20 feet to go...

Still about 20 feet above normal pool, but at least we're about to see the upper road again. It's been a looooong time since we made that loop!

Lake level update

Today's lake level is 677.0. It's steadily dropping now - about 6 inches per day. We still have about 23 feet to go. At this rate we should be back to normal pool by the end of September. Anyone want to try to predict the day?

This is what 679.8 looks like

The lake is finally starting to drop; it's still about 25 feet above normal. Below, you can see the 'upper' road to the marina is getting closer to being out of the water

 A view out toward the main lake; this tree makes it look like fall!

 This is the back of the cove, at the bottom of the road that cuts over to the 800 dock; yes, we meant to let this dock end up on shore - it's slated to be torn down as soon as we have time to do it

Is your last name Hicks? Are you missing a sign? This is lying on the side of the road in the park...

 A view of the dock, looking out toward the main lake. Again, you can see the top road is starting to show!

Under construction

I'm working on a new design for the blog... just fyi.

Finally some relief in the forecast...

Check this out!

Look at the weather forecast for next week. Lows in the 60s?? It's a cold front!

Maybe this will cool you off...

July showers!

We finally got some relief from the heat and drought over the weekend. We had a couple nice little showers on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Much needed! (Photo by April Luna)

Recognize this guy?

That's Captain Morgan, circa 1976, standing in front of what is now called the '100 dock' - the first dock in the back of the cove. Sue Ann Luna Jones, Ozark County Times editor, sent this to me.

Debris Cleanup

Crews have been cleaning up debris along the shoreline in the park this week. It looks great! We have tried to keep the area around our walkway free and clear of debris as the lake has receded, but there were still lots of little piles here and there. Thank you, Corps of Engineers, for sending in the cleanup crew! P. Cove is looking mighty swell these days.

Cruiser Dock

Hi all! We're planning to build a new dock for larger boats later this year. Slips will be covered, 14x36, with water and electric. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please e-mail me at info@pontiaccove.com for more information, or call 417-679-3676 and ask to speak with Matt or Jabet.

Boat parking for Just Jackie's

In case you didn't already know this... PCM provides free, short-term parking for Just Jackie's customers. Anyone is welcome to boat up for breakfast, lunch or dinner, 7 days per week at Just Jackie's - the restaurant by the marina. Because of the high water this summer we don't exactly have a designated place for restaurant parking, but, if you check in with us each time we'll let you know where to park. You can even call when you reach the breakwater if you don't want to come in to the fuel dock. Our number is 417-679-3676. Cheers, and happy boating!

Helloooooo!

Greetings! If you're in Pontiac (and in case you're wondering)... yep, that was rain that fell from the sky Thursday afternoon. We didn't get a whole lot, but it was enough to settle the dust at least for now. It's amazing how Mother Nature only seems to bring it (weather, that is) in extremes these days - a bazillion inches of rain in the spring (which equaled an extra 42 feet of water in the lake), then ZERO rain drops for several weeks, which resulted in very dry conditions this summer. So, a little afternoon shower was welcomed with open arms. I drove down to the dock just as it began to really pour, and instead of waiting in my car for it to pass, I walked in and soaked up a few drops myself.

I got gently scolded earlier today about not posting often enough on the blog this summer. I know, I know, and I apologize. I get caught up in the day-to-day stuff down here, and I forget that there are lots of folks (like you, perhaps?) who don't live here all the time and want to know what's going on.

The lake is sloooooowly dropping. It's in the 687 range now. The fireworks were wonderful - especially considering the high water conditions and the ferocious wind that blew up just as they were about to set them off. As always, a big THANK YOU to everyone who donates money, time and effort to make the fireworks happen.

We also had a great party in the park before the fireworks. It was a hit! We even ran out of food, and I'm very sorry if you didn't get to eat - it was delicous. Thank you, Jasper, for providing and cooking all of the meat. We'll be doing it again next year!

Several local musicians (and a few out-of-town visitors) played music at the park. They were all really good, and we appreciate them sharing their time and talent with us! Here are a few of them...

(above) Robert Voss

Iron Mike Norton

Rachel (Craig Mincke's niece)

Craig Mincke

Oddly enough, I didn't get a good picture of Mike Mac and the Queen City Cats. They started the evening and provided all the sound equipment. A HUGE thanks to Mike and crew for always being at these events and playing music. We appreciate him so much.

Pontiac Fireworks Tonight!

Don't miss THE BEST fireworks display on Bull Shoals Lake! (Okay, maybe we're a little biased.) No really, they're going to be awesome - high water and all! The fireworks start shortly after dark (9 or so). And join us in the park from 6 to 8 p.m. for FREE music by some rockin' local musicians and FREE food - all we ask is that you make a small contribution to next year's fireworks (if you so desire). We hope to see you in Pontiac tonight - there's no better place to be. Tonight's gonna be a good night!

BroStock 2011

Sorry for the short notice, but I just found out... BroStock is THIS WEEKEND on Bull Shoals Lake. Click here for the details: http://www.liquidforce.com/brostock11-info.html

July 3rd pre-fireworks party update

As you read in the previous post, there will be live music in the Pontiac park from 6 to 8 p.m. July 3, before the fireworks over the lake. Musicians include Iron Mike Norton, Mike MacPherson (Queen City Kats), Craig Mincke, Robert Voss and more. Also, we'll be serving food - all of it prepared and donated by local folks. Please stop by for music, food and fun before you head to your favorite spot to watch the fireworks! We'll also be selling glow necklaces, beads, koozies and cups to raise money for next year's fireworks. See you there!

July 3: Summer Music Jubilee

Join us on Sunday, July 3, at the Pontiac park for music, food and a whole lotta fun before the fireworks light up the sky over Bull Shoals Lake in Pontiac. This year, several local musicians (and a few visitors, too) will be jamming in the park from 6 to 8 p.m. Plan to stop by after you get off the lake, grab some food and listen to some great music before heading out to your favorite spot to watch the fireworks. The music is free, and food sales will go toward next year's fireworks. We'll also have glow necklaces, beads, koozies, cups and more. We hope to see you there!

What's happening this week...

Just a quick reminder that Jackie is celebrating 10 years at Pontiac Cove with a big party on Saturday night - live music, free appetizers and door prizes, $10 bottomless cups and more. Be there or be square.

Fishing has been pretty good for some of the locals lately. One in particular was spotted cleaning a limit of bass and walleye at the cleaning table yesterday. Not bad for a day's work.

The lake is slowing going down. It's still about 38 feet high, but it's business as usual at Pontiac Cove. The campground is open and all docks are accessible. And, of course, we are selling fuel.

We still have a few boats and boat slips available for the July 4th holiday weekend - give us a call to make a reservation. 417-679-3676

Cheers!

Highway W gets a makeover!

It's Party Time!

Just Jackie's is celebrating 10 years at Pontiac Cove this year. To show her appreciation, Jackie is hosting an anniversary party Saturday, June 11. She'll be giving away door prizes, free appetizers and offering $10 bottomless cups of beer - all you can drink, all night! Iron Mike Norton will play from 5 to 9 p.m. If you have questions about the party, call 417-679-2593. Just Jackie's is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. all summer long. Cheers!

Spearfishing Tournament, June 18

Just a quick FYI... the annual Pontiac Spearfishing Tournament will be Saturday, June 18. Take-off at 8 a.m. from the marina. Weigh-in from 1 to 3 p.m. at a location to be determined - the lake is 40 feet high right now, so we'll have to see where it is in three weeks! Absolutely NO late exceptions will be made at weigh-in. If you're not in by 3 p.m., you'll be disqualified. (Don't make me do that to anyone.) Be five minutes early, and you will make me very happy. :)

Entry fee is $25 per diver - 100% payback. Categories are as follows: first, second and third place catfish; first, second and third place rough fish; biggest walleye. Cash prizes and door prizes will be handed out on the deck at Just Jackie's starting at about 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Call 417-679-3676. Fins up!