By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MAY 2, 2023 | A Duluth resident, Kay Montgomery, identified a recent setting sun photo on Lake Lanier, and sent additional information about activities in the past on Lake Lanier.
Kay wrote: “That view of the sunset on Lake Lanier Islands was a familiar sight on my way to ‘work.’ For four years, I was a part of the Lake Lanier Islands’ Water Ski Show. This show began in 1971 and ran for many years.
In the inaugural years, many of Duluth’s Parsons family participated in the shows on the lake and most members moved on to other ski shows around the country and then, around the world. Some of these included shows were at Callaway Gardens, SeaWorld in Orlando, Chicago, Wisconsin and even in other places, including Japan.
“My husband, Mike, and I were doubles partners and he was a barefoot skier. Many of my cousins skied along with sisters, Gin and Lynn. My sister, Lynn, (who was not a part of the Lake Lanier Ski Team), skied in shows on every continent except for Antarctica.
“The attached photo we call the ‘Parsons Pyramid.’ The photo was in the Gwinnett Daily News in 1981. All of the members are part of the Parsons family. We performed at Lake Lanier Islands to honor our grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Parsons for their 60th wedding anniversary.”
Those on the pyramid include, at the top of the pyramid, Cindy Odum Flournoy, now – of Columbus; second row: Kay Willis Montgomery, Duluth, Betty Andrews Smith, Flowery Branch; Kathy Andrews Fincher, Clayton; and Gin Willis, Duluth. At the base of the pyramid are Carey Odum, Duluth; Ken Odum, Duluth; Mike Montgomery, Duluth; Ted Andrews (deceased), formerly from Duluth; Marty Flournoy, Columbus; Cal Andrews, Flowery Branch; and Bill Andrews, Lawrenceville.
Thanks, Kay, for telling us about this past water venture on Lake Lanier.
We liked this travel idea from Bill Durrence of Savannah, who spent his life roaming the world employed by the camera company, Nikon, taking photographs. He suggests: “One thing we learned, and it helps in any foreign country, is go into the countryside first, and visit the big city on the way out. It helps ease into an alien culture and get at least a little comfort with language needs, menus, etc. where people are willing to take a little more time with you (just like in the USA) before the pace of the city. Also that means you are close to the airport for your return flight instead of the stress of having a several hour drive or ride to catch a flight.”
Makes good sense now that you think of it. By the way, Bill was once a student in a class I taught at the University of Georgia.
Bill also gives a glimpse of how life in Savannah is these days:
“If being overcharged for a meal puts you off a foreign city, you should avoid dining in Savannah. A tourism economy means locals pay higher prices, too. A couple of years ago a couple could have a nice dinner, salad, cocktail or glass of wine, in one of the nicer restaurants downtown for about $100, plus a tip. That seemed a little high to me then, but now, especially in the hot, post-Covid travel explosion, it’s $150-$175, and that’s if you can even get a reservation in less than a couple of weeks, even with the rapid growth of a foodie culture here and many new restaurants.”
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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