Hallelujah!

The lake level is finally back to normal! Well, close enough. It's 656.14, which is the seasonal pool level. "Normal" pool is 654. At least we have the lower road back. And we owe a HUGE thank you to volunteers from the Pontiac/Price VFD for washing all the muck off the road.

Happy Saturday!

It's gorgeous out there. Enjoy it!

Breaking Ground

In case you haven't heard, we are starting construction on a new resort in Pontiac - planning to be open in May 2012. See photo above: the road on the left is the road that goes into the park (from Highway W). The first building will be located on the north side of the road (location shown above on the right side of the photo). Phase 1 includes a two-story building with six units - three up and three down. Each unit will have a kitchen, dining and living area, bathroom, separate bedroom and a patio (for the lower level) or balcony (upper level). The building will be within walking distance of the park, Just Jackie's and Pontiac Cove Marina. We are very excited about this new project and will let you know when we begin taking reservations. If you have any questions, please call us at 417-679-3676 (ask for Matt or Jabet) or email info@pontiaccove.com. Cheers!

Lake Cleanup THIS WEEKEND!

Sorry for the short notice, but if you're in Pontiac this weekend and want to participate in the Lake Cleanup, simply swing by the dock and pick up trash bags and t-shirts and have at it! This is a Corps of Engineers-sponsored cleanup. They have it every year - it's called the Great Arkansas Cleanup. We technically are not in Arkansas, but we're pretty darn close, and we used to participate in their cleanup years ago. Since then, PCM has hosted its own cleanup in years past, with a picnic afterward. We're not doing that this year, so if you want to help clean up the lake, this is the weekend to do it! When you're finished, you can drop your bags at the launch ramp, and the Corps will pick them up. We're open from 7 to 7 this Saturday. Pick up bags and t-shirts (while they last) anytime during the day. Cheers!

Happy Labor Day weekend/Happy FIRST birthday, Lola!

In case you're wondering why I haven't kept up with the blog as much this year... it's all HER fault (see above). That's my daughter, Lola. Some of you remember she was born on the Friday of Labor Day weekend last year - a BIG surprise to us, as she was 26 days early! Happy, healthy and ready to see the world. So, Matt and I weren't around last Labor Day weekend - we spent it in the hospital! Today is Lola's birthday. It's too bad she can't pump gas or count minnows (maybe next year). I hope you all have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend - I will be seeing you this year! Cheers!

The hours they are a changin'

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and for many folks it's the last big hurrah of summer. The marina hours will shorten through the week starting next week. We will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The weekend hours will get shorter later in the month.

We'll be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in October; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in November. We will be closed December, January and February; however, we will be available to pump gas or accept payment for bills via appointment. Just call ahead, and we'll be glad to meet you here anytime during the winter.

Just Jackie's hours will also change after this weekend. Starting next week the restaurant will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday (kitchen closes at 5 on Sunday). Closed Monday to Thursday.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend, everyone!

19 feet to go...

The parking area at the 800 dock is getting larger

 

Look, we got our road back!

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!