Monday, August 21, 2006

Gad Dam Lake

As I have mentioned before, my parents have a pontoon boat that they take to Summersville, WV. I have to tell everyone the origins of Summersville Lake. It is made from a dam on the Gauley River. The lake was formed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1966. Typically when lakes are made, they are named after the nearest town. The closest town to this particular lake is Gad. Lyndon Johnson came to dedicate the lake. When preparing a speech, it was realized that the name of the dam would be "The Gad Dam." They couldn't have that, so they changed the name to the next closest town, Summersville. I think this story is so funny. We all have really beaten this horse to death, over and over. We always say things like, "When are we going to the Gad Dam Lake?!" Or if we are at the lake, we'll say "Let's get in the Gad Dam water!" It's very entertaining.

So my brother and his wife came in from Cali a few weeks ago and we all went to the Gad Dam Lake. Duane, Meredith (my sister-in-law), Jamison (my bro's friend), Lee (Jamison's wife), my mom, my dad, myself and Bryan were all present. We tried tubing this time, and it was hysterical. Bryan and I had two horrible crashes, the first of which may have given me a mild concussion.

Hangin tough

Bryan going solo

Meredith going solo

I don't even know what to say about this

The big rock we jumped off is in the background

We all also jumped off of a big rock. Duane, Bryan and Jamison just jumped right off with no problem. Meredith and I jumped after having panic attacks. I have a few pictures of us jumping and other good shots, but I am having technical difficulties with my camera right now. I'll update soon with more pictures, if I can ever get them from my camera.