Say it ain’t so…is it really over? The summer of 2018, gone like so many popsicles of my youth. Apparently, we call Labor Day the unofficial end of summer because it marks the end of many of our summer activities as well as the beginning of fall activities such as school and sports. Summer is really not over and I expect we’ll see loads more great days of sun and fun on Lake Keowee, at least until the middle to end of October. With global warming/cooling/climate change/climate staying the same who knows, we might extend that summer right on through November 2019. Always looking on the bright side we are sometimes (accurately) accused of, though I’m not that excited about losing much to the fall because around these parts it’s probably my favorite time of the year!

That end of summer thing hasn’t slowed Lake Keowee business down. In fact Labor Day Helps. We were fortunate enough to have 5 tours over the past week and put 1 lot and our latest listing (on the market for 2 days) under contract. We’ve also had good traffic on our listings with several showings of the houses we have listed and the looks of a lot of activity on the lots as well.

The really good news is the temperatures should start to abate before much longer. I’ve gotta tell you, it was HOT in Clemson’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. I know a lot of folks like those noon games, but I’d much prefer 3:30 where you get some more time to tailgate (next time you see me, ask me about tailgating Clemson style!) and some cooler temperatures inside the stadium.

Until next week…make ‘em shine!

Officials offer keys to a safe holiday adventure – By Riley Morningstar – SENECA – Labor Day weekend offers many opportunities to get out and enjoy the lakes and trails in Oconee County, but officials say safety preparations are also important.

“Plan ahead. If you know for sure that your are going hiking, make sure you know the length of the trail,” Oconee parks, recreation and tourism director Phil Shirley said : “Make sure you’re planning to stay hydrated. If you are going out on the water, make sure you’ve got all your life vests and safety equipment on the boat. Other than that, it’s supposed to be nice weather, and we jut want everybody to get out and have a nice time.”

Oconee emergency management director Scott Krein said those enjoying the outdoors should stick to basic safety rules. “One of the things is that it’s a busy time on the lake,” he said. “It’s the last hurrah, and we want to make sure you have all of your safety equipment and make sure – because it’s August – weather on the lake can change. Be prepared watching the weather and get off the lake if the storms come in, because it gets so rough.”

Cpl. Jonathan Hodge talks with John Bellotti during a routine safety check on Lake Keowee on Friday afternoon near South Cove. Labor Day.