Happy First Day of Spring!

It's official. Spring is here. It sure felt like it this morning with the warm rain we had. Spring newsletters went out last week. Sorry for the opus... Don't forget to RSVP for the Blessing of the Fleet! If you don't RSVP, it doesn't mean you can't come. It just helps us to know how many people/boats to expect so we can prepare an awesome party for you! If you don't get around to mailing in your response... shoot me an e-mail or call.

Cheers!

Spring Has Sprung!

These blooms just came up out of nowhere! So pretty. And sooooo springy! I've been seeing them in everyone's yards. Not to mention our grass is already growing like crazy. I tell you... I think everyone has cabin fever (like me) because these past couple days (70+ degrees) have brought out the fishermen (and women). It's so nice to see the lower road full of cars! We are open all day every day. So if you need to pick up some fishing supplies, stop on by! We just got crappie and bass minnows in today. And we also have nightcrawlers. We've picked up a few bits of tackle. But hey... if there is anything you want or need for fishing that we do not have... PLEASE let me know. I would be more than happy to order it for you (if I can). Have a nice week everyone.

Mike Says Hello

Good morning! I got a surprise phone call this morning from Mike Cochran... all the way from Iraq! (He's pictured at left at our Lake Cleanup picnic last October.) Formerly of the Missouri Water Patrol, Mike is spending the next year in Iraq teaching Iraqi police officers "how to be police" and "how to shoot guns," to put it in simple terms, he says. Other than the one-second delay during our phone conversation, he sounded like he was calling from his house in Pontiac. He is doing great. And he feels safe -- he says when he goes anywhere he is escorted by a group of marines, and he travels in an armored Humvee with a 50-caliber machine gun on top. He said he has his own office and his own living space, with heating and air conditioning. The current temp in Iraq, he said, reaches about 70 to 80 degrees during the day and about 50 degrees at night. He is currently stationed about 20 miles from the Syrian border at Al Qaim. He says his only problem right now is that he has a lot of downtime, and he gets bored: "Yesterday I taught a 30-minute class and rode around in a convoy for eight and a half hours."

He sends his best!

Tim the Builder

A little sidenote to my post about Lake Harbour Village... I forgot to mention that Tim Morgan is building the second house that is currently under construction. I just thought that was an interesting tidbit that you might enjoy knowing.

Um... where did THIS come from?

This morning I walked outside to head to the dock, and there was this white stuff floating in the air. I put my hand over my cup of hot tea, because I didn't want this "debris" to get in my ginger peach/green tea concoction. I thought it was something blowing off the trees! But I soon realized it was SNOW. Whaaaaa? Are ya kiddin' me? So I snapped this pic this morning to show you how miserable this day started. The snow didn't stick to anything, and it has stopped. The sun even came out. But it's still cold. And it's still very windy. Not a very good day for fishing, as Matt and his friend, Paxton, quickly figured out. Oh yes, they braved the white caps this morning. But they were off the lake by 10:00, both of them frozen through from the ride back in. And I was just SURE this would be a nice weekend, despite what the forecasters were saying. After all... it's March! What a disappointment. Oh well. Maybe spring will come tomorrow.

Welcome to Lake Harbour Village

If you're wondering what's going on down County Road 609... here's the scoop. Tim and Johnna Morgan are developing Lake Harbour Village, a residential community about one mile from Pontiac Cove Marina. Plans include six houses, each situated on approximately 1 1/2 acres. House No. 1 is finished and is currently on the market. House No. 2 is under construction, as you can see, and Johnna says it should be finished by mid-summer.

Each house will include a full basement -- and in addition some will have the living and sleeping space all on the main level, while others will also feature a loft. The first finished house has living space on three levels -- the loft has a bedroom and bathroom, plus a small living space and office nook; the master bedroom and bath are on the main level, as well as the kitchen, living and dining spaces; and the basement is full and unfinished. The second house, currently under construction, will have living and sleeping space all on one level.

If you're interested in hearing more about Lake Harbour Village, stop in or call the marina (417-679-3676) to get in touch with Tim or Johnna. Or e-mail them at morgan@pontiaccove.com. If you're curious, feel free to drive down and take a look. You might even catch a glimpse of the baby ducks that have been hanging out on the pond.

Happy Friday!

It's March 1st people!

Okay, so I have NOT been very good about writing updates lately. Sorry about that. I haven't had much to report. But I do now! Our hours have changed: We are now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. I'll keep you posted, as that will change again in the coming months.

It's March! Which means spring is almost here! There have been so many more people around just in the past couple weeks since the temp warmed up a bit. It's exciting! PEOPLE! Hopefully fishing will pick up soon. There is a tournament going on this week/weekend out of Bull Shoals Boat Dock. But I hear the fishing is terrible. So hopefully that will soon change. If I hear any good reports, I'll definitely let you know. :)

Oh, and I'm sure you've noticed how EMPTY our shelves were this winter. Well, we're stocking up again! The ice man is here delivering bags of ice as I write. And we have beer, soda, chips and other snacks on the way. And fishing supplies. And our 2007 hats and T-shirts will be here in a month or so. Woo-hoo! So when you drop by in the coming weeks, you'll notice the shelves are getting full again. A good sign.

I suppose that's it for now. Have a lovely day.

Cheers!

One year ago today...

...what we refer to as "the storm" hit Pontiac Cove Marina. It's hard to believe it has been a year. Even more difficult to believe it was 78 degrees that day, as this morning in Pontiac we are somewhere in the teens! But sure enough, one year ago today it was pushing 80 in Pontiac. Unseasonably warm, yes, but no one was complaining. That is until a cold front came crashing in, dropping the temp about 40 degrees in a matter of minutes and bringing with it a storm that would wreak havoc on the place. The only witnesses were Jackie Klineline (owner of Just Jackie's restaurant on the hill) and Mary Cline. The two were at the restaurant, and when they saw tin flying through the air, they ran in the walk-in cooler for safety until it was over. When they emerged from their hiding place, what they saw below them at the marina was devastation.

As most of you know, the damage has all been repaired; and a brand new dock was built in place of the one that was totally destroyed. Some boats suffered minor damage; a few boats had more major damage. But in reality, it could have been much worse -- remember the ice storm that hit Lake of the Ozarks at the end of last year... we don't even want to think about that kind of devastation.

"The storm" on Feb. 16, 2006 was arguably one of the worst storms, in terms of damage, this dock has ever seen. At the time it seemed like the worst thing in the world. But we know better than that. There are many worse tragedies that have occurred in this world that affected a thousand times more people. But in our little piece of paradise, it was pretty scary.

While this day doesn't exactly call for any "happy" anniversary salutes, for us it serves as a reminder how lucky we are to have bounced back the way we did. We were open for business during the repairs and rebuilding, and we were back in the full swing of business by Memorial weekend.

I'll admit it -- I'm secretly wishing it were pushing 80 in Pontiac today, as I sit here in my layers upon layers of clothing. I'm ready for summer! But you know, I'm leery of those unseasonably warm winter days now. It just isn't normal to be wearing shorts and flip-flops before March. So I'll take 18 degrees in February any day.

Cheers!

Click here to view more pics of the storm damage from Feb. 16, 2006.

Verne D. Cubbage Memorial Fishing Tournament

Mark your calendars for April 14... Pontiac Cove Marina is hosting a buddy bass tournament in memory of Verne Cubbage. For those of you who knew Verne, you know he was a very well-liked man, who knew a lot of people and touched a lot of people's lives. He passed away about a year ago. Many of us were deeply saddened and continue to miss him dearly. I personally have known the Cubbage family for many years. Verne's wife, Verla, was my fourth grade teacher. She and Verne were good friends with my grandparents, and Verla still is. Verne was very active in his community. One thing I will always remember is that Verne drove the school bus for our high school FBLA trips. Each year we went to Columbia for state competition, and a group of us would plan to catch Verne in the lobby of the hotel where the conference was held, and we'd sing "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" to him in front of everyone. Keep in mind there were hundreds of students and teachers and sponsors at these conferences, and so the lobby was always brimming with people. We sang it at the top of our lungs, and he just smiled the whole time. He was a good sport. He was fun to be around. And so he had many friends.

And so it is with great honor that we are hosting this tournament in his honor. So, here are the details. It's a buddy tournament, which means two people per boat, and the cost is $100 per boat ($50 per person). At least the top 5 places will receive cash prizes, and 20% of the entry fees will benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. You may also get in a Big Bass pot by paying an additional $10, which covers both fishermen/women in the boat. The Big Bass pot is 100% payback. It is preferable that you pre-register by April 12; however, you may register up to 6:30 a.m. the morning of the tournament. Numbers will be assigned in the order in which entry forms are received. Take-off begins at 7 a.m. Weigh-in begins at 3:30 p.m. After the weigh-in, Just Jackie's will host a pizza buffet for $7.95 per person. Everyone is invited to stay for dinner and drinks.

You may pick up entry forms and a copy of the rules and regulations at Pontiac Cove Marina. If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament, or if you have any questions, you may contact me at the marina: 417-679-3676. Or you may contact Jerry Cubbage at 636-273-9082.

Cheers!

Stateline Marine

I've had two people call this morning looking for Roger Lee's phone number. He owns Stateline Marine. He lives in Pontiac, and he works on boats! So I thought I'd just post it here in case you need it too!

417-839-3084

Coming soon to the Pontiac area!

Lost Cove Resort.

Some very exciting news to report... A new resort is under construction in Pontiac -- well, ground-breaking should be taking place any day now. It's called Lost Cove Resort, and it's owned by Paul and Carol Sturgeon, of Pontiac. Lost Cove Resort will feature four cedar log cabins with 2 bedrooms each, plus sleeper sofas. They'll have fully equipped kitchens, plus central heat and air, satellite TV, BBQ pits outside and much more. Click here to check out their website (also still under construction). According to the website, they hope to be open for business by Memorial weekend. Check back often for updates.

Also keep in mind three places to stay in Pontiac (already in operation) when making your arrangements for fishing weekends this spring, and of course, the Blessing of the Fleet!

Pontiac Lodge
417-679-4169

Roo B Doo Resort
417-679-4174

Cactus Ridge Resort
417-679-2391

The date is set for the 2007 Blessing of the Fleet!

Good afternoon all! Several people have asked me about the 2007 Blessing of the Fleet, so get out your calendar... 'cause we've set the date. It will be Saturday, April 28, at the marina.

Last year we had a blast! The weather was awful... rainy and cold and grey. BUT... that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. It was a great turnout, with close to 200 people, I'd say. How it worked: All boats participating in the Blessing motored outside the breakwater and waited. A local priest spoke for a few moments from the very end of the new dock, and then he sprinkled holy water on each boat as it passed back through the breakwater and parked. It was such a cool ceremony. Very moving, if I do say so myself. And afterward we partied on the boat dock for a couple hours -- we had beads for everyone and food and drinks. And we sold 10 dozen t-shirts!!! (Proceeds went to the Pontiac Fireworks.) Then we made our way up to Just Jackie's for a pizza buffet and live entertainment by Allen Ross.

This year the activities will be similar, although final details will be announced at a later date. One thing to start thinking about now, though, is your theme!! Last year we suggested that each boat have a theme, and they were judged on originality, best in show and best costumes. Despite the nasty weather, several boaters did dress up and decorate their boats... and we hope even more will participate in this part of the event this year. (Remember, you don't have to dress up to have your boat blesssed. All are welcome!) We'll keep you posted on the details!!

Happy Monday!

Oh, and enjoy these two pics from last year: The Peterson clan had a good time as Pontiac Cove's Redneck Yacht Club. Chris Geroff and Jimmy Lofink won Best Costumes.

Snow Day

This was the scene at the dock late this afternoon. Currently it is still snowing in Pontiac. We may have close to 3 inches. At least 2 for sure. It's kind of pretty. But it can stop anytime now.

Sorry it's been a while...

Hey all. Sorry it has been a couple weeks since I've written an update. Nothing much happening around here. That is until today! It's snowing! It's really coming down now, and I'm going to take some pics and post them later. Stay tuned...

Bye Bye Lower Road

Bull Shoals is currently at 657.59 -- normal pool is 654. The forecast is that it will go up about another foot, and then start emptying on Sunday, January 21. Please do not try to drive through the water over the lower road, but rather drive down from the other side. Thank you.

CSI: Pontiac

Well folks, I sure hate to report this kind of news...

We had a break-in last night. Not the store. But a couple of boats. This morning when we arrived at the marina we found some fishing tackle and poles strewn down the dock, as if someone left in a big hurry and dropped stuff along the way. The trail led right to someone's boat. And we discovered a couple boats, actually, had been tampered with. We contacted the boat owners, and they came down this morning. We also contacted the sheriff's department -- and they dispatched a Missouri Water Patrol officer. A report has been made, and an investigation is under way.

The good news is that we caught the perpetrators on camera! Sure enough. And we thought we'd never need to use that security system. It's sad that these petty thieves are trying to ruin our lifestyle of boating and fishing by stealing from us -- several rods and reels and other fishing gear was stolen. The tape has been turned over for enhancing, so we can get a better look at their faces.

And believe me... We will find out who did this.

Oops! It happened again...

Well, once again we really got lucky and only saw a sprinkling of frozen precipitation from the big winter storm that swept across the Midwest this weekend. We did, however, get quite a lot of rain, and so the lake has come up a couple feet. It's almost even with the lower road, and we anticipate that it will be over the lower road, possibly by tomorrow morning. We have roped off the lower road, so please be mindful of this. I took these pictures this morning: the courtesy ramp was practically under water; the new nightly dock was temporarily inaccessible; and you now have to step up a little to get on the main walkway. No damage was done. This was really a minor thing, but I thought you might like to see how much the lake has come up. I hope you all have electricity (we do) and are warm and well, where ever you are.

Cheers!

Winter storm hits north & west of Pontiac

Another winter storm hit the Ozarks yesterday, this one bringing lots of ice, up to 2 inches in some places. Luckily Pontiac hasn't seen a frozen drop of precipitation yet. Just rain. I wanted to let you out-of-towners know in case you're hearing about this on your local news this morning. Yep, 2 inches of ice could cause some major problems at the boat dock, but again, we've only seen rain so far. And hopefully, that's all we'll see.

The Springfield area wasn't so lucky. Apparently 60 to 70 percent of Springfield is waking up without power this morning. Trees are down everywhere. And some small towns outside Springfield are completely out of power. It has been declared a disaster by local officials.

Anyway, I hope it's warm and sunny where ever you are! Have a good weekend!

Another Striper!

Bill Allen (Pontiac) brought this striper in yesterday, shortly after Doc brought his in... this one weighed 28 pounds, 4 ounces. Something in the water? Yes! Fish!

Fishing is GOOD

Norman (Doc) Klayman caught these two stripers on Bull Shoals Lake today. The one on the left (your left, not his) weighed in at 21 pounds. The one on the right weighed in at 32 pounds, 8 ounces. Wow!