Beautiful...but beware: Do Not Walk On The Ice!!!

Buckeye Lake, Beech Mountain

I love to take pictures, especially when I have such a palette to choose from living on Beech Mountain. It doesn't matter what season it is, I am always awestruck with the beauty that God has provided to the lucky few who live here year round and those who visit this blessed place.

However, I am also shocked at the lack of knowledge that some people have when visiting us that causes them to do some dangerous things. For instance, there have been so many reports in the news this year of people who, for one reason or another, have chosen to walk on the frozen lakes and rivers. If you research this topic, you will find that most experts say ice is not safe to walk on unless the ice is at least 4" thick. Personally, I don't know how you can tell how thick it is unless you breach the ice to do so and I'm not volunteering! Recently, a local man was walking his dogs off-leash with his 10 yr. old son and the dogs took off across a lake. The man took off after them, fell through the ice and died. Luckily, the son went for help and did not follow the man. The dogs never went through the ice but accounts of animals who have fallen through the ice in the past report that most get themselves out without assistance. Those that do need assistance need it from professionals...call the authorities...do not attempt to do a rescue yourself!

I live in the area of Lake Coffey and was astounded about two weeks ago to see a snowman, which had been built in the middle of the lake. I don't know who built it but it sent shivers down my spine to envision a couple of kids out there risking their lives to have fun building that snowman. It is most probably the result of lack of information. We have so very many people that visit our area from warmer climates and do not know what the hazards are when walking on frozen surfaces.

A vast database of knowledge is available on the Internet for virtually anything you need. Check out unfamiliar topics before risking your life in unknown situations. I did a simple Google search on 'safe walking on ice' and was immediately drawn to this site: http://www.wikihow.com/Know-When-Ice-is-Safe. Check it out, do your own search, educate yourself in this matter and others to safeguard yourself and your loved ones...especially children and animals. They are counting on you to protect them. Don't let them down just because you did not check out the dangers first. We want our visitors to have nothing but happy memories of their stay on Beech Mountain and we do not want to lose any of our neighbors to senseless tragedies.

Now go and enjoy your winter on Beech Mountain but....Please, Be Safe! :)

It's Winter and There's Enough Snow for All

What an absolutely beautiful day today, with crystal clear skies and views that just went on forever!

Although we had sub zero temperatures and wind chills were in the double digits, the sun eventually came out, the wind died down and it was a good day to be on Beech.


Definitely a day to have a 4WD and/or chains

With the snow drifting in softly during the night, the trees completed the Winter Wonderland effect...simply gorgeous.

Even the downtown area was very navigable. It appears our holiday visitors have gone home...for now. For those wondering what the 'rocket on a pole' is on the left side of this picture, it is my antenna and topper.

Youth Sledding Hill - Now Open Daily

News Release
Story and Photos by
Craig Distl

Beech Mountain's Youth Sledding Hill has opened for the winter season.

Beech Mountain (elevation 5,506') averages more than 80" of snowfall per year, and the town has its own gun for blowing snow when Mother Nature isn't.

The hill draws families from across the Southeast for sledding on a daily basis. Conditions are generally very good throughout the winter. The Beech sledding hill is located next to the Chamber of Commerce. It is open daily at no charge for kids 12 and under, although parents may ride with smaller children. Plastic sleds are required. Folks are encouraged to bring their own sleds, or they may be purchased at stores on the mountain. "It's a free and enjoyable place for children to have fun," says Peggy Coscia of the Beech chamber. "They come from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. We get a lot of folks from Florida who are excited because it's the first time the children have seen snow." The sledding hill is operated by the Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting) with safety personnel on duty. A loud speaker plays music and hot chocolate is available at nearby restaurants. Parking and restrooms are provided by the chamber. People are encouraged to call the chamber at (800) 468-5506 to receive live updates on sledding conditions. "All I have to do is look out the window," says Coscia. "We're that close." Additional info on the Beech Mountain sledding hill is available at: http://www.beechmtn.com/.

Click here for video: http://www.youtube.com/user/nchighcountry#p/u/1vQQJE1w7cGl