Spring

Spring has sprung like Tigger off his meds. This is the time of year when two opposing seasonal forces, like a tide running against the current, meet. We cheer the longer days and warmer temperatures that give us more sailing time and less ice cream headaches. But, we lament the waning effects of the jet stream as it slowly moves north for the summer like a migratory goose. The fronts that come through carry less and less energy and, in the back of our minds, we know that by June, it won't be worth packing the smaller stuff.

The relationship between Lake Lanier water temperature and wind. Sorry for the graph but our art department is on vacation.

This winter was warmer than even our climate-changed winters of late. The only winners here are the bugs that didn't get killed off and pruned back by temperatures in the teens. We windsurfers didn't benefit much because good sessions were few and far in between..

The warmer winter kicked off an early spring. This unnerved the TV weatherguys who begged and pleaded for people not to run out and plant anything because there was always the chance of a late season cold snap. Since our tomato plants survived until mid-January before encountering cool enough temps to kill them, March didn't seem to present too much of a risk so we ignored the advice of the Storm Trackers, Centers and Wizards and dropped seeds into the ground. And, we had plenty of time to drop seeds because it wasn't blowing very often.

Everybody loves spring!

Sensing our ennui, a park ranger at Lake Lanier decided to enliven things one afternoon. On a day that four cars, three of them windsurfers, were at Van Pugh, the range sought fit to misinterpret a sign which was meant to protect the boat trailer loading area from Minis and Fiat 500s. He threatened two of the three windsurfers with tickets because they were, in his opinion, parking trailers in the wrong spot. Panic, riots and mayhem ensued.

First, the market value for windsurfing trailers plunged. We can't confirm it but we heard a rumor that someone let his Wells Cargo twelve footer go for a couple of Dutch tulip bulbs. Certain intown club members sought to organize an Occupy Van Pugh. Those with roof racks gleefully pointed out that they didn't care a whit and rejoiced at the prospect that more parking spots would be open now that those with trailers would be doing 5-10 at the Atlanta Pen. Several bail bondsmen, sensing opportunity, set up shop nearby.

Windsurfers rigging in front of the Atlanta Penitentiary.

For those with trailers (which includes your esteemed correspondent), this was an unwelcome change, putting it mildly. The alternatives were not good - either try to cram our gear in or on top of our vehicles or carry stuff across parking lots and picnics. We've parked in those very spots for twenty or more years. Passing rangers always waved cheerfully at us and said hello (while privately questioning our sanity for going out in the conditions we do). As well, we've always had a very good relationship with the USACE and they've been very kind in understanding our needs.

Like most public policy discussions, there were lots of opinions offered but few actions. Wind in the forecast the following week forced our hands. Gene Mathis contacted head ranger at the Army Corps of Engineers who quickly assured him that nothing had changed - we could continue parking along the curb by the launch with their permission and blessing.

• While we don't have the same structure we've had the in past as a club, our sense of community still is important. We still represent the sports of windsurfing (and kiting) which can be very important.
• It really helped us that we're generally seen as the "good guys". We enjoy the lake, follow rules, don't leave a mess and don't disrupt other users. We are all big boys and girls and there's no sense in not acting that way.
• Whenever you get the chance, tell a ranger, guard at the gate or grounds crew how much you enjoy the park and the lake. This isn't only at Lanier. Most people who do those jobs really see it as stewardship of some place they care about. It means a lot to them to hear you are having a good time. It also means a lot to show them you care and respect the place like they do.

Of course, winter had to give us one last kick in the groin. After we had become to temperatures in the 60s. 70s and even 80, we got the hit by a week that belonged in December - 40 degrees and rain in late March. Our azaleas were not amused. Radar even showed snow in the NC mountains. Several people braved the temps but it seemed pretty dismal to the rest of us. We opted to wait for warmer days with forecasts of wind.

Foolish move. Turned out to be more good days for cycling.

While it's warmer now, the other Atlanta springtime bane, pollen, is afflicting outdoor activities. Even for those of us used to the annual greening of the skies, it's amazing the amount of the stuff that drops.

Every Georgia child knows the story of Snotty, the Pollen Man. "With a corncob pipe and a button nose... ta da da."

Another big change with the arrival with spring is that Lake Lanier is full for the first time in years. The lake rose 13 ft since December - about a foot a week. That sounds great unless you have a dock on the lake in which case the water was rising faster than in the engine room of the Titanic. (What? Too soon?)

For those of us who ignored Storm Tracker's advice and planted flowers, this is great news. We aren't likely to have the same watering restrictions we've typically had every summer. There's actually a chance that our garden will survive August.

For kiters, this is not good. The lake has struggled to remain full for the last seven to eight years. That has meant that there has been enough exposed shore line to launch without doing anything especially dicey such as trying to launch a kite in front of a 100 ft pine tree. The exposed areas of Old Federal Park and Van Pugh have been favorites. Those beaches are no more and it will make the already problematic conditions of Atlanta (crappy wind) even more challenging.

Kiters have a new place to launch from at Old Federal when little red cars aren't splashing water.

New signage at Old Federal.

A little video to get your groove on.

Note around 2:40 when Boujmaa Guilloul (we think) gets worked on the rocks. Just a reminder that even the pros have their moments of humility. Don't be afraid to crash and learn new stuff. Not that we follow that advice...

If you miss the days of Lenny Kravitz dishing out retro rock, this is for you.