Memorial Day Fun On Clarks Hill Lake

I enjoyed a fun day on Clark's Hill Lake last weekend. It was Memorial Day weekend and the lake was busy, but not overwhelmingly so, which was a surprise.

However, we spent most of our time on a boat, so that alleviated any crowding we might have experienced on the beach areas. I love any beach but, in my opinion, the boat is the way to go.

On a boat, you get control of how you experience the lake. You can cruise around, experience the open water, do some knee boarding or tubing, you can stay on a populated beach area or you can find a secluded one. We did all of the above.

However, when we pulled up to a secluded shore to get out and swim around, we were greeted by some graffiti. Someone had painted something on a sizeable rock in the middle of the lake.

My immediate thought was disgust. Why would someone do this? This graffiti work was pretty involved and big. It contained several colors and was on a non-populated area, so someone had to really go through some effort for it. But, why?

The answer is obvious, when you consider the message. It was one of our current presidential candidates’ names. I won't say which one, but it’s one who stirs up a lot of emotion for a lot of Americans. Which, to be honest, they both do.

My emotions upon seeing it was one of “Ugh, I don’t want to think about politics on such a pretty day.” This definitely isn't going to swing my vote in favor of the candidate. But, there we were, swimming next to a political advertisement in an otherwise beautiful landscape.

The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. “Why would someone go through so much trouble to deface nature in such a way?” My thoughts turned to “Someone should paint over it… but what could they paint that wouldn’t also stir up emotions?” Of course, my first thought is a giant Georgia Bulldogs logo! GO DAWGS! Am I right?

But, then I thought about who might get upset at seeing that… “Might any Florida fans be on the lake? Even more reason to paint it there! Haha! Oh, wait, then I’d be painting graffiti on nature also, but for what reason?” I thought. “Oh…NOW I see why the person painted the original message in the first place. Just to irritate fans of the other team.”

I had a laugh to myself, we got back on the boat and it didn’t bother me again.

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.