Kay Wade
Low Water
Down, down, down she goes; where she stops, nobody knows. Drought is taking its toll on Lake Jocassee. First, small sand beaches reappear, and boaters are happy to commandeer a private space. Rocky points extend further into the lake as water continues to drop. Rock, always lurking beneath the surface, rises from the depths. Propellers suffer the consequences. Five, six, eight feet down, and stumps cut more than half a century ago emerge, their roots clinging to rock like thick gnarly arms. Ten, twelve feet below full pool. Guests look at favorite jumping rocks, shake their heads, and we move on. The boat ramps get longer. The walkway to the dock is a sharp descent where coolers roll over unsuspecting heels. How low will she go? Nobody knows. ~K