Recently, my DH and I spent a hot day cruising Smith Mountain Lake in our new (used) boat. The Lake (as people around here call it) was created in the 1960s by damming Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers and is used to supply much of the electricity to the region. This rustic marina was one my DH used growing up playing on the lake. While the gas, oil, snacks are long gone the hand painted signs remain... yes, two dollars is still the charge for using the boat launch.
We were greeted by two wary, but quickly friendly dogs...
I was amazed at the shore side diversity - the lake has become a popular retirement area and the "elite" area to live. Million dollar homes are becoming common alone the shore. Amazing to consider such affluence in a region where the median family income is around $45,000. However, plenty of humble cabins and trailers are spotted along the shore and cows still wade in coves and graze on pricey shoreline pastures. Perhaps the farmers are counting on the land to fund their retirement....
Not so humble....
The railroads seen from the lake are a reminder of the industrial origins of the Roanoke Valley and continue to move goods throughout the country.
