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Capt Dave's Tips |
Those of you who know me personally know that I'm a "Restless Soul". I'm not happy unless I'm "on the go". I hike, bike, sail, power and enjoy a highly competitive game of Racquetball whenever I can find a "Victim" to join me. There's also another side to most sailors and I'm no exception. We enjoy the company of others while we play, as well as afterwards. Gals, if your husband doesn't regularly read this column, you need to print it out and stick it in this month's Sports Illustrated issue. Guys, don't let your wives see you reading this, but I'm going to share some valuable secrets here as briefly as I can!
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Anytime
you can combine any of the above and some quiet time with someone special
who enjoys your attention, that's a perfect day! Recently I was
fortunate to steal a couple of days away in the Georgia Mountains.
Christina Smith, owner of Blue
Stone Cabins and a Windsong student, planned the entire affair; I mean
get away. Seems that life has me VERY busy lately and who doesn't
live a similar life, huh? I just don't have the time to research and
plan these trips. I must admit my promotional intentions here, but
if you found a fantastic restaurant wouldn't you share it too?
After some discussion about my likes, wants, and needs, Christina selected "The" cabin and expertly mapped out directions as well as several of the nearby waterfalls, hiking trails and even some great places to eat. I know that AAA or any travel agency could have done the same, but Christina's suggestions were absolutely "on the mark" and we thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of her labors. Her directions did skirt the perimeter of the Blue Ridge Chattahoochee National Forest which were slightly amended by me. "MY" route started from Nimblewill just east of Amicalola Falls and went up the gravel Forestry Roads directly over the top of Springer Mountain, the start of the Application Trail head, and methodically along the creeks, summits and valleys for almost 4 wonderful off-road hours. Remember the web site that this column featured last month? I used those satellite photos to plan my route. Now that's a mountain trip if you ask me! |
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We were
never lost because I had my GPS chart plotter borrowed from the boat, a
"Streets" chart chip, lots of food and water and... well we did finally
run into the Army Rangers on drills who pointed us in the right
direction. I was amazed that most all of the Forestry Roads were
actually on the GPS chart plotter. The flooded roadways and fallen
trees across the roads were not. Actually we only had to back track
once,...okay maybe twice depending on how you count it.
We visited the only Federal Fish Hatchery in the state of Georgia. Thirty two tanks of trout producing a million releases a year is quite impressive! | |
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Patti had to move a
couple of trees off the path so we could get by and she seemed to do it
with so little effort that I thought I'd stop and take a picture of her
hard at work!
It would be hard to get lost along the trails because they are so well marked with white diamonds on trees within easy sight of each other, mostly. We toured Lake Blue Ridge as well, which is always great to hike around. All the sites are easily within a 30 to 45 minute drive of the cabin. The Toccoa River Restaurant was outdoor dining at it's finest located right on the banks of the Toccoa River! Great food, service and view!
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We hiked some great
trails and climbed some waterfalls along the Benton MacKaye and
Appalachian Trails all around Springer Mountain.
If you've never been across a suspension trail bridge, we found one over the Toccoa River that was fantastic. |
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If you think you'd like to try this out for yourself call Christina and ask for the "Windsong" package. She's going to kill me for saying this, but she can put together a rather romantic collection of candles, bath oils, dark chocolates and CD collection of songs that will set the mood for quite a special evening for two. It's not without some extra costs, but you can't buy better personalized service than this!
We stayed in the "Mountain Majesty" which is just one of nine wonderfully selected properties that all seem to share a common theme. Seclusion, quality and either an incredible mountain side view or overlooking a river or stream. It's very obvious from the selection of cabins that she knows her business and understands the needs, wants and likes of her customers.
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Mountain Majesty is 3 stories, recreation room downstairs with ping pong, air hockey, foosball, and a huge hot tub out on the deck surrounded by acres of seclusion. The main level has a 270˚ wrap around deck with incredible views of the mountains. Three huge sliding glass doorways open the living room to nature. The upstairs loft master suite has rustic railing banisters and a heart shaped Jacuzzi in the bath. You can actually view the mountains while laying in bed. The master has it's own private balcony to boot! |  |
My only regret was that I forgot to bring my toy sailboats that have sailed some of the worlds best Hot Tubs. Yes, you're right I am kidding. About the tub sailboats, but not about the value and memories of my recent mountain trip. Guys, you gotta bite the bullet and just go. Gals if he won't go, then call me and I'll give him my "off road" maps as the lure. Now that was an adventure! There are many romances in this ole world and sailing is just one of 'em!
Next month you do not want to miss my continuing Tips on "Escapes" containing some secret or little known nearby treasures for a quick get away!
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So What's NEW! |
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Windsong Events |
| Sunset Cruises | |
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The June 10th sunset cruise will feature flutist Alan Horne, a professional performer who has repaired as well as used these instruments for decades. Alan comes to us highly recommended and his audition CD was fantastic. If you're looking for an evening with some romantic toots and classical roots you do not want to delay as there are only two seats remaining for this special full moon cruise down Lanier. |
| July Fireworks |
| For the past several years the July 4th weekend Sunset Cruise has been coordinated to fall on the same night as the University Yacht Club fireworks celebration. This year's fireworks will occur on Saturday July 1st and we are aligning our cruise times to end just as the fireworks show begins outside the Yacht Club. Watching the fireworks while sailing down the lake and ending up in the bay out from the Yacht Club is truly a unique visual experience. If you've never seen fireworks from the water, you've never been to a emotionally moving show! These seats will book up fast. Book yours today. If we're sold out by the time you get to the web, call our office and we'll see if we can add more boats. |
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So What's Been Going On? |
| Capt Ed Ties The Knot! |
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| Senior staff instructor Capt. Ed Kuckla and Cynthia Mooreland tied the knot recently at the famous "Swept Away" Resort in Negril Jamaica. A celebration reception was held at the Sunrise Cove Club House where friends and fellow staff joined in toasts and congratulations. Both are devoted sailors and look forward to continued adventures together. We offer the best for success and wish smooth seas for the newly wed couple! |
| Carl House Staff Adventures | ||||||
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The Carl House, a
special events facility specializing in Wedding and Corporate Events,
celebrated the year's success with their management team by participating
in Windsong's "Pirates, Agents of Change" Corporate Adventures
program. Being the best isn't easy for any business, but the Carl
House was voted Gwinnett Magazine's "Best of Gwinnett" for a reason and it
was obvious during this day's activities.
BB Webb, Carl House proprietor, doesn't actually fear for her life at the hands of Pirates, but wanted to involve her staff in a uniquely thought provoking mission with Windsong to ensure their continued growth and success. BB is an actress and host of her own TV show, "Living Life with Style", which airs each weekday evening at 5 pm on TV 12. She works with other consultants and business owners to maximize their potential and understands the importance of team performance and valuing the contributions of her staff. We did a bit of acting on our own to help each team member enjoy their day while presenting some thought provoking ideas and strategies for personal and professional growth. If you're tired of boring staff meetings and would like to offer something different to your top performers or as a team adventure, Windsong can make the day productive as well as memorable! | |||||
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Upcoming Classes We have several seats available
over the next few weeks of classes. | ||||||
| 6/6 & 6/8 | Basic Coastal Cruising | |||||
| 6/11 | Engine Maintenance | |||||
| 6/17 | Advanced Coastal Cruising | |||||
| 6/24 | Marine Meteorology | |||||
| 6/27 | Bareboat Chartering | |||||
| Sailing Outings: (Check the web site for exact times) | ||||||
| 6/10 | Sailing Outings (Skills & Drills) | |||||
| 6/10 | Sunset Cruise | |||||
| 6/17 | Sailing Outings (Skills & Drills) | |||||
| 6/24 | Sailing Outings (Skills & Drills) | |||||
| 7/1 | Sunset Cruise | |||||
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FOR
SALE! GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? Try Our For Sale New Site
Free.
Although we intend to limit items for sale to our student members,
we will consider items submitted from the general public as well. We'll
play it by ear to see how it goes. Just remember to let us know when the
item is sold so that we can keep our web site current. So here's the
link Items For Sale.
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HATE THAT SPAM? |
| Ever noticed that all official Windsong emails have the word "WINDSONG:" in the subject? That's so that you can use a filter or rule to intercept and redirect Windsong emails into a dedicated folder based upon this trait. That way we won't ever wind up in your SPAM folders and accidentally deleted. This is actually a two-way street. Any replies from you will automatically contain the same identifier in the subject and we can prevent it's accidental deletion as well. So any emails from you to us should contain the words "WINDSONG" in the subject or you risk censure by our anti spam software. Daily we receive just over 400 SPAM emails and find the use of filtering software imperative. Don't risk loosing our emails, filter TODAY! | |
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Friends don't let
their friends go through life Invite someone to join you today! |
| PLEASE,
REACH OUT AND TOUCH US,
We're listening!! |
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Many times students' suggestions are implemented on the spot! We pride ourselves in our customer service and attention to the needs of our students. If you have thoughts or ideas, drop us a line or give us a call. All things are possible; you simply need to ask.
Thanks!
I'd like to take this
opportunity to thank all our students for their loyal support through the
season(s) and encourage everyone to bring one new friend along each year as you
sail. As we grow and expand our operation, we want to make our products
and services available to all who may be interested, but someone has to make the
introduction. Share the love of your sport with those who may be
interested in our unique collection of programs. You'll be glad you did and so
will they!
