This article deals with the COE in another state, but says parks and boat ramps will be shut down. I don't recall if the boat ramps and parks all have gates. If anyone is in the area, please take a look and let us know.

If a federal government shutdown occurs, all Corps-operated campgrounds, day-use
parks and boat ramps will close. Visitors camping at Corps campgrounds will be required to vacate by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and no new visitors or reservations will be accepted until after the shutdown ends.

http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers-prepares-for-possible-government-shutdown-225876901.html

A quick call to the Corps of Engineers tells me ALL the parks are officially closed. I will try to ride down to Van Pugh after lunch to see if they are physically closed or if we still have access.

Gene

Gene - what about boat ramps, day use areas?

Plan B is needed. There aren't many launches that are not run by the COE. But there are a few, which I will research. (Note that my earlier comment about Mary Alice not being a COE park was wrong.)

Gwinnett County Park is off Buford Dam road. It would probably be a tough launch, and you would have to carry your gear through the woods. I don't know if that is even open any, though the Sat photo did show it had cars in the parking lot. Didn't see a boat ramp.

Fortunately for me, I have practiced emergency techniques to deal with terrible launches. First, I use one of my big boards as a SUP. Tie my sails and tools down to the deck, paddle out to a spot where there is wind and spot to rig and then sail. I've done it once at Keith's Bridge. Worked fine. (Well sort of.)

My map shows KB is a state local park. Its a tough launch, but not that bad. Works for W-SW. Al has sailed it on NW. I don't see why it might not work for E as well. (Again, not the most ideal place - but if its open...)

Anybody know about Lanier Park and Buford Dam park. My map shows them as state/county owned, but I am wondering if the COE operates them. I'm pretty sure I recall seeing a COE sign on the way into Lanier park. (It would be an acceptable launch for a longboard probably.)

I though sure that Buford Dam park was COE, but my map says otherwise. Not sure it matters, I recall scoping it out years ago, and concluded it would not work because of the terrain.

And, there is always Club Wade. I guess he could start renting out rooms or camp sites, and giving guys tows with his jet ski out to the wind......It could become the Windsurfing Mecca of the Atlanta Metro Area, on par with Fisherman's Hut and the Outer Banks.

The park is Officially Closed, note the barrels which had already been moved out of the way. There were two carloads of people enjoying the nice day. One suggestion, if you move the barrels to get in, move them back, not that I'm suggesting that.

Luckily no Wind in the Forecast! Hopefully the Bozos in Washington will get things straightened out soon.

On a serious note, a maintenance worker said she was cleaning the restrooms and then locking them up. As of tomorrow, she has no income coming in.

It might be a good time to contact your congressmen.

Gene

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The park is Officially Closed, note the barrels which had already been moved out of the way. There were two carloads of people enjoying the nice day. One suggestion, if you move the barrels to get in, move them back, not that I'm suggesting that.

Luckily no Wind in the Forecast! Hopefully the Bozos in Washington will get things straightened out soon.

Gene

Gene - your view of lucky is now a victim of the Washington Distortion Field. It is never good luck to not have wind. (I know - double negative. But you get the idea.)

Also, Gene there is a solution. Change that sign to say "Atlanta Boardsailing Club Members Only"

Or change the sign to "Park closed due to your elected officials"

Or change the sign to "Dogs and Alcohol Allowed"

Gene

Or "Sorry, you can't take a day off to go the Lake because your elected officials are out to lunch."

What about Barton's in Rodanthe or Windmill Point? Also, I think Oceanaire has a launch. Plus, you could rent a house on the Sound like always.

And if things really get desperate - Lake Acworth should be unaffected.

I guess I will have to watch the news tonight. I heard the lead story was going to be called

"Windsurfing Held Hostage: Day 1"

I would tell you to go to Stone Mt. Park and sail in their lake but that lake has a sign that specifically say " No Windsurfers ".

I have sailed my Hobie at Stone Mt. many times. It is allowed.

But if you do get desperate, then as Randy says " Club Wade " offers towing from the club to the middle of the lake where any wind direction is good.

Believe it or not, sailing was pretty good there on a West wind.

Lots of tacks and jibes. No long runs.

Don’t worry about it, the guys making wind are probably shut down as well.

Juliette and other Ga power lakes are still open.

Time for our Million Windsurfer March on Washington. After all, we can't go to the Lake.

Just open our lake and the horror will end

Perspective... Is it worse not being able to use your favorite launch, or being unemployed? I'm pondering that since I have a lot of free time at the moment...