Old Hickory - Station Camp Cove

First arrival....it wasn't this way in Nashville!





Furture rower, Amy.  Woohoo!  Go Amy!

These kids had all the tricks!  What fun to watch.

This lake is outstanding!  Well, at least Station Camp cove is.  I met a friend, Amy, to let her try rowing my single.  We got on the water around 6:15.  Amy did great for her first time in a single that's made more for racing than recreational rowing!  It was a foggy morning so it proved to be perfect to share some rowing tips while the fog burned off.  Amy managed to maneuver the boat, take full strokes and started asking questions that involved technique......a true rower in the making!!!

I found a small ramp off of Douglas Bend.  I was able to find a spot to wet launch with ease.  This obviously is a favorite among fishermen and ski boats alike.  A wake boat with a load of kids ready to play for the day was heading out just as I was.  I got a full boat cheer as they watched me row by and they got their gear together.  Soon I discovered I was sharing the cove with them as they practiced their wake boarding tricks.  I have to say, I prefer polite wake boaters to NASCAR bass boats.  These kids were watchful of me and kept their distance when they saw me.  I was only passed by them twice.  Those kids were so much more pleasant than what I have dealt with on Percy Priest!

Here's a tidbit or side note.  The nice thing about wake boats is the fact that you only have to deal with 5 wakes.  Once that passes, you've got calm water.  Where as bass boats or pontoons throw out these ever occurring rollers.  Those are more of a hassle to row over.

About 1,700 meters into my row, I saw my friend Amy standing on the bank waving.  She had made it back to her house and gave me a little cheer as I rowed past.  It's so fun to share with friends and have them support you.  That gave me a warm fuzzy & energized my row.

Some sort of duck blind near the main channel.  I so wanted to explore.

I made it about 4,000 meters out when Station Camp cove opened into the main channel.   I decided it was best for me to stay in the cove.  Along both shorelines to and from the boat ramp are scattered with houses.  Some had nice little boat docks and some were McMansions! As I made my way back to the boat ramp, I cut down a side cove that had a slalom ski course.  Two skier's were taking turns running the course. As they took a break, I rowed down the course and got a sudden adrenaline rush as it reminded me of race lanes.  I really enjoyed the break in my morning row to watch these guys run this course with sprays that arched high in the air.  They made something that I know is tough look so simple & beautiful.  

Down the center of the course.

The butterflies hit!  Oh yeah, it's only the ski course.

As I made my way back, I rowed along more houses which make up Gallatin's, Fairvue Plantation.  Wow, so many porches I would love to spend my mornings or afternoons killing time.  Beautiful houses with beautiful landscapes.

Like I said, McMansion!

Fairvue Plantation

Closer to the launching area, I was starting to notice many more boats on the water and much more activity in the neighborhood.  People we stirring.  I consider Station Camp Cove to be a 5 oar (top of the rating).  Boaters were considerate and the area was beautiful.  People waved and the day started off perfectly.  Really, what day doesn't when you get to have a good water row!

I've returned and the sun is just starting to break through.