More Advice on Alatoona...

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Micah
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More Advice on Alatoona...

First, Thanks to everyone for all of the recent advice!

I am looking at the SW wind on Friday and probably can't make it to Lanier between my morning and evening obligations. I see two interesting spots on Allatoona that look like there may have a decent SW fetch - McKinney Campground and Old Hwy 41 Recreation Area. I think Mckinney doesn't open for the season until Saturday but maybe there is another way to the beach. Anyhow, has anyone sailed either of these two spots on a SW wind before? Have you been able to access the beach on the off season?

Pic below.

Thanks again for all the advice!

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

Summoning Randy... I think he's one of the guys that discovered Old 41

At your stage of the game, time on the water counts more than just about anything. It doesn't have to be perfect.

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

Old 41 is sort of an enigmatic place. It works for s-sw-w. I think s is the best. I am not sure its open now - usually doesn't seem like they open it till mid April, so you probably should check. Try calling 678-721-6700 which is the COE office at allatoona, (I think.)

Now, one problem is that winds from the s sw are usually pretty fickle in the first place - they will blow for a while, gust a bit, then die out. A bit like Galts. So its kind of a hit or miss place. But, I've had some good days there and the water is very flat. Please post if you find out its open - I like to go there once in a while. It is better than Galts for s or sw.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

I've never been to McKinney - so it might be cool if you explore it. The best s or sw spot on toona, maybe all of ATL, is a place called Fields Landing Park, which is off 575 at exit 16. Not that easy to find, but it can be really good at time. Another place that is close to Fields is called Sweetwater, which is another COE park. Not sure if its open, but'
Fields is a Cherokee county park and usually opens earlier than the others. You can find out if you call their office (check google for phone nos.) Supposedly, they charge $5 for parking but there's not been anyone to collect it in the past - so I've never paid it.

Finally, another spot, near Galts that I've never sailed, but others have is Victoria. I drove by there once, and It looks like a nice place and i think it works on sw - but you should check the map.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Micah
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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking you could just park at the road at Old 41 and walk. It's so close to my house and work its very tempting...even if its not the best spot for SW.

I was just looking at Fields Landing and Victoria. Very long fetch for Fields and looks like Victoria has a small beach to the east with access, but the wind maybe blocked a little bit. Fresh and COLD river water pouring in at Fields. Pic below for anyone who's interested.

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

I've heard talk of people walking in at Old 41 - but don't know of anyone that's actually done it. We walk into Galts all the time in the winter when the lower park is closed. Worst case they might ask you to leave. It might be kind of a long walk though.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

Randy, one more...have you ever sailed from Dallas Landing Park on a NW wind? The water level is down at the moment...it may present some problems but it looks like a decent fetch. Nice beach with parking right on the shore. Doesn't open till next weekend though.

Thanks!

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

I've never sailed there, though I drive by it a few times. Last time I was there (years ago) it seemed like you had to pay to get in 4 or 5 $ and a COE pass doesn't cut it. I figured that was too much to pay to find out if there was any wind, and headed up the road to Old 41. Might work pretty well for a due s or due n wind.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: More Advice on Alatoona...

BTW - if you were to go toward Lk Acworth and launch from the NW side of hwy 92 where is crossed Lk Acworth (there is a small parking area there) and then sail NW and then N a ways, you would be in the same area. I actually sailed at that spot once when the government shutdown closed all of the COE parks.

If you go past the bridge and turn left on Ragsdale rd. it will take you to a small, and fairly primitive park, which is on the opposite shore of Lk Acworth. Its a nice place to launch from and away from the crowds by the beach. I've sailed there a few times.

If you were to go a bit further on 92 then turn right on Proctor Landing rd, there is a beach where it appears on could launch from. I've sailed up there, but don't know much about it. I think it is a COE park though, but not really sure. Lk Acworth, may be the best launch in the area, however.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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