on the Hooter’s Tour. The competition out there is great and you see a lot of PGA Tour players come from the Hooter’s Tour.