Soaking up the sun as summer nears peak

In Alabama it sometimes seems like summer starts around mid-April and continues through the end of October, but according to the calendar, summer is almost half over.

Aug. 6 is roughly the midpoint of the summer season, with autumn officially beginning Sept. 22.

I’m prone to complain about the heat, but I’m trying to enjoy the summer sunshine while it lasts. Saturday I got to experience a water sport I’ve never before been brave enough to try: riding a WaveRunner.

Driving the WaveRunner wasn’t in the cards – and if, like me, you don’t have your boating license, you might want to consider taking the boating course Saturday at Belgreen gym – but I sat on the back and held on tight. The sun’s rays beat down and lake water surged up around us as we roared through the waves, bouncing across boat wakes and tearing through the middle of Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee.

Every minute of it was amazing. We spent only about half an hour on the water before we motored back up to the dock and traded life jackets for lawn chairs, but it was a breath-taking experience.

It made me eager to try again sometime – maybe driving, once I become certified with the boating license, and maybe on one of our lakes right here in Franklin County.

This weekend was a family get-together in Tennessee, but it certainly makes me think about the amazing resources we have here in Franklin when it comes to water sports.

I spent no more than 15 minutes at Mon Dye boat ramp a couple weeks ago, snapping a quick picture of a couple kayakers for our Visitors and Newcomers Guide. It was all I could do not jump right in the water – despite my business casual attire.

There’s nothing like a day – or even half an hour – spent on the lake.

Whether in a kayak or on a WaveRunner, whether enjoying a little fishing or a little wake-boarding, don’t let summer pass you by without heading out to the lake.

You won’t be sorry.

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x