Even though you might be shivering and wearing turtle necks,
its not too late to be on the water, by any means. Nestled in the NW corner of
the state, at the edge of Salisbury, Twin Lakes O’Hara’s Landing is still
bustling with marina activity. Since it is after Labor Day it is easier to
maneuver through the grassy lot and nab a parking space between trailers of
sport fishermen and water skiers.
In it’s 45th season under the Haab family, not
much has changed at the Landing except that there are a lot more boats, and the
floating dock has expanded it’s coverage. The marina is a casual spot, idyllic
in setting, with a family atmosphere. A sense of timelessness like the weeping
willows at the water’s edge, greets the visitor whether it is your first visit
or if you recognize the faces of Dave, Mary, Barry, Fred, and Collin who have
been working at the landing for years and probably decades.
Just off the parking lot, the restaurant is decorated in
1940’s décor, complete with enamel folding tables, riveted vinyl chairs, and
vintage dining accessories. Mary’s Cafe has been serving up hot dogs, burgers,
grilled chicken sandwiches and fries for exactly 40 years. My son, who worked
in the bait and rental shop when he was a teenager, swears by her breakfast
sandwiches. Every morning, he said, groups of local fishermen would file
through the screen door and congregate at her counter. Grab a seat to enjoy the
view outside on the porch or inside by a windows, which are lined with unique pitchers,
plates and even a collection of flour sifters. Sitting at a table you can watch the boat ramp activity as
well as peer into the Mercury Marine, Starcraft Marine and Ebbtide showroom.
Watch out as you may start dreaming over your lunch and find
yourself under the spell of David Haab who has been selling Mercury Marine
boats for 56 years, since his days on the dairy farm back in 1963. It is
obvious he loves what he does. Haab has been running the marina for 45 years,
and yet, when he thinks of retirement, he just thinks how there is no other
place he would rather be. Make sure to check out his small mini museum at the
edge of the showroom with an array of working motors on pedestals that attest
to the technological and design metamorphosis of the industry. Each motor comes
with a story.
The bait shop sells minnows scooped up in nets by teenage summer
employees. Kokanee salmon, brown and rainbow trout, large and small mouth bass
are all lurking in the clear cool waters of the lakes. Fishing tournaments of fewer
than 20 boats are allowed each weekend. Those looking to relax and enjoy time
on the water can rent a boat for the day. Choose from the 14 foot rowboat with
a 5 HP motor or one of the six available pontoon party boats. They are perfect for
families wanting an easily controlled, stable and safe platform for recreation
on the lake.
The lake view from the marina includes barely a rooftop
among the surrounding forested hills of the Tristate area. Summer’s passage may
have slowed down the action seekers, but some weekend skiers are still pulled
out on the water. This is the perfect time to experience the beauty of the area
and enjoy the transition of the lush green and blue landscape into the fall colors.
Certainly the fall foliage is an upcoming attraction. “Every year”, Haab says,
“its different, but always stunning”. He recommends you take a boat out on the
water and then turn back to look at the marina and the maple filled hill behind
it. “It just makes you gasp”.
Though the season is winding down, and there are more boats
than ever in the marina, O’Hara’s Landing will stay open as long as the weather
is decent. The Cafe will close
after Columbus weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment